Use of Timeshift as a Backup Technology in Linux

Due to the implementation of one wrong command, one can lose her/her data and face crises to avoid that we need to maintain a proper backup system. In this blog, we will study how to install the Timeshift application and use it to create a backup. Timeshift is the application used to backup and restore Linux flavors. By taking a snapshot of the file system at regular intervals, Timeshift protects the system. Two Modes of the snapshot in Timeshift are

· RSYNC

· BTRFS

By using rsync and hard disk link snapshots are taken in RSYNC mode. In every backup in RSYNC mode, the full backup can be taken. By using in-built features, the backup is taken in the case of BTRFS mode. BTRFS mode only supports the BTRFS system.

Timeshift acts as same as the tools like snapshots and back in time but in different ways. It is designed in such a way that it protects system files and settings. It excludes user files such as documents, pictures, and music. It ensures the integrity of the data when it is restored.

The main advantage of Timeshift is that it requires a very minimal setup. Just one needs to install the timeshare and then run it.

Steps for installation

1. Open the terminal in Linux.

2. apt-get update (to update the system)

3. apt-get install timeshift (to install the timeshift)

4. timeshift-launcher (to launch timeshift)

Note: — Implement the command as the root user

once the snapshot is installed and launched one need to start setting up the snapshot

steps for setting up a snapshot

1. Select the snapshot type.

(Fig 1. Snapshot type)

2. Storage location for storing snapshot.

(Fig 2. Select the location for storage)

3. Select Snapshot level.

(Fig 3. Selecting the levels of the snapshot)

4. User Home Directory.

(Fig 4. Select the file for snapshot)

5. Just click on create and the snapshot will start creating.

(Fig 5. Create the backup)

Once all these steps are completed your snapshot is ready i.e. backup is completed. Now at any time in the future if the important file gets deleted one can recover it using the created snapshot.