In Operation
User interface and ease of use
Backup software should be easy to use. A clear and intuitive user interface will particularly be useful for non-technical users.
The interface is simple to use.
There are two options: backup sets and a one-time backup option.
Backup Sets
Most of the program’s functionality is available in backup sets. Here we define which files and folders are to be backed up, where the backups are saved, the times they are run, together with customization options.
One-Time Backup
Automation and Scheduling
Performing backups manually is prone to mistakes, omissions, and delays. Good backup software should automate the backup process. Scheduling backups offers a level of consistency that helps keep the backup process reliable.
The times tab gives you control of the timing and frequency of your backups.
If the options don’t meet your requirements there’s also a manual configuration option available which shares the same syntax used by a crontab.
Storing backups
Efficiency comes from avoiding duplication of file storage. File compression is also an important factor. Encryption ensures security of your files to protect from unauthorized access. Even if backup files are stolen, the actual data cannot be deciphered without a decryption key.
By default. no deduplication is used. But there is the option of incremental backups from the Options (Simple) tab.
fwbackups saves backups as tar files by default. But we can also compress archives with gzip (fast, lightweight), or bzip2 (slower, more efficient) from the Options (Simple) tab.
There’s no encryption available. For encryption, you could store your backups on a LUKS-encrypted volume.
Reporting and Testing
Regularly testing your data backup strategy is essential for ensuring that backups are functioning as expected and that any configuration changes don’t cause any unexpected errors. It also allows you to identify and address any backup issues.
There is a log available which shows if there were any issues with backups. This logging is very simple and really needs additional information to be output. It can be exported to a file.
There’s no functionality within the program to test backups.
Customization
Backup software should allow you to customize your backups based on your requirements.
There are two tabs with various configuration options. We recommend enabling incremental backups and compression for starters.
Cloud support
Local backups won’t protect you from burglary or natural disasters.
There’s no specific functionality within the program for cloud support.
Documentation
Good backup software will provide clear documentation that explains how to use the software.
Oh dear. While the project’s has produced a manual in the past, it’s not currently accessible from their website. Fortunately, the program is pretty self-explanatory.
Pages in this article:
Page 1 – Introduction and Installation
Page 2 – In Operation
Page 3 – Summary