Is there a way to make a bootable clone of my Linux Lite partition?

[Lend27]

With Mac I used Super Duper to create a bootable clone, which worked great. Simple and effective.

Is there something comparable in Linux? I looked at Clonezilla but found it to be confusing and not super intuitive.

Thanks!
Len

[LL-user]

Hi Len,

If you don't mind, please let us know how/where you intend to use the clone. That would it make easier to make suggestions. Like, do you want to clone your hard drive, create a live CD or VM? Or "just" take a backup?

When I read your title I thought of three tools:

- Clonezilla (If you need help, don't hesitate to ask)
- Systemback
- gparted

But, there are many tools out there. It really depends on the specific situation and preference.

[Lend27]

When I used my Mac, I used Super Duper once a week as a backup and as an insuarance policy in case something went wrong with my drive I would be able to boot from the clone and all would be well. Super Duper is great for that. Very simple to use. I also had seperate backups for important files that I backed up daily, along with Dropbox.
But I was very concerned that I preferred to have a bootable clone to recover quickly in the event of a disaster.

Is there anything in Linux to accomplish the same thing that is fairly easy to use with a GUI?

Thanks
Len

[N4RPS]

Hello!

Just off the top of my head, systemback might be a good choice...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob

[rokytnji]

Have not used it yet but I burned one anyways

http://redobackup.org/

[LL-user]

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

[Lend27]

Thanks, I'm looking into those suggestions.

Is there a way to burn my LL system as an ISO all inclusive?

That way if something happens I can install from the iso to my LL partition as I did when I installed the orig LL distro.
I would just boot from the usb iso and install to include all my settings,drivers,software,etc.

Thanks!
Len

[LL-user]

Hi Len,

Systemback allows you creating a LiveCD of your current system.

BUT I haven't looked into the possiiblites/details of installing this ISO back to a hard drive, specifically into a multiboot setup. However, as long as your hard drive is OK you will be fine with a roll back solution or having a snapshot of the partition. If your hard drive is damaged AND you have a multiboot setup, then you would need a full disk image anyway to get back to business.

Am not saying that Clonezilla is the way to go for you, but if you like to have another look this might help:
http://comtech247.net/2012/04/09/clonezilla-tutorial/

[Lend27]

Thanks!

I did take a look at the tutorial and I will give Clonezilla another shot.
I think that may be my best cloning option.

I will use one of the others you suggested for backup.

Thanks again!
Len

[Lend27]

I cloned both my linux partition and my windows partition using Clonezilla

Ar least I know that if somethings happens I can restore via Clonezilla

Thanks for your help!

Len