Restore Linux Lite - Systemback or Timeshift?

[paul1149]

Another possibility is BackInTime. It seems to be a front end for rsync. It's very clean and effective, can be scheduled, and does backup maintenance. It lacks the ability to create bootable media, but the file/folder backup options are nice, and easy to understand. It's already in the ubuntu repos.

[paul1149]

Sorry, no idea.

[m654321]

from which kernel version is it incompatible with ?

I don't have the number at hand, but I think the incompatibility is immanent. LL lags a bit, so that might buy you some time.

Do you know what kernel version is planned for LL4.x ? We may be safe for a bit in that respect ...

[paul1149]

from which kernel version is it incompatible with ?

I don't have the number at hand, but I think the incompatibility is immanent. LL lags a bit, so that might buy you some time.

[m654321]

I was just reading of another possibility, Snapper, which is shipped with some distros. But for it to work with EXT4 takes a little preparation, so I went no further. I don't know how good the prog is, but assuming that the necessary preparation could be done once for all by the LL devs, it might be worth a look.

As far as Systemback and LL4, I believe it's not just a matter of support being lacking, the program actually is not compatible with the more recent kernal.

From which kernel version is Systemback incompatible with ?
It's an important question as I've noticed that LL, and Ubuntu generally, tends to be conservative with the kernel version used, i.e version 4, whereas some other distros are already on version 12 ...

[paul1149]

I was just reading of another possibility, Snapper, which is shipped with some distros. But for it to work with EXT4 takes a little preparation, so I went no further. I don't know how good the prog is, but assuming that the necessary preparation could be done once for all by the LL devs, it might be worth a look.

As far as Systemback and LL4, I believe it's not just a matter of support being lacking, the program actually is not compatible with the more recent kernal.

[m654321]

@Jerry
Like RandomBoy, I'm tempted to continuing using Systemback in LL4.x
But, what is the risk given that it will be unsupported, as asked in reply#33 ?
Given Linux's good stability and low risk to malware attack, and given sensible use (i.e. not visiting at-risk websites or links), isn't one fairly safe in continuing to use it ?  I'm curious to know the answer to this one ...

[Artim]

The "Make it an ISO" option that Systemback offers is not available in Timeshift.  That's the only important difference.  I think I would keep systemback (as a downloaded .deb) just to install it myself in LL 4.0 when the time comes, even though it'll be unsupported.

[torreydale]

@m654321 ,


I use grsync.  I learned how to use it via Joe Collins on YouTube.  Here's a link to one of his videos on it.  I use it for the reasons he lists.  But I would still want an option for restore points.

[m654321]

@Jerry
@trinidad

Thankyou both for your replies - yes user-friendliness has to be a priority.
Indeed a great shame that Systemback's days are numbered - does the job perfectly & is s-o-o-o simple to use - I loved it.  The next question is how long can one keep using Systemback safely for?

Jerry - I suspected you had very good reasons for choosing Timeshift, as you are always very methodical and thorough in your approach, paying attention to relevant detail & cutting out the superfluous !
   
Grsync: I did actually attempt to use it, but without a clear easy-to-follow manual, soon gave up...

[trinidad]

It's apples and apples for this stuff. Given the purpose of Linux Lite the more new user friendly the better. Timeshift or even smaller flyback is fine for this OS. It's a shame systemback will not be available as it is very nice for new users. I can't criticize either in depth as I use neither, only Borg myself, and even that not that often, but I can see a good purpose for new users. I would never recommend grsync for anything. Simpler to just tar stuff.

TC

[Jerry]

There are very good reasons for this.

Grsync is way to complex for new users and doesn't have point and click restore points. Deja-dup is already provided by Linux Lite (Accessories > Backups).
Systemback and Timeshift do exactly what they are designed to do, very well. No other system restore software can hold a candle to them both. The similarity was so close, it was only fair that a Poll be presented to the community to let everyone here decide. Viva la freedom.

[m654321]

I'm too late to participate in the System Restore Tool poll, because I only noticed this post through recent discussion for Timeshift,  though understand the reason Timeshift was presented as an alternative to Systemback (it 'mimics' Windows OS restore tool). It's a shame that the poll only presented one alternative to Systemback: what about other GUI-based System Restore Tools that could have been considered to give more of a choice, e.g. Grsync, Deja-dup (and others?)

[Wirezfree]

@torreydale
Not sure to be honest, I backup my home & data separately on a more frequent basis..
I only use Systemback when I'm doing something significant, and potentially could break something...

[avj]

I have not tried this but, you should be able to include the wallpapers without ticking the "Include the user data files", by adding the wallpapers to

Code: [Select]

/usr/share/backgrounds/xfce/  You just need to open the folder as administrator and paste them in, and then set their permissions to match the existing images in the folder.