I've researched this subject for weeks and it is driving me mad! Linux doesn't seem to have the wide range of imaging software Windows has. I need help finding software that suits my needs. I am hoping if I state my needs, then someone more knowledgeable could provide a suggestion.


Here are my needs:

#1
Something that would make a "copy" (image?) that I could store in a separate location.

#2
The "copy" should be bootable so that I could install it to the original device, or another device, then use the device. I shouldn't have to reinstall grub or do any additional work.

#3
It lets me "copy" either the whole device or a partition. I must have the option to select one or the other.

#3
Involve a GUI. I can do occasional command line tasks but I simply don't have the competence to perform command line tasks on a regular basis.

#4
Is well supported. This means if I have questions, then it is probable that other linux users have used it or at least heard of it. It should be something that is in active or continuous development, not "dormant" like so many open source programs.

#5
Be open source.


So far, I've found the following which I like but have concerns:

a) Redo Backup - This is good and simple but hasn't been updated in years. It makes me wonder if it is dormant or dead.

b) G4L - This makes a disk to disk copy but I need something that can make an image that I could store.

c) QT4-FSarchiver - This is new and I am still learning it. This is the GUI version of FSarchiver. It seems to be very flexible and is easy enough to use. However, it looks like it doesn't restore the ability to boot. That means I would have to reinstall grub or do something else technical.

d) Mondo - This is popular but I have difficulty finding information. Does it have a GUI? Is it a live CD? It looks like it only comes in deb or rpm packages.


This is a long post. If read this far, then "thank you" and I look forward to your suggestions.

View Poll Results: Backup Application of the Year
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...ar-4175488229/

dd has all you need - except for the gui.

maybe this.

ondoho - I looked at the link. It looks like a GUI version of did. Is that correct?

None of them are actually bootable images by the way. It isn't needed.

Two ways to make a backup. One is file based and one is a bit by bit. In each case they tend to work good on exact system to exact system. Anytime you change hardware the results may not work as expected.

To add to your list.

Gparted can move partitions and maybe entire drives. Any live cd almost can add that in or has it.

Clonezilla is pretty good.

G4U is a dd with compression and works pretty good.

Partimage is useful.

Other tools like rsync, cpio, tar and such have been used by many.

In most cases a backup plan involves two parts. One is the host OS and the other is a data such as copy of /home. You may only need the golden OS once or never and just copy off data.

I would like something flexible, meaning it isn't picky about the size of the restore destination. So far, FSarchiver is the only one that I found. Are there other file-by-file backup systems?