There are plenty of backup options in Linux. We have covered a few here, namely, back in time, AptOnCD, and Rsync. Deja Dup Backup is yet another backup tool, except that it turns the whole complicated backup process into kid stuff.

If you are using Ubuntu, you can install Deja Dup Backup via the Ubuntu Software Center, Synaptic Package Manger, or using the command:

Deja Dup Backup Tool can be found at Applications -> System Tools. The main interface is a small window with only two big icons – Restore and Backup.

Next, it will prompt you to select the folder to backup. By default, the Home folder is automatically included in the backup list. You can remove it or add new folder to the list.

Deja dup comes with encryption support so you can backup and encrypt your files. If you have enabled encryption, it will prompt you for a password. Once the password is provided, it will proceed to backup the files/folders.

This is what you will see after the backup.

Restoring files

The Restoration process is even easier. Just click the Restore button and it will check your backup folder for previous backup.

Next, it will ask if you want to restore to the original location or another folder. Once you picked your choice, the restoration will start.

What is missing from Deja Dup?

Deja Dup also comes with a schedule backup feature where you can schedule the backup to run at regular interval. However, it doesn’t come with the incremental backup. Everytime you perform a backup, it will encrypt the whole folder and dump to the backup location. it would be good if it can detect what have changed since the last backup and backup only the changed files. Update: Deja Dup does come with incremental backup feature.

If you are not particularly concern about the incremental backup feature, Deja Dup Backup Tool can be a really simple backup tool. it may not have complicated features, but it works reasonably well, and best of all, it is really easy to use. What do you think? Is such a simple backup tool sufficient for you?

Damien Oh started writing tech articles since 2007 and has over 10 years of experience in the tech industry. He is proficient in Windows, Linux, Mac, Android and iOS, and worked as a part time WordPress Developer. He is currently the owner and Editor-in-Chief of Make Tech Easier.

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