07-14-2015, 07:09 AM
Hi Len,
Thanks for clarifying.
In the replies above there already got mentioned a few of the plenty of tools out there for backups.
Here a few additional thoughts in the hope to help you find a good solution for your needs.
1. One of the great benefits of Linux is the existence of LiveMedias, like LiveCDs, LiveUSB sticks etc. This means, to boot a Linux system in case of an emergency is usually a piece of cake. As it's so easy I basically "install" a live system on each single USB stick or portable hard drive I own. So, as long as I can get hold of a computer I can change the boot sequence of I have a Linux system running in a matter of about a minute. If you have an Android phone you can even keep a copy of an ISO there and boot the computer from there.
2. Especially considering point 1. and following best practice it might be easier to make a distinction when it comes to backup between your system and your actual data for the following reasons:
a) If your system is not heavily customized and you have chosen a Linux distribution like Linux Lite that provideds a "normal" user basically with a ready-to-go system out of the box, you always can have a bootable system on your finger tips without big efforts (see 1.).
b) You can choose the best program for each purpose. One, and that is most important, to backup your actual data as convenient as possible on a regular base. The other one for creating a bootable/restorable system backup, for example after you have set up your system exactly as you like it to be. The less you change your system in terms of software selection, drivers, printer, users, network, etc. the less you need to run another full system backup. Your personal settings, for example of your Desktop etc. will be backed up together with your data.
c) If you customize your system (software selection, drivers, printer, users, network, etc.) on an ongoing basis and would like to have the possibility of roll back, you need a specific program for that like Systemback or Timeshift. There has been a poll/discussion about these recently on here.
After you have a thought about what you need and want I would suggest to have a look at the following solutions:
1. system backup (roll back): Systemback, Timeshift
2. system backup (restore/ clone/ bootable): Systemback, Clonezilla, Redo Backup and Recovery
3. data backup: Deja Dup (already installed! -> Accessories -> Backups), FreeFileSync, rsync (if you like CLI and a bit of scripting)
That's only a small selection of what's out there! If you want more suggestions, just let me know
Hope that helps
Thanks for clarifying.
In the replies above there already got mentioned a few of the plenty of tools out there for backups.
Here a few additional thoughts in the hope to help you find a good solution for your needs.
1. One of the great benefits of Linux is the existence of LiveMedias, like LiveCDs, LiveUSB sticks etc. This means, to boot a Linux system in case of an emergency is usually a piece of cake. As it's so easy I basically "install" a live system on each single USB stick or portable hard drive I own. So, as long as I can get hold of a computer I can change the boot sequence of I have a Linux system running in a matter of about a minute. If you have an Android phone you can even keep a copy of an ISO there and boot the computer from there.
2. Especially considering point 1. and following best practice it might be easier to make a distinction when it comes to backup between your system and your actual data for the following reasons:
a) If your system is not heavily customized and you have chosen a Linux distribution like Linux Lite that provideds a "normal" user basically with a ready-to-go system out of the box, you always can have a bootable system on your finger tips without big efforts (see 1.).
b) You can choose the best program for each purpose. One, and that is most important, to backup your actual data as convenient as possible on a regular base. The other one for creating a bootable/restorable system backup, for example after you have set up your system exactly as you like it to be. The less you change your system in terms of software selection, drivers, printer, users, network, etc. the less you need to run another full system backup. Your personal settings, for example of your Desktop etc. will be backed up together with your data.
c) If you customize your system (software selection, drivers, printer, users, network, etc.) on an ongoing basis and would like to have the possibility of roll back, you need a specific program for that like Systemback or Timeshift. There has been a poll/discussion about these recently on here.
After you have a thought about what you need and want I would suggest to have a look at the following solutions:
1. system backup (roll back): Systemback, Timeshift
2. system backup (restore/ clone/ bootable): Systemback, Clonezilla, Redo Backup and Recovery
3. data backup: Deja Dup (already installed! -> Accessories -> Backups), FreeFileSync, rsync (if you like CLI and a bit of scripting)
That's only a small selection of what's out there! If you want more suggestions, just let me know
Hope that helps