The Top 5 Backup Software for Ubuntu [2024 New Update]

Why Backup is Essential for Ubuntu

Before diving into the best backup software for Ubuntu, let's first understand what Ubuntu is. With a brief overview of Ubuntu, you'll grasp why many users still opt for it despite Windows being a more popular choice.

Ubuntu is a user-friendly, Debian-based Linux distribution that primarily consists of free and open-source software. It offers three official editions: Desktop, Server, and Core, which is tailored for robotics and Internet of Things devices. You can run any edition of Ubuntu on a virtual machine or directly on a PC. Known for its compatibility with OpenStack, Ubuntu is a popular choice for cloud computing.

For numerous Ubuntu users, safeguarding their data is paramount. Opting for dependable software to back up their data is crucial to protect against potential loss. Consequently, a myriad of backup software options are available in the market. However, which one is the best backup software for Ubuntu? This article will delve into the top 5 backup software choices for the Ubuntu system. Additionally, a guide is provided for those with multiple computers running different operating systems.

5 Best Backup Software for Ubuntu

• Amanda
• Rsync
• Clonezilla
• Duplicity
• BackupNinja

1. Amanda

Amanda is a distinct Open Source Linux backup software that is highly captivating. It provides native backup functionalities and file formats specifically designed for Unix/Linux backups. It also enables the backup of data from multiple networked computers utilizing a single backup server.

Highlight Functions:

1. Broad platform defense 2. Protection for databases and applications 3. Restoration Fault Tolerance 4. Numerous Media Options 5. Smart Installer with Quick Scheduler 6. Policy for Automated Data Retention and Disposition

2. Rsync

Rsync, originally a Linux command-line backup utility, now also offers a graphical user interface (GUI). It is highly regarded by Linux users, particularly System Administrators, and is particularly beloved by Ubuntu users, especially those in administrative roles. The GUI version of Rsync is referred to as Rsync. It enables users to perform an automatic backup through the command line.

Highlight Functions:

1. Less RAM is required to operate it. 2. Utilize Incremental backups. 3. Perform complete directory tree and file system updates. 4. Support for backing up both locally and remotely.

3. Clonezilla

Introduction of the open-source backup software Clonezilla, derived from DRBL, as an alternative to Symantec Ghost Corporate Edition. The core functions of this software include partition imaging, incremental cloning, and updates. Clonezilla is available in two distinct versions: Clonezilla Live and Clonezilla SE. - Clonezilla Live is designed for individual system backup and recovery tasks. It provides a standalone environment for these operations. - Clonezilla SE (Server Edition) is tailored for server use, enabling efficient backup and recovery solutions for multiple systems or networked environments. Both variants offer powerful tools for efficient data protection and restoration, making Clonezilla a versatile choice in the world of backup software.

Highlight Functions:

• Support Multi-file System
• Partition/Whole Disk Save and Restore
• Support for Massive Cloning via Multicast
• Bootable Machine with UEFI or BIOS

4. Duplicity

Duplicity is a tool that creates encrypted tar-format volumes for backing up directories. It provides a service to upload these backups to a local or remote file. Duplicity employs librsync to facilitate incremental backups. It only captures the portions of files that have changed since the previous backup, continually recording these updates. The resulting archive is then encrypted and signed by Duplicity using GnuPG for added security.

Highlight Functions:

• Easy to use
• Signed and encrypted archive
• Space and bandwidth-efficient
• Common file format
• Selecting a remote protocol

5. BackupNinja

A useful tool for reinforcing backups on Ubuntu is Backupninja. Clients can utilize Backupninja to create backup configuration files. These files can be stored in the directory /etc/backup.d. Backupninja facilitates secure, remote, and incremental backups across a system.

Highlight Features:

• A convenient backup solution provider is called Ninja Partner.
• Functions with virtual Linux servers.
• Part of the database backup scheme.
• Supports scheduled backups.
• Provides email notifications.

Are These Software Sufficient for Backup?

If you're someone who needs to work with multiple computers simultaneously, and not all of them run Ubuntu, the recommended software above may not be suitable for you. In this case, you would typically go to Google to search for backup software most compatible with your other operating systems, which can consume a significant amount of your time reading articles, comparing product features, and ultimately making a decision. To save you that effort, this article also introduces a widely used backup tool for Windows systems called Todo Backup.

A Trustworthy Software for Windows Backup

An all-encompassing backup solution is Todo Backup Home. It enables you to back up your entire system and individual files to various destinations. Whether you need to protect a single file, system, disk, partition, Outlook emails, or create a system image as a safeguard against unexpected data loss, this tool has got you covered. Upon completing the backup process, you can store the backup on multiple locations, such as an external hard drive or a cloud storage service.

More importantly, unlike many software that only offers a single backup method, it can simultaneously accommodate three backup types: Full Backup, Incremental Backup, and Differential Backup. With Todo Backup, you can customize your backups to occur daily, weekly, or monthly, based on your preferences and needs.

Key Features:

• All-in-one backup solution
• Compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7
• WinPE Bootable Disk
• Security Zone Backup
• Offsite Copy

Final Thought

Creating backups is essential for maintaining the health of your computer, as it safeguards your data against crashes or corrupted files. This article introduces five top-notch backup software options for Ubuntu, along with a reliable tool called Todo Backup that caters to your Windows needs. I highly recommend using this software, as it is a well-established brand specializing in data security. It also allows you to clone a hard drive or migrate to a new computer in Windows 11 effortlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

< strong > 1. How do I back up my Ubuntu system image? < /strong > To back up your Ubuntu system image, you can follow these steps: 1. **Create a Live USB or DVD**: First, you'll need a bootable Ubuntu USB or DVD to be able to boot from it later. 2. **Install Clonezilla**: Clonezilla is a popular and free disk cloning tool. You can install it on your Ubuntu system by opening a terminal and running: ``` sudo apt-get update sudo apt-get install clonezilla ``` 3. **Boot from the Live USB/DVD**: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings to change the boot order, prioritizing the USB or DVD. 4. **Start Clonezilla**: Once booted, select "Try Ubuntu" (or "Live" mode) and open a terminal. Launch Clonezilla with: ``` sudo clonezilla live ``` 5. **Choose Mode**: In Clonezilla, select "device-device" mode for backing up the entire system image. 6. **Select Source and Destination**: Choose your system drive as the source and specify an external hard drive or network location as the destination for the backup image. 7. **Start the Backup**: Follow the on-screen instructions to start the backup process. Make sure to choose options like "fsarchiver" for better file system preservation. 8. **Wait for Completion**: The backup will take some time, depending on the size of your system and the speed of your storage devices. Do not interrupt the process. 9. **Verify Backup**: After the backup is complete, you can verify its integrity by attempting to restore it on another machine or using Clonezilla's built-in verification tools. 10. **Store the Backup**: Keep the backup image in a safe place, and remember to update it periodically to ensure you have the latest version of your system. Remember, backing up your system image doesn't replace regular data backups. It's essential to keep separate backups of important files and documents.

Step 1. From the Ubuntu programs menu, launch the Gnome Disks program.

Step 2. Choose "Create Disk Image" after selecting the 120GB disk.

Step 3. Select the folder where the image will be saved, enter a file name, and then click Start Creating to begin the process.

Step 4. Wait for the procedure to conclude.

2. Where is the Ubuntu backup stored?

The /etc directory contains the system configuration files on most contemporary Linux systems, including Ubuntu. However, on some distributions, these files might be located in different directories or spread across multiple locations. It's essential to verify this before establishing a backup strategy for your Linux system.