Create snapshots with Timeshift
Defining Filters
You have to think through your use of filters. Suppose you have selected the middle option (Include Hidden) for home under Users. Then Timeshift will only back up hidden files. However, you want to back up the /home/<User>/foo/
directory, apart from the bar/
subdirectory. Listing 1 shows the corresponding filter.
Listing 1
Fine-Tuning Home Directory Filters
/home/User/ - /home/User/foo/bar/ + /home/User/foo/ *
Logically speaking, the exclusion line actually belongs at the end. However, this would not work, because filters act on subsequent filters, but do not affect them retroactively. If the exclusion of bar/
was at the end of the list, it would still be backed up, since the filter /home/<User>/foo/ *
already includes it, and it cannot be excluded retroactively.
Simple Btrfs
When using Timeshift with Btrfs, the configuration is even easier, because the snapshots generally end up on the system partition. In addition, a snapshot always covers the entire system, except for Home.
In the tabs Type, Location, Schedule, and Users, there is very little to configure. Type and Schedule are identical to the rsync configuration tabs. As the Location, Timeshift specifies the system partition as the default. In Users, you can include the home directory, and you can enable quota support [7] in Btrfs groups.
If you are wondering what the Wizard menu item does in addition to Settings, you are not the only one. The only difference besides the Summary at the end is the absence of the Filters menu item. Thus, the wizard seems to be intended for users who do not want to set filters.
First Tests
After completing the configuration, create an initial manual snapshot as a test in the main window. During the first few days, you will want to check whether Timeshift is working to your satisfaction (Figure 6).
You should also start the tool as root once only in the terminal; this shows you all the available options. For example, timeline --list
tells you about the method used, the storage location, and the individual snapshots. You should be familiar with this function if you need to perform a restore later without a graphical user interface.
« Previous 1 2 3 4 Next »
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Find SysAdmin Jobs
News
-
KDE Plasma 5.27 Beta is Ready for Testing
The latest beta iteration of the KDE Plasma desktop is now available and includes some important additions and fixes.
-
Netrunner OS 23 Is Now Available
The latest version of this Linux distribution is now based on Debian Bullseye and is ready for installation and finally hits the KDE 5.20 branch of the desktop.
-
New Linux Distribution Built for Gamers
With a Gnome desktop that offers different layouts and a custom kernel, PikaOS is a great option for gamers of all types.
-
System76 Beefs Up Popular Pangolin Laptop
The darling of open-source-powered laptops and desktops will soon drop a new AMD Ryzen 7-powered version of their popular Pangolin laptop.
-
Nobara Project Is a Modified Version of Fedora with User-Friendly Fixes
If you're looking for a version of Fedora that includes third-party and proprietary packages, look no further than the Nobara Project.
-
Gnome 44 Now Has a Release Date
Gnome 44 will be officially released on March 22, 2023.
-
Nitrux 2.6 Available with Kernel 6.1 and a Major Change
The developers of Nitrux have officially released version 2.6 of their Linux distribution with plenty of new features to excite users.
-
Vanilla OS Initial Release Is Now Available
A stock GNOME experience with on-demand immutability finally sees its first production release.
-
Critical Linux Vulnerability Found to Impact SMB Servers
A Linux vulnerability with a CVSS score of 10 has been found to affect SMB servers and can lead to remote code execution.
-
Linux Mint 21.1 Now Available with Plenty of Look and Feel Changes
Vera has arrived and although it is still using kernel 5.15, there are plenty of improvements sure to please everyone.