Last Updated on October 11, 2023
Back In Time is a simple backup tool taking inspiration from FlyBack and TimeVault. These applications are in turn inspired by Apple’s Time Machine. Time Machine automatically saves up-to-date copies of everything such as photos, music, videos, documents, applications, and settings.
The backup is done by taking snapshots of a specified set of directories.
Back In Time is a framework for rsync, diff and cron for the purpose of taking snapshots and backups of specified folders. It minimizes disk space use by taking a snapshot only if the directory has been changed, and hard links for unmodified files if it has. The user can schedule regular backups using cron.
There are two graphical user interface to choose from for your desktop environment, either GNOME or KDE v4 based.
Back in Time is superior to both FlyBack and TimeVault as it has a more intuitive graphical user interface. Furthermore, the software seamlessly rewrites all of the underlying rsync commands in plain English.
Back in Time can be integrated with Nautilus using nautilus-actions.
Features include:
- Simplicity itself. Simply configure the following:
- The location to save the snapshot.
- Select which directories to backup.
- The frequency of the backup (manual, every hour/day/week or month).
- Enable schedule per included folder.
- Exclude patterns, files or folders.
- Auto-remove if older than a set number of days/weeks/years, or if free space is less than a specified amount.
- Smart remove functionality:
- Keep all snapshots from today and yesterday.
- Keep one snapshot for the last week and one for two weeks ago.
- Keep one snapshot per month for all previous months of this year.
- Keep one snapshot per year for all previous years.
Website: github.com/bit-team/backintime
Support:
Developer: Oprea Dan, Bart de Koning, Richard Bailey, Germar Reitze, Taylor Raack
License: GNU General Public License v2.0
Back In Time is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Return to Backup | Return to Simple Backup
Popular series | |
---|---|
![]() | The largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions. |
![]() | Hundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information. |
![]() | Replace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS. |
![]() | Awesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series. |
![]() | Machine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. This is a new series. |
![]() | New to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux. |
![]() | Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities. |
![]() | Essential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users. |
![]() | Linux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine. |
![]() | Surveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal. |
![]() | Saving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux. |
![]() | Home computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum. |
![]() | Now and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride. |
![]() | Linux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged. |
![]() | Linux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery. |
![]() | Getting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers. |
![]() | Best Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series. |
![]() | These best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today! |
![]() | These free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series. |
![]() | Linux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts. |
![]() | Stars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA. |