Back In Time: A Guide to Linux System Backups
Back In Time: A Robust Alternative to Déjà Dup in Ubuntu
While Ubuntu incorporates Déjà Dup as its default backup solution, many users are finding Back In Time to be a compelling alternative.
Back In Time presents several benefits when contrasted with Déjà Dup. These include a more transparent backup file structure and a built-in browser for navigating backup files.
Key Advantages of Back In Time
- Backup Format: Back In Time utilizes a less-obscure backup format, making file restoration potentially easier.
- Integrated File Browser: A key feature is the inclusion of a backup file browser, streamlining the process of locating and recovering specific files.
- Configurability: Users benefit from a greater degree of customization options within Back In Time.
Despite these advantages, Déjà Dup retains certain strengths. Its optional encryption feature and more straightforward user interface are still valued by some.
However, Back In Time offers a strong challenge to Déjà Dup, providing a powerful and flexible backup solution for Ubuntu systems.
Installation
The Back In Time application can be found within the Ubuntu Software Center for convenient installation. A graphical user interface (GUI) is included, offering integration with the KDE desktop environment, a feature not found in tools like Déjà Dup.
For users operating with Ubuntu’s standard Unity desktop, the GNOME version of the software should be installed to ensure optimal compatibility.
Beyond Ubuntu, Back In Time is also accessible through the software repositories of Fedora, Mandriva, and a variety of other Linux distributions.
This broad availability simplifies the backup process for a wide range of Linux users.
File Backup Procedures
Upon installation, Back In Time establishes two shortcuts: “Back In Time” and “Back In Time (root).” The latter, operating with elevated root privileges, is necessary for accessing and safeguarding specific system-level files. For routine backups of personal data, the standard “Back In Time” shortcut is sufficient.
Launching Back In Time presents the Settings window. While possessing a greater degree of complexity compared to Déjà Dup, this window provides enhanced customization options. Notably, Back In Time supports the creation of multiple profiles, each with distinct backup configurations – a capability absent in Déjà Dup.
The “Where to save snapshots” field, located on the General tab, requires specification of a destination for your backup snapshots. Furthermore, the Include tab necessitates a defined list of files and directories intended for backup. Additional settings within the window are considered optional.
A key distinction from Déjà Dup lies in Back In Time’s ability to schedule automatic removal of older backups. Déjà Dup initiates removal only when storage capacity is exhausted, whereas Back In Time provides precise control over this process via the Auto-remove tab.
After completing the configuration of your backup parameters, confirm your settings by clicking OK. Initiate the backup process by selecting the “Take snapshot” button. Back In Time leverages rsync as its underlying technology, enabling incremental backups. This means subsequent backups will only transfer modified data, resulting in faster completion times.
File Restoration Capabilities
In contrast to Déjà Dup, which employs a Duplicity-based, non-transparent backup system, Back In Time leverages rsync directly for its operations. Backup snapshots are maintained as readily accessible files and directories on your storage device. This allows for direct browsing of your backups.
For instance, a backup can be created on an external hard drive, which can then be connected to a Windows machine, granting access to the files without any conversion or extraction processes. However, it's important to note that Back In Time does not provide the same level of encrypted backup functionality as Déjà Dup.
Snapshot Browsing and File Recovery
Back In Time includes a graphical snapshot browser, simplifying the process of navigating through backup snapshots and restoring specific files. Déjà Dup lacks this dedicated browser feature.
While Déjà Dup integrates with Nautilus, enabling file restoration directly from a file browser, this is limited to files where the original folder is known. Browsing a snapshot directly without a full restore to another location isn't possible with Déjà Dup.
Back In Time presents itself as a more robust and customizable solution, utilizing a more transparent backup format. However, Déjà Dup remains advantageous when encrypted backups are required and a streamlined, user-friendly interface is preferred.
We are interested in hearing about your preferred method for backing up your Linux system. Please share your experiences with Déjà Dup, Back In Time, or any other solution in the comments below.