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Back In Time

Save previous versions of your Linux files with Back In Time. You make scheduled backups to a disk or server via SSH.

Developer Back In Time

Version 1.6.1 · Open source · Linux

Looking for an alternative to Back In Time?Compare Déjà Dup, Pika Backup.Compare alternatives

Back In Time takes consecutive snapshots of the folders you select. It uses rsync and hard links so that unchanged files do not retake all disk space for each snapshot. This allows you to go back to an earlier state of your documents without always keeping a complete new copy.

You set profiles for source folders, exclusions, planning and destination. That destination can be a local disk or a server that you reach via SSH. Normal backups remain accessible as files and folders. So you don't always have to open the program first to find one document.

That open storage structure does require a conscious choice for the destination. An ordinary local or SSH backup is not automatically encrypted. Use an appropriate encrypted profile if necessary. An SSH connection protects the transport, but is not in itself encryption of the files on the target drive.

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Differences between Back In Time and Déjà Dup, Pika Backup
SoftwareWhat can it do?Platform and licence
Back In TimeYou are viewing this app Save previous versions of your Linux files with Back In Time. You make scheduled backups to a disk or server via SSH. LinuxOpen source
Déjà DupView this alternative Both programs allow you to back up your personal Linux files according to a schedule. LinuxOpen source
Pika BackupView this alternative Both focus on file backups for your Linux desktop. LinuxOpen source

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You use Linux and want to save your own documents and folders according to a schedule. You want to be able to recover previous files without having to recover a full disk image.

Getting started

Install Back In Time via your Linux distribution. Create a profile, select source folders and separate backup disk and first run a backup manually. The latest upstream version may become available later in your distribution.

Privacy

With normal backup, users with access to the target disk can read your files. The encrypted profiles use gocryptfs. Save your key and recovery data separately from the computer you back up.

Good to know

The program targets Linux and not Windows or macOS. The right rights, planning and any SSH key require attention when setting up.

Please note

Use a target drive with hard link support. After changes in permissions, check that your backups do not increase unexpectedly.

Advantages

  • Unchanged files take less space thanks to hard links.
  • You can use local and SSH destinations.
  • You can also search ordinary backups with your file manager.

Things to consider

  • The program targets Linux and not Windows or macOS.
  • The right rights, planning and any SSH key require attention when setting up.

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Official download page

Provider’s website · github.com

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Version history

1.6.1

Version 1.6.1 fixes problems with choosing an SSH key.

  • Version 1.6.1 fixes problems with choosing an SSH key.
  • The key choice processes binary keys and missing previously set keys better.
  • Unexpected situations in the profile window are handled better.
  • The backintime config manual will be installed in the correct location.
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Our verdict

Back In Time fits well with a Linux desktop on which you want clear file backups. The recognizable folder structure is an advantage if you want to be able to access a document without a complicated repair environment. Choose your profile and target drive carefully: encryption, hard links and access rights determine how useful your copy is in the end. It complements your recovery plan, not a ready-made image of your entire computer.

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