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review of the new TimeVault program, a backup utility for Linux similar to Apple's Time Machine. Covers installation, configuration, usage, and discuses some of the advantages and limitations of its backup abilities.
"TimeVault finally offers a complete, easy-to-use, intuitive backup system for Linux. While advanced and experienced users have been able to schedule backups using rsync, cron, and other tools, new users will find Timevault a comfort; knowing that their files can be easily and safely backed up, and reverted to an older state if necessary. The interface is relatively intuitive, and although the configuration could be a bit simpler, beginners should have no problem setting up TimeVault to keep their files safe."
Member since:
2005-11-05
Looks good, but the bit on "limitations" suggests that TimeMachine needs a little more work before it becomes fall-off-a-log user-friendly. I won't try now but maybe in six months, by which time the KDE lads may have got to it, too. Even so, when you compare this with the near-useless, all-or-nothing spud that is the stock Vista backup tool, you realize how fortunate Linux-users are.
To add to the myriad alternatives, I used a simple perl script called plbackitup that's been around for years. It covers much of the same ground, but without a gui, and you can schedule it for when you like via crontab entries. In quite a few years of use now it has never let me down (and a backup solution only has to let you down once to become effectively worthless).