How To Install Clonezilla on AlmaLinux 10

System backup and disaster recovery represent critical components of modern IT infrastructure management. AlmaLinux 10, as a robust enterprise-grade operating system, provides an excellent foundation for implementing comprehensive backup solutions. Clonezilla emerges as one of the most powerful open-source disk cloning and imaging tools available today, offering seamless integration with RHEL-based distributions like AlmaLinux.

This comprehensive guide explores multiple installation methods for Clonezilla on AlmaLinux 10, ensuring system administrators can choose the approach that best fits their specific requirements. Whether you need standalone backup capabilities, network-based mass deployment, or integrated system administration tools, this tutorial covers every aspect of Clonezilla implementation.

Clonezilla supports numerous file systems including ext2/3/4, NTFS, FAT32, and ReiserFS, making it versatile for heterogeneous environments. Its network-based cloning capabilities enable efficient mass deployment scenarios, while its integration with enterprise Linux environments ensures reliability and scalability.

Understanding Clonezilla and Its Benefits for AlmaLinux 10

What Makes Clonezilla Ideal for AlmaLinux Environments

Clonezilla stands out as a partition and disk imaging utility that creates exact copies of entire drives or specific partitions. Built on Debian GNU/Linux, it leverages proven technologies like Partclone, Partimage, ntfsclone, and dd to deliver reliable backup and recovery solutions.

The software excels in AlmaLinux 10 environments due to its compatibility with RHEL-based systems and support for modern Linux features. System administrators benefit from its ability to handle large-scale deployments while maintaining data integrity throughout the cloning process.

Key advantages include support for both UEFI and BIOS systems, compatibility with Secure Boot configurations, and integration with existing Linux infrastructure components. The tool’s multicast capabilities enable simultaneous deployment to multiple machines, significantly reducing deployment time in enterprise environments.

Core Features and Capabilities

Clonezilla offers extensive functionality through three primary modes: device-image, device-device, and remote-source operations. The device-image mode creates compressed image files for long-term storage, while device-device enables direct cloning between storage devices.

Remote-source operations facilitate network-based backups using protocols like SSH, Samba, and NFS. This flexibility ensures compatibility with diverse storage infrastructures and enables centralized backup management across distributed environments.

Advanced features include support for LVM, software RAID, and encrypted file systems. The software automatically detects and preserves partition layouts, boot sectors, and file system metadata, ensuring complete system restoration capabilities.

Prerequisites and System Requirements for AlmaLinux 10

Hardware and Software Requirements

Before installing Clonezilla on AlmaLinux 10, ensure your system meets minimum hardware specifications. A minimum of 1GB RAM is required for basic operations, though 2GB or more is recommended for optimal performance during large backup operations.

Processor requirements include any modern x86_64 architecture CPU, with multi-core processors providing better performance during compression operations. Storage requirements vary based on intended usage, but allocate at least 10GB free space for temporary files and image storage.

Network connectivity becomes essential for remote operations and package installation. Ensure stable internet access for downloading packages and accessing remote storage resources during backup and restore operations.

User Access and Permissions

Administrative privileges are mandatory for Clonezilla installation and operation. Users must have sudo access or direct root privileges to modify system configurations, install packages, and access low-level disk operations.

Security considerations include proper SSH key management for remote operations and careful handling of encryption passwords for secured backup images. Implement proper access controls to prevent unauthorized access to backup data and system restoration capabilities.

Create dedicated user accounts for backup operations when possible, limiting privileges to only necessary functions. This approach reduces security risks while maintaining operational flexibility for routine backup tasks.

Essential Dependencies and Tools

AlmaLinux 10 requires specific package managers and utilities for successful Clonezilla installation. The DNF package manager serves as the primary tool for software installation, while RPM provides low-level package management capabilities.

Network utilities including wget, curl, and rsync facilitate remote operations and file transfers. Storage management tools like fdisk, parted, and lsblk help identify and manage storage devices during backup operations.

Development tools may be required for certain installation methods, particularly when building from source or installing additional utilities. The “Development Tools” group package provides comprehensive compilation capabilities.

Understanding Clonezilla Installation Methods

Choosing the Right Installation Approach

Three distinct installation methods accommodate different use cases and operational requirements. Package installation provides integrated system administration capabilities, while Live media offers portable backup solutions without permanent system modifications.

Server edition installations enable centralized management and mass deployment capabilities suitable for enterprise environments. Each method offers unique advantages depending on operational requirements, infrastructure constraints, and technical expertise levels.

Consider organizational policies, security requirements, and maintenance capabilities when selecting installation methods. Some environments may benefit from multiple installation approaches to address diverse operational scenarios.

Package Installation Benefits

Installing Clonezilla as a system package integrates seamlessly with AlmaLinux 10’s package management infrastructure. This approach enables automatic updates, dependency management, and integration with system monitoring tools.

Package installation supports systemd integration, enabling automated backup scheduling through timer units. Command-line tools become readily available system-wide, facilitating script automation and integration with existing backup workflows.

Security updates and bug fixes are automatically handled through standard system update procedures. This reduces maintenance overhead while ensuring continued compatibility with evolving system configurations.

Live Media Advantages

Clonezilla Live provides standalone operation capabilities without modifying the host system. This approach proves invaluable for emergency recovery scenarios where the primary operating system may be compromised or inaccessible.

Live media supports both USB and optical disc deployment, offering flexibility for different hardware configurations. UEFI and legacy BIOS compatibility ensures broad hardware support across diverse computing environments.

Network boot capabilities through PXE enable centralized deployment without physical media distribution. This approach streamlines operations in large environments while maintaining consistent tool versions across multiple systems.

Method 1: Installing Clonezilla Package on AlmaLinux 10

Step 1: System Preparation and Updates

Begin by ensuring your AlmaLinux 10 system is current with the latest security updates and package versions. This foundational step prevents compatibility issues and ensures access to the most recent software repositories.

sudo dnf clean all
sudo dnf update -y
sudo dnf autoremove -y

The update process may require system restart if kernel updates are installed. Reboot the system if prompted to ensure all updates are properly applied before proceeding with Clonezilla installation.

Monitor the update process for any error messages or conflicts. Address dependency issues before continuing, as unresolved conflicts may interfere with subsequent package installations.

Step 2: Enabling EPEL Repository

Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL) provides additional software packages not included in standard AlmaLinux repositories. Clonezilla and related utilities are available through EPEL, making repository enablement essential.

sudo dnf install epel-release -y
sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled powertools

Verify repository configuration by listing available repositories and confirming EPEL activation. This step ensures access to required packages during installation.

sudo dnf repolist enabled | grep epel

Import GPG keys for repository verification to maintain security during package installation. EPEL repositories include proper signing keys for package integrity verification.

Step 3: Installing Clonezilla and Dependencies

Install Clonezilla using DNF package manager, allowing automatic dependency resolution and installation. The package manager handles complex dependency relationships automatically.

sudo dnf install clonezilla partclone ntfs-3g dosfstools -y

Additional packages enhance Clonezilla functionality and support for various file systems. Installing these packages simultaneously ensures comprehensive backup capability across different storage formats.

Verify successful installation by checking package status and installed files. This confirmation step identifies any installation issues before proceeding with configuration.

rpm -qa | grep clonezilla
rpm -ql clonezilla | head -20

Step 4: Post-Installation Configuration

Create dedicated directories for backup storage and temporary files. Proper directory structure facilitates organized backup management and prevents conflicts with system operations.

sudo mkdir -p /home/partimag
sudo mkdir -p /tmp/clonezilla
sudo chmod 755 /home/partimag
sudo chmod 755 /tmp/clonezilla

Configure default backup locations by editing Clonezilla configuration files. Proper configuration reduces command-line parameters required for routine operations.

sudo nano /etc/clonezilla/clonezilla.conf

Set appropriate ownership and permissions for backup directories, ensuring proper access control while maintaining security. User permissions should allow backup operations without compromising system security.

Step 5: Testing Installation Success

Verify Clonezilla installation by executing basic commands and checking version information. This validation step confirms proper installation and identifies any missing components.

clonezilla -h
ocs-sr --version
ocs-live-general --help

Test basic functionality by creating a small test backup image. This verification ensures all components work correctly before production use.

sudo ocs-sr -q2 -c -j2 -z1p -i 4096 -p true savedisk test-backup /dev/loop0

Document installation details including version numbers, configuration paths, and any customizations made during installation. This documentation aids future maintenance and troubleshooting efforts.

Method 2: Creating Clonezilla Live Media for AlmaLinux 10

Downloading Official Clonezilla Live Images

Navigate to the official Clonezilla website to download the latest stable release. Choose the appropriate architecture (typically amd64 for modern systems) and download method based on internet connectivity.

wget https://downloads.sourceforge.net/clonezilla/clonezilla-live-3.1.0-22-amd64.iso

Verify download integrity using provided checksums to ensure file authenticity and completeness. Corrupted downloads can result in non-functional boot media or data corruption during operations.

sha256sum clonezilla-live-3.1.0-22-amd64.iso

Compare calculated checksums with official values published on the download page. Mismatched checksums indicate download corruption and require re-downloading the image file.

Store downloaded images in a dedicated directory with appropriate naming conventions for easy identification and version management. Organize files by version and architecture for efficient maintenance.

Creating Bootable USB Media

Identify target USB device using system utilities, ensuring correct device selection to prevent accidental data loss. Verify device capacity meets image size requirements before proceeding.

lsblk -p
sudo fdisk -l | grep USB

Create bootable USB media using the dd command with appropriate block size for optimal transfer speed. Monitor progress to ensure successful completion.

sudo umount /dev/sdX*
sudo dd if=clonezilla-live-3.1.0-22-amd64.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync

Alternative tools like Balena Etcher provide graphical interfaces for USB creation. These tools often include built-in verification features for added reliability.

Verify bootable media creation by mounting the USB device and checking file contents. Proper verification prevents boot failures during critical operations.

Network Boot Configuration (PXE Setup)

Configure TFTP server for network boot deployment, enabling centralized Clonezilla distribution across multiple systems. This approach eliminates physical media requirements for large-scale operations.

sudo dnf install tftp-server dhcp-server syslinux -y
sudo systemctl enable tftp
sudo systemctl start tftp

Extract Clonezilla Live contents to TFTP server directory structure. Proper file organization ensures successful network boot operations.

sudo mkdir -p /var/lib/tftpboot/clonezilla
sudo mount -o loop clonezilla-live-3.1.0-22-amd64.iso /mnt
sudo cp -r /mnt/* /var/lib/tftpboot/clonezilla/
sudo umount /mnt

Configure DHCP server to provide PXE boot options, directing client systems to TFTP server resources. Proper DHCP configuration includes boot filename and server address information.

UEFI and Secure Boot Considerations

Modern AlmaLinux 10 systems often utilize UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled. Clonezilla Live supports UEFI boot modes but may require specific configuration for Secure Boot compatibility.

Create UEFI-compatible boot media by ensuring proper partition structure and boot loader configuration. UEFI systems require FAT32 file systems for boot partitions.

sudo gdisk /dev/sdX
# Create GPT partition table
# Create EFI System Partition (ESP)
# Mark partition as bootable

Configure boot loader entries for both UEFI and legacy BIOS systems, ensuring broad hardware compatibility. Hybrid boot configurations support diverse hardware environments.

Test boot media on target hardware before production deployment. Different UEFI implementations may have specific requirements or limitations affecting boot success.

Method 3: Clonezilla Server Edition Setup

Installing DRBL Server Prerequisites

Diskless Remote Boot in Linux (DRBL) provides the foundation for Clonezilla Server Edition deployment. Install required packages for comprehensive server functionality.

sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools" -y
sudo dnf install dhcp-server tftp-server nfs-utils xinetd -y
sudo dnf install wget perl mkisofs git -y

Download and install DRBL server package from official repositories. DRBL requires specific configuration for AlmaLinux 10 compatibility.

wget https://drbl.sourceforge.net/drbl-stable/drbl-2.30.11-1.noarch.rpm
sudo rpm -ivh drbl-2.30.11-1.noarch.rpm

Configure network interfaces for server operations, ensuring proper IP addressing and routing for client communication. DRBL requires dedicated network segments for optimal performance.

DRBL Server Configuration and Setup

Execute DRBL server configuration script to establish basic server functionality. The interactive script guides through network configuration and service setup.

sudo /opt/drbl/sbin/drblsrv -i

Follow configuration prompts carefully, selecting appropriate options for your network environment. Consider client count, network topology, and performance requirements during configuration.

Configure client IP address ranges and network boot parameters. Proper addressing prevents conflicts while ensuring adequate address space for planned client deployments.

sudo /opt/drbl/sbin/drblpush -i

Start and enable DRBL services for automatic startup during system boot. Service management ensures consistent availability for client operations.

sudo systemctl enable drbl
sudo systemctl start drbl
sudo systemctl status drbl

Integrating with AlmaLinux 10 Security Features

Configure SELinux policies for DRBL service operations. AlmaLinux 10’s security-enhanced Linux implementation requires specific policy configurations for network services.

sudo setsebool -P tftp_home_dir on
sudo setsebool -P dhcpd_use_ldap on
sudo semanage fcontext -a -t tftpdir_t "/var/lib/tftpboot(/.*)?"
sudo restorecon -R /var/lib/tftpboot

Configure firewall rules for required service ports. DRBL operations require multiple network services with specific port requirements.

sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=tftp
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=dhcp
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=nfs
sudo firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=6881:6999/tcp
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

Implement network security measures including access controls and monitoring. Enterprise environments require comprehensive security policies for network boot operations.

Mass Deployment Configuration

Configure multicast settings for simultaneous client deployment. Multicast capabilities significantly reduce network bandwidth requirements during large-scale operations.

sudo nano /etc/drbl/drblpush.conf
# Set multicast parameters
# Configure network interface settings
# Adjust performance parameters

Establish client naming conventions and management policies. Consistent naming facilitates inventory management and troubleshooting during deployment operations.

Test multicast functionality with small client groups before full-scale deployment. Validation prevents issues during critical deployment windows.

Advanced Configuration and Customization

Performance Optimization Strategies

Optimize Clonezilla performance through compression algorithm selection and I/O parameter tuning. Different scenarios benefit from specific optimization approaches.

# For faster operations with larger storage requirements
ocs-sr -q2 -c -j0 -z0 -i 0 -p true savedisk fast-backup /dev/sda

# For maximum compression with slower operations
ocs-sr -q2 -c -j2 -z9p -i 4096 -p true savedisk compressed-backup /dev/sda

Configure parallel processing options based on system capabilities. Multi-core systems benefit from parallel compression and I/O operations.

Implement network bandwidth optimization for remote operations. Quality of Service (QoS) configuration ensures backup operations don’t interfere with production traffic.

Automation and Scripting Integration

Create automated backup scripts incorporating error handling and notification systems. Automation reduces manual intervention while ensuring consistent backup operations.

#!/bin/bash
# Automated Clonezilla backup script
DATE=$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S)
BACKUP_DIR="/home/partimag"
LOG_FILE="/var/log/clonezilla_backup_${DATE}.log"

# Pre-backup validation
if [ ! -d "$BACKUP_DIR" ]; then
    echo "Error: Backup directory not found" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
    exit 1
fi

# Execute backup operation
ocs-sr -q2 -c -j2 -z1p -i 4096 -p true savedisk "backup_${DATE}" /dev/sda 2>&1 | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"

# Post-backup verification
if [ $? -eq 0 ]; then
    echo "Backup completed successfully" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
    # Send success notification
else
    echo "Backup failed" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
    # Send failure notification
fi

Integrate scripts with systemd timers for scheduled execution. Systemd provides robust scheduling capabilities with built-in logging and error handling.

# Create systemd service file
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/clonezilla-backup.service

# Create systemd timer file
sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/clonezilla-backup.timer

# Enable and start timer
sudo systemctl enable clonezilla-backup.timer
sudo systemctl start clonezilla-backup.timer

Enterprise Integration Features

Implement centralized logging and monitoring for backup operations. Enterprise environments require comprehensive audit trails and performance monitoring.

Configure LDAP authentication integration for network operations. Centralized authentication simplifies user management while maintaining security standards.

Establish policy-based backup scheduling accommodating different system priorities and maintenance windows. Flexible scheduling ensures backup operations align with business requirements.

Troubleshooting Common Installation and Operation Issues

Resolving Package Installation Problems

Address repository access issues by verifying network connectivity and DNS resolution. Repository problems often stem from network configuration or firewall restrictions.

# Test repository connectivity
sudo dnf clean all
sudo dnf makecache
curl -I https://dl.fedoraproject.org/pub/epel/

# Reset repository configuration if needed
sudo dnf config-manager --disable epel
sudo dnf config-manager --enable epel

Resolve dependency conflicts through careful package management. Complex dependency issues may require manual intervention or alternative package sources.

Handle package installation failures by examining detailed error messages and system logs. Common issues include disk space limitations, permission problems, or corrupted package caches.

Addressing Runtime Errors

Diagnose disk detection problems through hardware verification and driver checks. Storage device recognition issues often relate to hardware compatibility or driver availability.

# Check hardware detection
lsblk -a
sudo dmesg | grep -i error
sudo journalctl -u systemd-udevd

# Verify driver availability
lsmod | grep -i storage
modinfo 

Resolve network connectivity issues affecting remote operations. Network problems may stem from firewall configuration, DNS resolution, or routing issues.

Troubleshoot permission and access errors through careful privilege analysis. SELinux and standard Unix permissions can interact in complex ways affecting operation success.

Performance Issue Resolution

Identify and resolve slow backup/restore operations through system resource analysis. Performance issues often relate to I/O bottlenecks, memory limitations, or network constraints.

# Monitor system resources during operations
iostat -x 1
vmstat 1
iftop -i 

Address memory and disk space problems through resource optimization and cleanup procedures. Large backup operations require careful resource management for successful completion.

Diagnose network bottleneck identification using network monitoring tools. Bandwidth limitations and latency issues significantly impact network-based operations.

Best Practices for Production Deployment

Implementing Comprehensive Backup Strategies

Establish robust backup schedules accommodating different system criticality levels and recovery time objectives. Critical systems require more frequent backups with verified restoration procedures.

Configure retention policies balancing storage requirements with recovery needs. Implement automated cleanup procedures preventing storage exhaustion while maintaining adequate recovery history.

Test restoration procedures regularly to ensure backup integrity and recovery capability. Regular testing identifies issues before they impact critical recovery scenarios.

Security Implementation Guidelines

Implement encryption for sensitive backup data using strong encryption algorithms and proper key management. Encrypted backups protect against unauthorized access during storage and transmission.

# Create encrypted backup with password protection
ocs-sr -q2 -c -j2 -z1p -i 4096 -e1 savedisk encrypted-backup /dev/sda

Establish secure network transmission protocols for remote operations. SSH, SFTP, and VPN technologies provide encrypted communication channels for backup data.

Implement comprehensive access controls limiting backup and restoration capabilities to authorized personnel. Role-based access control ensures appropriate privilege separation.

Maintenance and Monitoring Procedures

Establish regular system update procedures ensuring Clonezilla and supporting software remain current with security patches and feature updates.

Implement monitoring systems tracking backup success rates, performance metrics, and storage utilization. Proactive monitoring identifies issues before they impact operations.

Conduct capacity planning activities ensuring adequate storage and network resources for growing backup requirements. Regular capacity reviews prevent resource exhaustion during critical operations.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Clonezilla. Thanks for using this tutorial to install the latest version of Clonezilla partition and disk on AlmaLinux OS 10. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Clonezilla website.