[CentOS] backup to disk

Hi,

I'm looking for common practices for backing up user data to disk. My user data is all in /home. I'm also interested in what folks are doing for things backing up os and configs.

Any pointers on setting up rsync, cpio, etc would be appreciated. Pointers to good how-to's especially welcome.

Currently we're using Arkeia Network Backup (commercial product with which I am in no way affiliated), and it's great, but with disk space so cheap, I'd love to be able to take my current non-raid setup and find a way to get up and running quickly in the case of some failures.

Thanks in advance, -Ray

PS - sorry if this shows up twice...I posted on 29 March, but never saw it on the list :)