Difference between Timeshift and Backup Tool

[cybervigilante]

I see Timeshift and Backup Tool on my Mint menu. What is the difference between them? Should I use both or just Timeshift?

[xenopeek]

Timeshift automatically creates snapshots of your operating system. So you can roll back an update if it causes problems for example. It does by default not back up user files.

Backup Tool is for backing up your user files and optionally the list of programs you installed. It makes a backup only when you tell it to do that.

[AZgl1800]

Timeshift for the OS files. allows you to go back in time to when your PC was working right.

LuckyBackup for your
/home
Pictures
Downloads
Videos

etc....
https://community.linuxmint.com/softwar ... uckybackup

I tried BackupTool and it won't work on my laptop, and LuckyTool is much better and easier to use.
4.13.0-38-generic x86_64 (64 bit)
Desktop: Cinnamon 3.6.7 Distro: Linux Mint 18.3 Sylvia

It is Much Safer to keep all backups on a separate HDD, I use an extUSB HDD.
That way if you have a HDD crash totally, like I did, you can repair things in a hurry, right back to where you were when it crashed.

[cybervigilante]

timeshift does my OS and Backup Tool only Lists my programs. How do I backup my programs? I don't want to reinstall them all. And I noticed ts doesn't do hidden files. It all seems problematic. timeshift should give you the option to do it all, incrementally to save time.

[xenopeek]

Timeshift is added as default on Linux Mint specifically for operating system restore points. Backup Tool is there for one-time use to backup user files before upgrading from one version to the next, in my opinion. For automatic backup of user files I'd use something like Deja Dup. Mixing system restore points with user files backup sounds like a recipe for losing your files.

It's fine to do system restore points on the same storage device; it's for rolling back package upgrades that caused problems. If your storage device breaks, the system restore points are also lost but that's fine because in 15 minutes you can install Linux Mint anew. It's something entirely different for user files. Those you should want to backup to a different location, so you can recover your files if your primary storage device breaks. Preferably you'd do the backup to two locations, one of them being off-site (outside your home, so in case of burglary, fire or other disaster you still have a backup of your files).

[AZgl1800]

for a semi-permanent backup of your apps and preferences, investigate "Aptik".

and put that in a safe place.

you can take a fresh new install, then perform a recover from Aptik and you will have your pc back like it was.
or nearly so anyway.

[AZgl1800]

Timeshift is added as default on Linux Mint specifically for operating system restore points. Backup Tool is there for one-time use to backup user files before upgrading from one version to the next, in my opinion. For automatic backup of user files I'd use something like Deja Dup. Mixing system restore points with user files backup sounds like a recipe for losing your files.

Deja-Dup performs Encryption on all backups, so if that bothers the user, then do not use Deja-Dup

[Cosmo.]

How do I backup my programs?

If they are installed via package management (the usual method in Linux), than they are included in the system and consequently also in the TimeShift snapshots.
The program settings are usually part of the user settings inside home. Backing them up is a matter of backing up your home.

And I noticed ts doesn't do hidden files.

What is "it"? TimeShift? You will hardly find hidden files in the system, usually the hidden attribute is used inside of your home.
My recommendation for backing up your home is Back in Time. Extremely flexible and able to back up automatically.

[AZgl1800]

My recommendation for backing up your home is Back in Time. Extremely flexible and able to back up automatically.

Got a question on Back in Time:

what value is it, if it won't recognize a USB drive so the backups can be stored off PC?

If I can't keep my backups off PC, then I won't use it.

[Cosmo.]

This question deserves an own thread with more information (does the drive show in the system / file manager?). So here I only say, that I use an USB (3) drive as backup target regularly with BiT.