Using (symbolic) links (absolute and relative)

Hard links are not a problem, because when transferring the data they look as different files, tar will not see the difference between a totally different file and a hard link.

When using symbolic links one has to distinguish between absolute and relative links. Using a symbolic link can be a problem in general, if you link outside of the configuration directory. If you link to other files or directories in the configuration directory you should prefer relative links. When using absolute links the linked files may be non-existent, when using relative links to files outside the files may be unreachable, because the cconfig is extracted below a different hierarchy position.

Some operating system implement links differently, you need to have a tool, which converts standard links (as used on POSIX systems) to those used on other system and the other way round⁶.