Hello all ! I'd like to periodically backup some files from my computer to an external hard drive. i'd like Solus to do this, say, once a week, and if possible, that Solus be able to do a "smart" backup, ie not to copy a file already on the hard drive.
Is it possible ?
Thank you !
How to perform automatic backups ?
A common command-line program used is rsync. I will link to another post that I made with my rsync script in case it's helpful. It also includes my rclone script -- rclone is based on rsync but it is for cloud services instead of local backups. Here is the post: https://discuss.getsol.us/d/2118-backups/7
I don't automate it, but you can do something with cron jobs which I am not familiar with, but I understand it can run scripts on a schedule. Google cron jobs or another user here should be able to help.
If you are looking for GUI I am sure there are good options too, but I am not familiar.
I use grsync and Backup (Deja Dup). Both are in the software center. Backup runs on a schedule, is easy to use, and works with cloud storage. grsync is manual, unless you dabble with cron. However, what is cool about grync is that the files are readable.
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Thank you all, I'll try everything !
Nacho_Trebuchet Backup runs on a schedule, is easy to use, and works with cloud storage. grsync is manual, unless you dabble with cron.
Just wanted to point out that you can't use cron on Solus. You can can use systemd.timer for job automation
tothecloudd0 Side question, I have heard it is easier to work with systemd.timer than cron. I havent had a case where I have needed to use either so I wanted to ask if this is true.
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adurante I wouldn't say it's easier, but you do have more flexibility with it I think. The only thing is you have to do some research to set it up. For the most part you only need to write a bash script for the backup, create a service for it then use timer to run that service at whatever time you set. Once you grasp how it works you'll find it's pretty straight forward. Here's a good guide I followed to get started.
tothecloudd0 Then it's a good thing I don't use cron. ;-) Actually, thanks for sharing for those who may look toward that as a solution.