best way to run backups?
 

whats the best app to use for backups in a linux environment? is there one that be set up with scheduled times to run backups to an external drive which then allows you to restore files and/or folders when required?

I think dar is good. It features full, incremental, and differential. It also can be told to exclude files to be put through a compressor based on extensions and file size, so the back up time can be shorten. It can extract individual files and there are GUI programs to simplify the process. dar also has the ability to encrypt and include ECC in the back up for an increase in security and data integrity. If you want to schedule a backup, you have to add it to cron or at.

There is never a "best app" in general but only for a given person's specific needs and tastes. There are good apps, however. Can you give us an idea about what distro you're using what desktop (if any) and whether you prefer CLI or GUI. That might narrow down the possibilities a bit.
cheers,
jdk

Q: Can you give us an idea about what distro you're using
A: i go through many distros, mainly suse, fedora and kubuntu. one that works across a wide variety would be helpful

Q: what desktop (if any)
A: i always go for kde

Q: CLI or GUI?
A: guis are always handy but i also like cli (aslong as i can learn the required commands :)