Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Timeshift is an indispensable tool for the Linux desktop.
Linux Mint documentation for Timeshift:
linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/timeshift.html
JC’s Guide to Linux Backups
* You should backup your personal data at least once per month, weekly is better and daily is best
* Any backup solution is only as good as it’s ability to restore data. Make sure you know how that works.
* Backup strategies can include off-line storage, both on and off site, and cloud storage.
* Avoid storing data in large comprised files. They are more prone to corruption and data loss.
* Whole system backups are not really needed with Linux because all user data is stored in /home.
* On-line RAID arrays are NOT backups. NAS systems can let you sync files for on-line redundant storage.
* Incremental backups are quick but you should refresh them periodically to avoid bit rot.
* Backup EVERYTHING including caches and temporary files. Don’t assume you won’t need them!
* The simplest backup solution is the best backup solution. A simple rsync command is really all you need.
sudo rsync -av –delete /etc /home /path-to-external-drive/backup-directory/
Timeshift is an indispensable tool for the Linux desktop.
Linux Mint documentation for Timeshift:
linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/timeshift.html
JC’s Guide to Linux Backups
* You should backup your personal data at least once per month, weekly is better and daily is best
* Any backup solution is only as good as it’s ability to restore data. Make sure you know how that works.
* Backup strategies can include off-line storage, both on and off site, and cloud storage.
* Avoid storing data in large comprised files. They are more prone to corruption and data loss.
* Whole system backups are not really needed with Linux because all user data is stored in /home.
* On-line RAID arrays are NOT backups. NAS systems can let you sync files for on-line redundant storage.
* Incremental backups are quick but you should refresh them periodically to avoid bit rot.
* Backup EVERYTHING including caches and temporary files. Don’t assume you won’t need them!
* The simplest backup solution is the best backup solution. A simple rsync command is really all you need.
sudo rsync -av –delete /etc /home /path-to-external-drive/backup-directory/
