Mac has a built-in backup tool, called Time Machine, that works by creating copies of your files in the background. However, some Mac users find Time Machine a hassle because you have to keep the external hard drive you’re using for backup always connected and turned on. On disks formatted with APFS in MacOS 10.13 High Sierra, files can't be shared over AFP anymore (see this article on the Apple support site). As such, this guide here no longer works for making a TimeMachine backup location on an Ubuntu server. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to set up the TimeMachine backup destination to be visible over SMB? Try with the Backups (Deja Dup) software. I did start the backup first time but I wanted to go to lunch after backup was running already two hours of just 10 GB files. So it gave me this after the lunch. Which is really insane, reported now here, since the software is not designed to have pauses in doing the backups. Because today I am going to share a Linux backup software which is a clone and alternative to MacOS Time Machine Backup Tool named “Cronopete.” It helps us to take periodic backup of the Linux system. It supports all the major Linux distros including Ubuntu, Arch Linux, Fedora, Debian, etc. In the macOS Utilities window, click Restore From Time Machine Backup. Select your Time Machine backup disk and then the date and time of the backup you want to restore. Select the disk to install the Time Machine backup. The drive will be erased, so make sure to select the correct drive (Macintosh HD) for your Mac.
Utility • April 20, 2020
Data storage is very important and with a simple computer problem, you can lose all your data. This is why it is important to back up every piece of data that you are sure you need in the future.
The Time Machine was designed to help you back data on your Mac and has always come pre installed since 2006. While it is a great way to back up your data, many people consider it as old-fashioned and unreliable.
Fortunately, we have so many alternatives today and we would like to share our top eight with you.
Comparing the Time Machine to other Mac backup software
The reason for the comparison is to show you what the alternatives can do that the Time Machine can’t. Of course, you don’t have to take out the Time Machine completely, you can use an alternative as a complement.
The Time Machine automatically backs up files on your computer but it has several flaws and weak points. Examples of such weak points are its inability to work offsite, clone a hard drive, or create bootable backup.
Hence, we have put together this list to help you choose the best alternative to the Time Machine.
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Carbon Copy Cloner vs Time Machine
The question here is, what can the Carbon Copy Cloner do that the Time Machine can’t?
We have already established the fact that the Time Machine is efficient even though it has certain weak points. One such weak point is the inability to create a bootable backup. Carbon Copy Cloner, when compared to the Time Machine on this basis, is a better option.
What exactly does this mean? It means that if you are unlucky to encounter an issue while working on your system, you don’t lose your data. All you need to do is boot into the backup created by the Carbon Copy Cloner and continue your work. When you are less busy, you can spare some minutes to look into what caused the issue of your computer drive.
It is recommended to use an external hard drive alone with the Carbon Copy Cloner. The reason for this is that it gives you the opportunity to boot directly from the external HDD during emergencies. Note that the performance of the bootable backup is directly proportional to the speed of the external HDD.
We should also warn you at this point to avoid using an SD card or thumb drive for backup. The reason is simple and crystal clear, they don’t have enough storage capacity to function as backup devices.
Benefits of the Carbon Copy Cloner
- Support team assistance.
- Perfect for instant use.
- Schedule backups.
- Possesses more features than the Time Machine.
- Guide for easy setup is available.
- Works seamlessly with a good external hard drive.
Pricing: The Carbon Copy Cloner costs $39.99 inclusive of all applicable taxes.
SuperDuper vs Time Machine
Just like the Carbon Copy Cloner, the SuperDuper has a major advantage over the Time Machine. Wondering what it is? The advantage is that it allows you to create a bootable backup, which the Time Machine is incapable of.
A first glance at the SuperDuper and you are not likely to trust it as it comes with a retro design. Remember the OS X 10.3 background? Yes, with the brushed metal color, that’s it!
However, taking a leap beyond this veil to its capabilities, the SuperDuper is an amazing app. It can work on its own as well as act as a complement to the Time Machine.
You can actually create your bootable backup using the same drive dedicated to the Time Machine. This must be good news as you don’t need to spend extra to buy an external HDD. You can also duplicate your backup on another drive, whichever method you choose.
The beauty of the SuperDuper is you can create the backup on a disk partition or even an image file. When you activate the Smart Update feature, SuperDuper automatically checks for updates and copies them to the backup drive.
One of the major advantages of SuperDuper is that it is very quick and very easy to use. The explanations of each process are presented in plain English plus are it is not as expensive as the Carbon Copy Cloner or Backblaze.
Benefits of the SuperDuper
- Very quick and efficient.
- It does not need an external HDD.
- Very affordable.
- Easy to use and understand.
- Presents you with more features than the Time Machine.
- Retro design.
Pricing: The SuperDuper costs $27.95.
ChronoSync vs Time Machine
There is so much to love about ChronoSync by Econ Technologies. Comparing it to the Time Machine shows us its immense benefits at a glance. Just like the first two described above, the ChronoSync allows you to create bootable drives. That’s not all!
It is a versatile app which comes with several amazing features. One such feature is the fact that it allows you to synchronize files across computers or devices. This makes it easy to access files from remote locations, who wouldn’t love that?
Free sd card video recovery software mac. What’s more? Restoring lost files is quite stressful using the Time Machine but with the ChronoSync, it’s a piece of cake.
Simply search for the file with the Finder feature, copy it, and paste it in the desired location. Better still, you can simply sync the files to your existing hard drive, it’s that simple.
It is possible to schedule backups to begin at a specific time regularly or each time a specific drive is connected. The app will only backup files that have experienced changes since the last backup took place.
One more thing, this app allows you to copy multiple files at the same time which quickens the process.
Benefits of the ChronoSync
- Creates bootable drives easily.
- Synchronizes computers and devices.
- Finding lost files is very easy and copying them is even easier.
- Very versatile app.
- Copies multiple files at the same time.
- A free trial is available.
- Perfect for remote use.
Pricing: The ChronoSync Express costs $24.99, or included in a Setapp subscription. For more power and flexibility, ChronoSync is available for only $49.99 (USD).
Get Backup Pro (v3) vs Time Machine
Without any iota of doubt, Get Backup Pro is the cheapest or rather most affordable on this list. Don’t mistake its affordability for inferiority as it is laden with several features and an amazing range of backup options.
Why is it seen as an alternative to the Time Machine? First of all, the fact that you have access to several backup types is simply amazing.
The different backup types include compressed and incremental file backups, folder synchronization, and bootable cloned backups.Looking at these, it is clear that this app helps to fix some of the major flaws of the Time Machine. For example, you can create bootable backups on other devices and clone your hard drive. All of these are impossible with the Time Machine.
What better way to describe the Get Backup Pro than saying it is the app that gives you almost everything? You can schedule syncs and backups and it supports network and external drives, including CDs and DVDs. It comes with several backup templates that help you import data from your photos, iTunes, mail, documents, and contacts.
Security has always been a challenge with backing up data but this app fixes this issue. It makes it possible for you to encrypt all backups so that you are assured of additional security.
Using this app is very easy and quick. But what is more amazing is that you can restore files to computers that don’t have the app.
Benefits of the Get Backup Pro
- Easy to use.
- More features than the Time Machine.
- Easy to restore files to remote computers without the app.
- Security encryption for all backups.
- Supports network and external drives.
- Backup templates are available.
Pricing: The Get Backup Pro (v6) costs $19.99, or included in a Setapp subscription.
Mac Backup Guru vs Time Machine
Just like the Get Backup Pro, the Mac Backup Guru comes with multiple options for back types. This is one of the major reasons why it is seen as a worthy alternative to the Time Machine.
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Let’s begin with the fact that the Mac Backup Guru fixes the bootable disk challenge faced with the Time Machine. Besides this, it has three distinct backup types which are synchronization, direct cloning, and incremental snapshots.
You can actually create an image of your bootable disk using this app. This means you can either back up specific folders on your hard drive or the whole drive, your choice. What’s more?
You can keep your backup continually in sync with all the changes you make as you work. An alternative is that you can keep all incremental backups that didn’t overwrite the older backups along with the changes. This way, you can always retrieve older versions of the same work if you so desire.
Benefits of the Mac Backup Guru
- Very affordable.
- It comes with three backup types.
- Allows you to take an image of your bootable disk.
- It gives you the luxury of specifying what files or folders to backup.
- Allows you to revisit previously saved work before changes were made.
Pricing: The Mac Backup Guru costs $29.
Acronis True Image 2020 vs Time Machine
The Acronis True Image 2020 is just like the Mac Backup Pro with a feature that solves the Time Machine’s problem. It is the feature that allows you to clone your hard drive’s images. You even have access to online backup even though this comes with a more expensive package.
There is no doubt that this app is very efficient but the problem is that it is costly. It is even costlier than the Carbon Copy Cloner but not expensive as the Backblaze. Looking beyond the cost flaws, this is an app everyone that can afford it should own.
It makes backing up files very easy, especially with the fact that you can create bootable disks. You also have the luxury of sharing your backups with remote systems as long as they have the app. The only challenge with this is that it costs a little more to share the app across multiple computer systems.
Back to the advantages, it is possible to access and make use of the app via the intuitive dashboard. It also comes with an amazing feature known as the ‘Restore’ feature. This feature makes it possible to recover a whole drive very easily.
In addition to this, you have the option of selecting specific files that you want to backup or recover.
Benefits of the Acronis True Image 2020
- Easy to use.
- It can be used across several computer systems.
- Allows you to make an image of your bootable disk.
- Remote usage.
- Gives you the opportunity to choose files to backup.
Pricing: The Acronis True Image costs $49.99.
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Backblaze vs Time Machine
Backblaze is one of the top alternatives to the Time Machine for several reasons. It is actually recognized the world over as having several features that make it stand out.
One such feature is the unlimited storage that comes with the streamlined service. This is an amazing feature which means you don’t have to spend extra on expanding your storage.
Like ChronoSync, Backblaze is very easy to set up and use. This backup app also updates itself automatically but if you can’t wait, updating it manually is very easy.
If you are a lover of speed, then this app is a plus as it gives you all the speed you need and more.
While there were several weak spots in previous versions, the current version 1.3.5 features several updates that have fixed the limitations. The interface is cleaner with allowance for increased downloads.
One of the standout features is the fact that it presents you with a single-sign-on Google support. It can work either as an alternative to the Time Machine or as a complement instead.
Just download and install this software on your PC to accomplish your task of DVD burning. Moreover, this software is having pretty much optimized features in it which will help the users to reduce the complexity of the working of this software. Best software to burn cd on mac. SimplyBurns software is available for free for all Mac users. The intuitive graphic user-interface is also one of the best features of this software which has been liked by Millions of Mac users from all around the world.
Benefits of Backblaze
- Unlimited backup.
- GDPR compliant.
- Sharing functionality.
- Simple streamlined experience.
- Decent privacy and security.
- Reasonable prices.
Pricing: The Backblaze offers monthly payments of $6 and yearly payments of $60 for personal use.
SmartBackup vs Time Machine
The first thing to note about SmartBackup is that it is a lightweight app. Despite its lightweight, it helps you backup several items to your external hard drive, unlike the Time Machine.
You can apply numerous filters too, such as dropping a shadow, adding a neon glow, adding a glass tile, removing devilish red eyes, and so on.Overall, GIMP may feel like a free version of Photoshop, but it sports its own look and feel. Available for, you get a lot of professional-level editing and retouching tools — perfect for designers who can’t or won’t shell out hundreds of dollars for Adobe Photoshop.Once you launch the program, you’ll find a dedicated window that displays the image. Icons in the toolbox represent specific tools, like Scale, Pencil, Paintbrush, Bucket Fill, Airbrush, Smudge, and more. Image manipulation software mac free software. You’ll also see two floating docks: One with the toolbox and another for managing layers, paths, brushes, and more.When using a large display, or two displays, you have a nice big workspace to edit your images.
The process is quite fast since you have the luxury of transferring multiple items simultaneously to a specified destination folder. To avoid cumbering your bootable disk with unnecessary data, SmartBackup only backs up changed files leaving the unchanged ones behind.
One of the major advantages of this app is that backup updates are done very swiftly. Another major standout feature is that you have the luxury of cloning your system or bootable disk.
SmartBackup allows you to archive changed or deleted files by placing them in a specified folder when backing up. Much later, you can always check through different versions of the same file and pick out the one you need.
With the Spotlight Saved Search feature, you can define the files you intend to backup and what you think isn’t necessary. You can make use of iCal or Automator to preprogram backup operations.
Launching is very easy using the command-line mode which also allows you to include the app in scripts or launched items.
Benefits of SmartBackup
- High performance and rapid deployment.
- Lesser risks.
- Very affordable.
- Highly productive.
- Very efficient.
- Designed for comfort and convenience.
- Minimalist design.
Pricing: The SmartBackup is Free.
What do you need from a Mac backup software?
This is a very important question we need to answer else none of these alternatives is worth mentioning. The simple answer to this is to be able to back up your files properly. No one wants that feeling of insecurity or uncertainty about backup especially when you are working on an important project.
There are several features you should look out for before choosing a backup application. We have put together a list of some of these key features you should watch out for. They include:
Backup types
Not all the backup apps come with multiple Mac backup types as you have seen above. Your backup app should be able to provide you multiple backup types.
For example, with local backup, you are able to make copies of folders and files on an external HDD. This way, even when you lose the file on your computer, restoring it is very easy.
Disk images or bootable clones help you duplicate your whole hard drive. This allows you to boot from a backup drive when your hard drive has issues.
Finally, cloud backup functions exactly like local backup, only this time, data is stored online. This gives you insurance regardless of what happens to your physical location.
Best Ubuntu Backup Software
Syncing files
While syncing files is not considered as a true backup, it is a very helpful feature. It is great when you work using multiple devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Synchronizing your documents across all these devices makes it easy to work remotely.
It also means that if one of your devices is damaged, you can continue on another device and work on your data from any location. The only challenge with this is that when a file is deleted in one location, it is lost on all devices.
Interface
While reviewing the apps, one of the things we paid attention to was the interface which accounts for how easy it is for the user to navigate the app and also if the aesthetics are pleasing to the eyes. Let’s face it, backups can be time consuming and you don’t want an app that makes it difficult to accomplish.
In the case of SuperDuper, although it is not as colorful as Backblaze, it is still quite easy to navigate. Carbon Copy Cloner is also another app which leverages on its user interface to improve its functionality. At a glance, you can see the features of the app and easily access the preferred solution.
Ease of data restore
The point of a backup is to make it easy to retrieve data in the case of a loss. When selecting a preferred app, a key consideration should be whether it is easy to retrieve data when the time comes. Do you need to carry out 10 steps or two steps?
You can try experimenting first with the trial versions of an app by backing up certain data, deleting it then try to restore.
Backup types
Does the app perform a file backup or disk cloning? Some apps on our list can do both while some only perform one of the actions.
Should I use file backup or cloning?
To help you know which one to use, it is important to distinguish between them by way of definition.
File backup means you create an image file used in backing up your data for easy recovery. Disk cloning, on the other hand, moves all the contents of your drive to an HDD. You should understand this better when you know how each of these processes works. File backup carries all the contents of the partition or disk you are backing up. This includes applications, folders, files, and the OS and you can store everything on a separate storage device.
Disk cloning on the other hand copies all the contents of the disk to a new disk which means both disks have the same content. With this, it is clear that disk cloning is only necessary when you need to move to a larger disk drive.
File backup or imaging will ensure that you get back to work faster in all circumstances. This is because it is very similar to creating a zip file, only this time, it is without the zip extension. Basically, file backup compresses the files and stores them away. The only challenge is that if your original drive fails, you need a new drive before you can restore your data.
Time Machine Macos Ubuntu Backup Software Windows 7
Looking beyond this, we will always recommend file backup because it provides you more versatility. It is a more economical backup option and it allows you to save different versions of the same files or disk.
Don’t lose your data, backup now
It can be quite cumbersome finding the perfect backup app to serve as an alternative to the Time Machine. We have shown you eight apps in this post as well as criteria to help you choose. Based on all the criteria provided, it is evident that the best alternative app is the Carbon Copy Cloner app.
It has an extremely useful archiving ability and it is very flexible too. Carbon Copy Cloner solves several challenges that are seen as the failures of the Time Machine.
The importance of backing up your data cannot be overemphasized and choosing the right app is even more important.
| Click here to return to the 'How to access Time Machine files from Linux' hint |
Thanks for the hint, it's really useful.
Has anyone managed to mount a sparsebundle on linux?
--Andrew
I'm getting 'Permission Denied' when trying to view the folder, or cd to it in the terminal. Maybe I'm having a dumb attack, but how do I get around this?
Actually, nevermind. I figured it out. For a number of the files in the Time Machine backup, you must be root to view them. That actually caused me some trouble, since I didn't remember setting a root password when installing Ubuntu. Here's what I did:
1) Log in with my regular ubuntu account
2) Open a terminal and type 'sudo sh' (with no quotes. this will create a shell session with you as the root user).
3) type 'passwd' (no quotes)
4) enter a new password for your root account
5) type 'exit' to go back to your normal terminal session
Now you should be able to log in as root at the ubuntu login screen (using your new password). You will be able to browse the once-blocked files and directories.
NOTE: If you copy any files from the Time Machine drive that you only have permission to view as root, you better make sure to use the CHMOD command in the terminal (while you're still logged in as root) to change the permissions. Otherwise, you'll do something like copy a file to your desktop, log back in to your regular user name, and then wonder why you're still getting 'Permission Denied'.
For those who aren't chmod-savvy you can type 'chmod a+rw FILENAME' without quotes in the terminal to change FILENAME to read and write access for all.
Thank you so much!!! I have been looking for this all over because my Mac crashed and now I am using my favorite OS..
I know this is an old tip but just wanted to add my $0.02. Hint does indeed work as described, but it's also important to note that..well my particular case was this:- I needed a file from a subfolder on my desktop.
- Followed the hint, found my desktop.
- Subfolder didn't exist
- Followed the hint, found my subfolder
- File was within
Also, most people using this hint are probably on Ubuntu or a related OS - there is no root password by design. You'll need to use to give the root account a password before you are able to use it. sudo is required to do much of anything with the Time Machine volume and using the root account will be helpful if you aim to deal with more than one or two files. Consider disabling it again when you are done - Ubuntu turns it off for a reason and it really isn't needed by 99% of users 99% of the time.
Also, most people using this hint are probably on Ubuntu or a related OS - there is no root password by design. You'll need to use
sudo passwd root
Time Machine Macos Ubuntu Backup Software Mac
to give the root account a password before you are able to use it. sudo is required to do much of anything with the Time Machine volume and using the root account will be helpful if you aim to deal with more than one or two files. Consider disabling it again when you are done - Ubuntu turns it off for a reason and it really isn't needed by 99% of users 99% of the time.
Best Ubuntu Backup Software
You might be interested to know about sudo shell mode. `sudo -s` will get you a root shell.
Awesome script! Thank you very much. It worked perfectly except it keep repeatedly hanging on a corrupt file; I just had to hid Ctrl-C for it move on. Thanks again!
I also noticed your old version went into infinite loops when it encountered symbolic links and also that it didn't copy files with special characters (like /, {, and } ). Does your new script correct this? Thanks
the new version addresses the link problem. The characters are not treated as /, { or } are not valid characters for file names within Linux. Thanks for your interest :)
Yes, but OS X supports characters like /, {, and } in filenames; it just converts them to something like '/', '{},' etc. Your script didn't copy a filename that had a '/' in OS X.
I just read the original post and thought, hey this would make a great candidate for a script, then thought someone else must have thought the same thing. True enough. Great script! Thanks! :-)