Restore Linux Lite - Systemback or Timeshift?

[N4RPS]

Hello!

Will give Systemback a try. I haven't used anything like this up until now, but I probably should...

73 DE N4RPS
Rob

[torreydale]

I have to say I haven't heard of Systemback or Timeshift before either, so thanks to the Linux Lite community for bringing them both to my attention.

I consider myself an ambassador of Linux Lite to those in my circle of influence.  Though I would prefer to personally use Systemback, because I can see how it could help me get a new user's Linux Lite distro up and running faster with the use of a Live CD that I create, the Timeshift app looks better when I look at it with the eyes of a newbie.  The interface is simple.  The Scheduler and Auto-remove features are easy to interpret. 

To those who say Timeshift doesn't include personal files (home folder stuff), it seems it only does so by default.  It appears that you can add personal files and directories to the restore point using the Advanced Settings. 

One gripe I have with Timeshift, though, is the "Backup Device" button.  It's misleading and could conflict with how a new user perceives the Deja Dup backup program in Linux Lite.  "Create restore point" is a more accurate name for that button.  Another gripe is it appears that the /Timeshift folder is located by default on the root partition...the partition that is slated to be restored.  If added to the Linux Lite Distro, perhaps the developers could move that default location.  If not, I'll create a Live CD using Systemback with the default location moved.  ;D Hee hee.

Those of us who tend to participate in this forum are at least intermediate PC users, even if we're new to Linux Lite.  We should take one for the team and install Systemback on our own, if we need it.  But in keeping with the simple mantra of Linux Lite, I vote for Timeshift to be added to the distro.  The average smartphone owner, like my mother, who has a PC to Internet surf and check email could understand it.

[Wirezfree]

I have voted for Systemback,
It gives the Windows like restore points, and an option to create a "Live Image ISO" of your working system.
I have however only tested the "Live Image ISO's" in Virtualbox at this point, it worked fine.

I have still not settled on my "ideal" a backup regime,
Still playing with various applications, they all do various backups, but some in different ways.



If some very smart coder/dev could combine:
> Aptik for just quick "settings/config" backups
> Systemback for re-store points & live images
> BackInTime for Documents

With a simple GUI with 4 buttons for backup:
[settings] [re-store points] [image system] [Documents]

It would be a winner   

[torreydale]

OK.  I just installed both apps, and I stand by my vote of Timeshift.  I will use them both, but the Systemback interface is as pretty as homemade lye soap.  Systemback's management of restore point history leaves much to be desired.

I can confirm that Timeshift's setting of creating a restore point by using only system files is by default.  You CAN add other personal files and directories by adjusting the Advanced Settings.

For us feature junkies, Systemback is the winner.  For something more behooving of the Linux Lite distro and target audience, Timeshift has to be the choice.  The only thing that should counter that is if it doesn't perform.

I will use both apps in the days to come.  But based on looks, it's Timeshift for the win. 

C'mon.  I can't be alone on this.

[torreydale]

Used both last night.  I don't see an evident way to change the location of the /timeshift folder.  Currently it defaults to the root directory.  I don't make large root partitions, so this is a fail for me, and it appears I'm out-voted so far anyway on this topic.  I prefer the interface of Timeshift more, but for functionality, Systemback is currently better for my needs.

[Wirezfree]

@ torreydale

Not at my home PC, But if I remember correctly,
You cant select a path, but can select a device to backup to, like external USB, I did it to usb drive.

I'm sure I read somewhere, about creating and using a symlink also to alternate partition

[torreydale]

@Wirezfree

I didn't see that in the settings or the advanced settings last night.

[Wirezfree]

@ torreydale

I have checked Timeshift & Systemback.
It's not in settings, the choices are on the main/opening screens




In systemback I can navigate to my backup location with the storage directory by clicking on the  dots [  ...]
It's a separate ext4 partition(sdb4) that is mounted at boot-up.


It shows also in TimeShift, the list selector, but can only select at device(partition) level.

[Valtam]

Update:

Systemback is the overall favorite here and on our Social Media posts.

So Systemback will be included in Linux Lite 2.6. Thank you to everyone who gave their time to this community influenced discussion.

[torreydale]

@Wirezfree,
I see what you're saying.  Thanks for the screenshot.


@Jerry
I'm cool with that decision.