Hasty Briefsbeta

Time Machine-style Backups with rsync (2018)

3 days ago
  • #backup
  • #data-hoarding
  • #rsync
  • The author discusses their experience with digital backups and the importance of time-snapshots after accidentally deleting files.
  • They transitioned from using macOS's Time Machine to a custom rsync-based backup solution due to changing data hoarding habits.
  • A script is provided that uses rsync to create incremental backups with timestamps, logging, and error handling.
  • The script utilizes rsync's --link-dest option to create hard links, saving space by not duplicating file data.
  • The author advises caution when deleting old snapshots and recommends creating a full backup before further incremental ones.
  • A cron job is suggested to automate the backup process, running the script daily at 5am.
  • Acknowledgement is given to Mike Rubel for inspiration in developing this backup solution.