Best backup app

[thomas.raines]

Hi all, I am still fairly new to Linux, and I am in search of a better backup app/utility.
Here's what I know. I have use mint backup but all it does is copy my files/folders to my backup drive with root ownership. Then when I try to restore my files/folders, they are restored but again, they are owned my root. I use chown to regain ownership but at one point, I actually ended up messing up my entire system as I chowned the wron directory. I know, a noobish mistake to say the least. i can also save the backup as a compressed folder (.zip, .tar, etc) but again, it has root ownership and I have to use chown, etc. I have also experienced a loss of data by using mint backup/restore, like bookmarks and even my variable path info. I'm not exactly sure how that happened.
Here's what I'm looking for. I hate to say it, but windows file transfer wizard is a really good utility for me. It can backup and compress what you are trying to preserve and maintain the same ownership/permission all in one simple package making it quite portable (depending on the size of course). Then, to restore your items, is super simple as well.
I have only attempted a few backup utilities for Linux suck as clonezilla, mint backup, and simple backup. I'm not saying they aren't any good, but they are not what I want/need.
So, I'm asking some of you guys if there is anything out there for what I am looking for?

[Lanser]

Hi Thomas. Beyond Compare is one of my favorites. You pay a few dollars for it, but it's an effective tool if you want to do a lot of sync'ing.
You can also set the sync view to show the file permissions on both sides of the sync. Very useful is you are working with different file systems.
The tech support on the forum is also very good. http://www.scootersoftware.com/moreinfo.php

Lanser

[hydn]

I've been using Back In Time for Linux. Its free:
http://backintime.le-web.org/

[Orbmiser]

"Here's what I know. I have use mint backup but all it does is copy my files/folders to my backup drive with root ownership."

There is another option in Mint Backup that allows compressing to a tar file. It's in a drop-down? or lower on the screen advance option? Sorry I forgot as long time no using. Also look into FSarchiver http://www.fsarchiver.org/Main_Page Believe it's in the repo's also many love rsync and there is a Gui for it Rsync, It's GRRRRaphical! http://www.linuxjournal.com/content/rsync-its-grrrraphical Grsync also in the repo's.

As just backing up files to an ntfs partition you will lose file permissions as ntfs doesn't honor permissions.
And any program including compression will preserve file permissions.
.

[thomas.raines]

@Lanser: I have beyond compare. I am an Android dev and use it quite often. But I didn't know I could use it for backup and sync. Thanks.
@hydn: Thanks. I'll take a look at Back in Time and see if it suits my needs.
@Orbmiser: Yes, I know about the .tar option in mint backup and have tried it but again, it's a permisions issue when restoring. FYI I am not backing up to an NTFS partition. In fact, all my devices are ext4 as I am completely windows free...YAY!lol Thank you though for your input, and thank you for suggesting FSarchiver. I will take that for a test drive as well.

[jmdeking]

I am using this great free program a good 6 months now and i like it a lot.

Give it a try and let me know.

http://sourceforge.net/projects/systemback/