Timeshift
DESCRIPTION:
System restore tool for Linux. Creates filesystem snapshots using rsync+hardlinks, or BTRFS snapshots. Supports scheduled snapshots, multiple backup levels, and exclude filters. Snapshots can be restored while system is running or from Live CD/USB.
Timeshift for Linux is an application that provides functionality similar to the System Restore feature in Windows and the Time Machine tool in Mac OS. Timeshift protects your system by taking incremental snapshots of the file system at regular intervals. These snapshots can be restored at a later date to undo all changes to the system.
In RSYNC mode, snapshots are taken using rsync and hard-links. Common files are shared between snapshots which saves disk space. Each snapshot is a full system backup that can be browsed with a file manager.
In BTRFS mode, snapshots are taken using the in-built features of the BTRFS filesystem. BTRFS snapshots are supported only on BTRFS systems having an Ubuntu-type subvolume layout (with @ and @home subvolumes).
Timeshift is similar to applications like rsnapshot, BackInTime and TimeVault but with different goals. It is designed to protect only system files and settings. User files such as documents, pictures and music are excluded. This ensures that your files remains unchanged when you restore your system to an earlier date.
It is one of the two pre-installed backup programs on TROM-Jaro and for good reasons: it is simple to set up and it will save your ass even when you completely break your system. It is perfectly designed to backup up your system, not your files. It takes a few minutes to set it up and you will forget about it until you really need it.
To restore a backup is as simple as opening Timeshift, select what snapshot you want, and click restore. In case your system does not boot (you really messed up your system), simply plug in a USB with TROM-Jaro, boot into it, and do the same: open Timeshift and select restore (now select where your backups are saved) and restore your system.
All in all, this program it is A MUST! No Linux distribution should ship without it.
And with “timeshift-autosnap” installed Timeshift does auto-backups before any update of the system. Not need for any setup.
That is the live usb password though. I should make it obvious I know.
@trom Timeshift isa fantastic piece of software that doesn't get enough praise. Backups aren't sexy but are crucial.