Create snapshots with Timeshift
Time Jumping

© Lead Image © Author, 123RF.com
Timeshift lets users easily create, manage, and restore system snapshots.
Ideally, you should design a data preservation strategy in such a way that you only have to think about it once. A system snapshot is a popular component of the backup strategy for many organizations.
A snapshot copies the system state at a moment in time. Snapshots are very fast, so they don't tie up the system for long, but experts warn that a snapshot does not replace the need for a backup. Snapshots depend on pointers and other properties of the filesystem to preserve the system state, but if the underlying filesystem is damaged, you won't be able to restore the snapshot.
For many scenarios, however, a snapshot is a fast and easy way to bring the system back. If you make a change to your configuration or install a new driver and the system ceases to function, you can restore it to a previous state with a snapshot. Linux has several tools for creating system snapshots, including the uncomplicated Timeshift [1], as well as the command-line-only solutions CYA [2] and Snapper [3]. You can think of these Linux tools as similar to System Restore on Windows and Time Machine on macOS.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
Cairo Dock 3.6 Now Available for More Compositors
If you're a fan of third-party desktop docks, then the latest release of Cairo Dock with Wayland support is for you.
-
System76 Unleashes Pop!_OS 24.04 Beta
System76's first beta of Pop!_OS 24.04 is an impressive feat.
-
Linux Kernel 6.17 is Available
Linus Torvalds has announced that the latest kernel has been released with plenty of core improvements and even more hardware support.
-
Kali Linux 2025.3 Released with New Hacking Tools
If you're a Kali Linux fan, you'll be glad to know that the third release of this famous pen-testing distribution is now available with updates for key components.
-
Zorin OS 18 Beta Available for Testing
The latest release from the team behind Zorin OS is ready for public testing, and it includes plenty of improvements to make it more powerful, user-friendly, and productive.
-
Fedora Linux 43 Beta Now Available for Testing
Fedora Linux 43 Beta ships with Gnome 49 and KDE Plasma 6.4 (and other goodies).
-
USB4 Maintainer Leaves Intel
Michael Jamet, one of the primary maintainers of USB4 and Thunderbolt drivers, has left Intel, leaving a gaping hole for the Linux community to deal with.
-
Budgie 10.9.3 Now Available
The latest version of this elegant and configurable Linux desktop aligns with changes in Gnome 49.
-
KDE Linux Alpha Available for Daring Users
It's official, KDE Linux has arrived, but it's not quite ready for prime time.
-
AMD Initiates Graphics Driver Updates for Linux Kernel 6.18
This new AMD update focuses on power management, display handling, and hardware support for Radeon GPUs.