Can timeshift be used on fresh install to avoid cloning ?

Iacceptthelinuxchallenge

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If so which settings do I need to use to keep all documents, foxfire settings like bookmarks and settings and downloads. Basically everything that has personal alteration or preferences.
 


Simple answer is yes. Just did it yesterday on the new Peppermint OS.

Best suggestion is to ask me the same question at my thread here and I can go into more detail.

And remind us here and there what distro you are using.

I have less than an hour left online before I head off for my evening in Australia, but I can answer in more detail tomorrow.

Wiz
 
Simple answer is yes. Just did it yesterday on the new Peppermint OS.

Best suggestion is to ask me the same question at my thread here and I can go into more detail.

And remind us here and there what distro you are using.

I have less than an hour left online before I head off for my evening in Australia, but I can answer in more detail tomorrow.

Wiz
Will do this tomorrow. You have a GREAT evening and thanks for all you do :)
 
You're very welcome.

c u

Chris
 
Timeshift isn't a backup tool, it's a get out of jail tool for minor problems and it doesn't backup everything.
sad0017.gif


Have a look at...https://itsfoss.com/backup-restore-linux-timeshift/ especially...What does Timeshift do ?

The best way to backup everything on the Drive is to use Foxclone... https://www.foxclone.com/
This software creates an image which is stored on an external HDD or SSD...should any minor or major problem occur like Drive failure...it's very easy to restore the image with nothing lost.
happy0034.gif

 
If you have it in mind to take a snapshot of your FRESH install, there is no better move you could make.

Note the emphasis on FRESH

This of course means that No added apps or data have been added at this point.

Be sure to include the home folder

SO to answer your question....Yes.


I keep a clone of my system (LM 20.3) simply to guard against a dying hard drive (unlikely, but possible) or some other equally catastrophic drama. I take that Clone via the Disks app on Linux Mint 20.3

I keep two...sometimes three Timeshift snapshots which include the home folder for all other possible eventualities.

Why two OR three?...If a kernel update comes out I will take an additional snapshot before downloading it and allowing it to install as the currently used Kernel.

I am quite sure that Wiz will have more to offer.

Get your reading glasses on. ;)
 
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Timeshift isn't a backup tool, it's a get out of jail tool for minor problems and it doesn't backup everything.
sad0017.gif


Have a look at...https://itsfoss.com/backup-restore-linux-timeshift/ especially...What does Timeshift do ?

The best way to backup everything on the Drive is to use Foxclone... https://www.foxclone.com/
This software creates an image which is stored on an external HDD or SSD...should any minor or major problem occur like Drive failure...it's very easy to restore the image with nothing lost.
happy0034.gif

@sam444 @Iacceptthelinuxchallenge @Condobloke @wizardfromoz
Sam,
What you say about not using Timeshft as a backup is not entirely accurate.
Take a look at this screenshot.
I have used TS for a few years and do backup my home folder which contains all my personal stuff.

Screenshot at 2022-02-20 21-21-03.png


You do have to check the circles under "Include All Files".
I always save my TS to an external drive.
Old Geezer
TC
 
The best way to backup everything on the Drive is to use

Not looking to gang up on Sam, but if I had a dollar for every time I had heard that I'd be buying the beers.

The best backup/cloning/system restore solution for anyone is the one which best pulls their fat out of the fire when something goes wrong. Timeshift does that for me, the way I have it configured (as does Brian @Condobloke , as does Charlie).

For new Members reading, I run 70 or so Linux on this Dell rig, from 4 of the Families -

Debian and based
RPM and based
Arch-based and
Gentoo

I have Timeshift installed on every single one.

I run Timeshift a minimum of 70 times per month, more if I am moving a Distro from Partition A or Drive A to Partition B or Drive B, more if I am installing software outside of my Distro's repositories, and more if I am tweaking vital functions such as printers/scanners, wifi, audio, video and so on.

I've been doing that since July 2014, so if I say I've used Timeshift 7,000 to 8,000 times, I am not kidding.

The OP's subject tile says

Can timeshift be used on fresh install to avoid cloning ?​


The answer is, without any doubt, yes.

I will have more for the OP at my Timeshift Thread when he indicates he is ready to read it.

Cheers

Wizard
 
When the Author who invented Timeshift says it's not a backup software...people should take notice. ;)

User Data is Excluded by Default

Timeshift is designed to protect system files and settings. It is NOT a backup tool and is not meant to protect user data. Entire contents of users’ home directories are excluded by default.
The above is here...https://teejeetech.com/timeshift/
At the end of the day, people are free to do what ever they like...but do so at your own risk.
scared0005.gif


I'll create a Timeshift snapshot before I install a new Kernel but that's it. When I first started looking at Timeshift years ago...I created a Folder on the Desktop and restored the snapshot...Folder was gone
mad0016.gif
I was not impressed.
mad0034.gif
 
Timeshift says it's not a backup software...people should take notice.

Didn't ever say otherwise, maybe you should read all of my Thread?

The question of "Is Timeshift a backup solution?" was not asked.

So you're flogging a dead horse.

Since the time I started writing my Thread on it, dozens of Distros now either ship with it installed, or have it in their Repos.

They don't ship with Clonezilla, they don't ship with Foxclone, they recommend Timeshift. Works for me.

Cheers

Wiz
 
Entire contents of users’ home directories are excluded by default.
Take note....the Default setting excludes the home directory

But....if you wish to Include the Home Directory, simply follow charlies words above..."I have used TS for a few years and do backup my home folder"....simply choose to change the default by selecting to 'Include all Files' for Home directory in Users settings.
Easy as pie!

1645432755983.png


Above is the settings page on my pc....both root & home are included.

Data of various types is not included. I actually keep my data on external hard drives....which leaves the main nvme drive freer to do its thing without all the clutter.

The clone taken via the Disks app is really a backup of the backups !
 
Take note....the Default setting excludes the home directory

But....if you wish to Include the Home Directory, simply follow charlies words above..."I have used TS for a few years and do backup my home folder"....simply choose to change the default by selecting to 'Include all Files' for Home directory in Users settings.
Easy as pie!

View attachment 11840

Above is the settings page on my pc....both root & home are included.

Data of various types is not included. I actually keep my data on external hard drives....which leaves the main nvme drive freer to do its thing without all the clutter.

The clone taken via the Disks app is really a backup of the backups !
1) SO, if I download a new OS Say, Mint Cinnamon 20.X, use TS with Both the root and home files checked:
a) The result will be having the same preferences, bookmarks and downloads (everything I personally added including aps) that I had on the original SDD ? or
b) Or would it just include everything I added EXCEPT the apps?

Reasoning: I suspect the "wonky" issues I have been experiencing are due to either:
a) the hard drive is failing, or
b) the format I used (lvm2 pv) or
c) something is corrupted in the OS (mint cinnamon 19.3)

The bottom line is:
a) I don't have the time to spend on getting the help necessary to diagnose the problem and fix it
c) wasting anyone's time helping me as well

Result: b) I just want to dl Mint Cinnamon 20.X on a different hdd and have all the settings and downloads I have on the problem sdd.
 
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Not looking to gang up on Sam, but if I had a dollar for every time I had heard that I'd be buying the beers.

The best backup/cloning/system restore solution for anyone is the one which best pulls their fat out of the fire when something goes wrong. Timeshift does that for me, the way I have it configured (as does Brian @Condobloke , as does Charlie).

For new Members reading, I run 70 or so Linux on this Dell rig, from 4 of the Families -

Debian and based
RPM and based
Arch-based and
Gentoo

I have Timeshift installed on every single one.

I run Timeshift a minimum of 70 times per month, more if I am moving a Distro from Partition A or Drive A to Partition B or Drive B, more if I am installing software outside of my Distro's repositories, and more if I am tweaking vital functions such as printers/scanners, wifi, audio, video and so on.

I've been doing that since July 2014, so if I say I've used Timeshift 7,000 to 8,000 times, I am not kidding.

The OP's subject tile says

Can timeshift be used on fresh install to avoid cloning ?​


The answer is, without any doubt, yes.

I will have more for the OP at my Timeshift Thread when he indicates he is ready to read it.

Cheers

Wizard
THANK YOU!!!
So, I have one more question (AND YOU'RE THE MAN on this subject!!!).
So by choosing both of the "including all" options in the user home directories screen of TS , not only will I be saving everything I myself have added to the OS, but also the apps I've added?
 
Let's see if I can explain this clearly.

My Timeshift Thread has 110,000 plus views.

Clearly, a lot more people can benefit from the answers than those who just watch a Thread such as this, so if you ask your questions there, it benefits many, not just one or two. It also helps centralise resources on Timeshift rather than them being scattered across the Forum.

I'll even give you a link to the current page so you can get there faster.

https://www.linux.org/threads/timeshift-similar-solutions-safeguard-recover-your-linux.15241/page-14

Thanks

Wizard
 
Simple answer is yes. Just did it yesterday on the new Peppermint OS.

Best suggestion is to ask me the same question at my thread here and I can go into more detail.

And remind us here and there what distro you are using.

I have less than an hour left online before I head off for my evening in Australia, but I can answer in more detail tomorrow.

Wiz
Thanks for letting me know so I had the opportunity to dive into the issue right then and there!!!
 
Thanks for letting me know so I had the opportunity to dive into the issue right then and there!!!
were you ever able to solve this? i noticed that wizardfromoz had you go to this timeshift thread but i don't see any info about your experience.

i've started further conversation there about it if you'd like to share your experience. cheers!
 

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