Oracle Backups and Restore on Linux Server

[Tim_O_Brien_2]

I have had the wonderful task of learning how to backup and restore Oracle on Linux.

Experience with Linux - 2 weeks

Experience with Oracle - 1 week

I am reading a Linux for Dummies Book and purchased RMAN Backup & Recovery. I am still a dope when it comes to both technologies so please be aware when providing insight for my questions.

I was able to backup the Oracle DB using the hot_database_backup script and it seems to have completed successfully. But I have no idea how to restore the DB. I edited the restore_database script and ran it and it completed successfully with 0 zero byte count. I realized that I have no idea how I can select a backup from a specific day. Is using the hot_database_backup  script going to limit me? For testing our company is fine doing only Full backups I figure I will try to learn how to do differential backups later. I tried opening the java applet using XQuartz but that proved an epic failure and spend days trying to fix the problem. Is there an advantage to using the Java Applet when using  SSH to the Linux Server?

Lastly I have been reading about configuring a Recovery Catalog, I understand this is optional so wondering if this is something I should try to do or is it ok can I hold off on trying to accomplish this.

Now I understand why Oracle DBA make  big money, it is complicated,  and I am just hoping for some insight on what I should be doing. I read the Symantec Documentation and it was very helpful with performing the backup but completely useless in doing a restore and support will not help in performing the restore. 

[Mike_Gavrilov · Accepted solution]

Tim, it's hard to transfer all necessary knowledge in forum posts.

First you need to know how to restore Oracle DB without NBU:
http://www.orafaq.com/wiki/Oracle_database_Backup_and_Recovery_FAQ

Second. You need to know how NBU interacts with RMAN.
http://www.symantec.com/business/support/resources/sites/BUSINESS/content/live/DOCUMENTATION/3000/DOC3672/en_US/NetBackup_AdminGuide_Oracle.pdf

After that, I think you'll be able to figure it out by yourself.

[vjuhola]

First off a few questions:

Did you back up the DB using catalog or nocatalog?

Since this is a hot backup, you have all the archive logs, yes?

Are you restoring to same location?

Is the destination stand-alone or clustered?

Please post how the backup was taken; how did you connect using RMAN, whole syntax, and the RMAN script used for the backup.