Rdiff-backup
rdiff-backup is an open source utility that backs up one directory to another, storing incremental differences instead of full file copies to save space. It supports remoting backups over a network.
open-source
incremental
backup
utility
directory
network
remote
rdiff-backup: Open Source Directory Backup Tool
rdiff-backup is an open source utility that backs up one directory to another, storing incremental differences instead of full file copies to save space. It supports remoting backups over a network.
What is Rdiff-backup?
rdiff-backup is an open source backup software used to create incremental backups. It works by calculating the difference between the source directory and the directory from the previous backup. Only changes are transferred and stored, instead of full file copies, which saves storage space on the backup destination.
Some key features of rdiff-backup include:
- Space efficient incremental backups using the rsync algorithm
- Preserves symlinks, permissions, timestamps, ownership of files in the backups
- Backup data can be accessed directly without restoring
- Integrity checks using hashes to ensure consistency of backups
- Compression of backup data to further reduce size
- Backup over a network to remote servers
- Automated scheduled backups
- Maintains a history of increments so multiple restore points are available
rdiff-backup is available on Linux and Mac systems. Typical uses include local disk-to-disk backups, remote backups to a storage server, and automated regular backups of important files. While convenient and space saving, the incremental nature and complexity make catastrophic failures difficult to fully recover from.
Rdiff-backup Features
Features
- Incremental backup utility
- Preserves different versions of files
- Supports backing up to remote servers over SSH
- Preserves file permissions, ownerships, and timestamps
- Compression of backup data
- Encryption of backup data
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Space efficient incremental backups
Easy to set up and use
Cross-platform support
Open source with community support
Flexible backup configurations
Cons
Slower than full file copy backups
No graphical user interface
Steep learning curve for advanced features
Limited reporting capabilities
No built-in backup catalog
Official Links
The Best Rdiff-backup Alternatives
Top Backup & Sync and Incremental Backup and other similar apps like Rdiff-backup
Here are some alternatives to Rdiff-backup:
Suggest an alternative ❐
Macrium Reflect
Macrium Reflect is a disk imaging and cloning utility for Windows designed for backup and disaster recovery. It creates full system images that can be restored at a later time to recover a corrupted or failing system. Images can also be used to migrate an existing Windows installation to new...
Rsync
rsync is an open source software application for Unix-like systems that synchronizes files and directories from one location to another while minimizing data transfer using delta encoding when appropriate. It is typically used for copying and synchronizing files across systems or network locations.Some key features of rsync include:Fast incremental file...
Time Machine
Time Machine is a backup software application included with macOS, developed by Apple Inc. It provides hourly, daily, and weekly full-system backups onto a secondary internal or external storage device, such as an external hard drive or network-attached storage.Time Machine creates incremental backups, meaning it only backs up files that...
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office
Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office is a comprehensive personal data protection and cybersecurity solution designed for home users. It combines backup, antimalware protection, remote access tools, and disaster recovery capabilities into a single integrated product.Key features include:Full image and file backups for entire PC systems, including operating systems, installed programs,...
Duplicati
Duplicati is a free, open source backup software that securely stores encrypted, incremental, compressed backups on cloud storage services and remote file servers. It supports standard protocols like FTP, SSH, WebDAV and various backends like Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, Tahoe-LAFS and many others.Some key features of Duplicati...
Reboot Restore Rx
Reboot Restore Rx is a system restore and recovery software for Windows. It allows users to easily create restore points of their system, similar to Windows System Restore but with more flexibility and control. Some key features of Reboot Restore Rx:Create full system snapshots to rollback to in case of...
BorgBackup
BorgBackup is an open source deduplicating backup program suited for daily backups. It provides encrypted online backups that are compressed and deduplicate similar data across multiple backup runs. This makes BorgBackup efficient with storage space while still allowing users easy access to multiple backup versions.Some key features of BorgBackup include:Client-server...
TimeShift
TimeShift is an open source system restore utility for Linux operating systems. It works by taking incremental snapshots of the file system contents and storing them as backup versions. This allows users to restore their system to a previous working state in case there is ever data loss or system...
Systemback
Systemback is an open-source system restore and backup application designed for Linux operating systems. It provides an easy way for users to create complete system backups that can be used to restore their system to a previous state.Some key features of Systemback include:Intuitive graphical user interface for ease of useSystem...
Déjà Dup
Déjà Dup is a backup software included by default in GNOME desktop environments. It provides an easy way for users to backup their personal files and folders.Some key features of Déjà Dup include:User-friendly graphical interface to setup and restore backupsSupport for both local and cloud (e.g. Amazon S3, Rackspace) backup...
BackBlaze
BackBlaze is an online backup service launched in 2007 that focuses on offering unlimited cloud backup space and file restoration options for Windows and Mac users. It provides continuous, automatic backup of documents, photos, music, and other important files on your computer to secure BackBlaze data centers, allowing you to...
Duplicity
Duplicity is an open source backup application designed for encrypted, incremental backup. Some key features of Duplicity include:Supports a variety of backends for storage including local, remote, cloud servers, etc.Incremental backups for efficiency - only changed data is backed up after the initial backupStrong encryption using GnuPG ensures backup files...
Wioski
Wioski is an open-source website builder designed to make website creation easy for everyone. With its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, anyone can create a stunning website in minutes without needing to know how to code.Some key features of Wioski include:Intuitive visual editor - Simply drag and drop text, images, videos and...
ToolWiz Time Machine
ToolWiz Time Machine is a powerful yet easy-to-use system restore and backup utility for Windows. It enables users to create periodic system restore points that allow reverting the system to a previous working state in case of system problems or instability.Key features include:Creating manual and automated system restore pointsRestoring the...
Returnil
Returnil is a virtualization software designed to leave no trace of user activity on a Windows computer. It creates a virtual partition that acts as a temporary operating system overlay where programs can be installed or the internet browsed anonymously. Once Returnil is exited, all changes made within the virtual...
Rsnapshot
Rsnapshot is an open-source backup utility for Linux operating systems that provides incremental backup functionality using rsync. It is designed to make it easy to maintain a backup of a remote system by only transferring the changes that have occurred since the last backup.Some key features of Rsnapshot include:Incremental backups...
Backup Maker
Backup Maker is a free, easy-to-use backup software for Windows. It allows users to back up their files and folders to various destinations including external hard drives, network drives, CD/DVDs, and cloud storage services.Some key features of Backup Maker include:Intuitive interface - The software has a clean and simple interface...
HDclone
HDclone is a hard disk drive cloning and backup utility for Windows. It allows users to quickly clone or make exact copies of hard drives or partitions, and save them as disk images. Some key features of HDclone include:Cloning hard drives or partitions bit-for-bit to another driveSupport for cloning larger...
CrashPlan
CrashPlan is a cross-platform online backup software application originally created by Code42 Software. It allows users to securely back up their files to Code42's cloud storage or onto a friend's computer over the internet for free. CrashPlan also offers paid plans with unlimited backup space and file versioning.Some key features...
Windows File History
Windows File History is a built-in backup feature introduced in Windows 8 and included in all later versions of Windows. It allows users to automatically backup their personal files to an external hard drive or shared network folder.File History takes incremental backups of files in libraries, desktop, contacts, favorites, and...
Carbonite
Carbonite is one of the leading cloud backup services designed for individuals and small businesses. It offers unlimited backup capacity and flexible plans to securely back up important files online.Key features of Carbonite include:Unlimited backup space for PCs, Macs, and mobile devicesAutomatic and continuous backup of files, photos, music, videos...
FarStone RestoreIT
FarStone RestoreIt is a comprehensive backup and recovery solution for Windows PCs. With its intuitive interface and reliable engine, RestoreIt makes it easy to protect your system, files, and applications.Key features include:Full system backup - Back up entire disks or selected partitions to ensure a complete system recovery.File and folder...
Restic
Restic is an open-source backup program that focuses on security and efficiency. It supports incremental backups, encryption, and deduplication to save storage space and bandwidth. Some key features of Restic include:Encryption - All data is encrypted with AES-256 before uploading it to the backup destination. The encryption keys are only...
Seagate DiskWizard
Seagate DiskWizard is a storage device management utility created by hard drive manufacturer Seagate Technology. It is designed to help users manage, maintain, and optimize Seagate branded internal and external hard drives and solid state drives.Key features of Seagate DiskWizard include:Drive health monitoring - Check drive health status, scan for...
XXClone
XXClone is an open source disk cloning and backup utility for Linux operating systems. It provides an easy way to make an exact copy of a hard drive partition or entire disk drive and save it as a disk image file. This disk image can then be stored as a...
Drive SnapShot
Drive SnapShot is a powerful yet easy-to-use backup solution designed specifically for Google Drive. It enables users to back up their important Google Drive files and folders either locally to their computer or to another cloud storage provider like Dropbox or OneDrive.Some key features of Drive SnapShot include:Scheduled backups -...
Genie Timeline
Genie Timeline is a user-friendly and customizable backup software for Windows. It makes it easy for users of all levels to set up reliable backups that protect important personal data against loss due to hardware failures, viruses, accidental deletions, software problems, natural disasters, and other threats.Some key features of Genie...
SmartSync Pro
SmartSync Pro is a versatile file synchronization and backup software application for Windows. It provides an easy way to sync files across multiple computers and devices, while also maintaining redundant backups.Some key features of SmartSync Pro:Real-time syncing of files and folders between Windows PCs over local networks and the internetSupports...
SnapRunner
SnapRunner is an open-source test automation platform designed for testing web and mobile applications. It provides an intuitive interface to set up and run automated tests without needing to write code.Some key capabilities and benefits of SnapRunner include:Cross-browser testing - Tests can be run across different browsers and browser versions...
Parachute
Parachute is a cloud-based project management and tracking software application designed specifically for agile development teams. It provides a suite of tools to help plan, organize, track, and monitor both long-term projects and short-term tasks with a focus on real-time transparency and seamless collaboration.Key features of Parachute include customizable Kanban-style...
Comodo Time Machine
Comodo Time Machine is a free system restore and backup software application for Windows. It provides users with an easy way to protect their systems by taking incremental snapshots of the state of their computer. These snapshots can then be used to revert their system back to a previous state...
Cronopete
Cronopete is an open-source backup software application designed specifically for macOS. It enables users to easily perform incremental backups of their files and folders to external hard drives, network storage locations, or online backup services.Some key features of Cronopete include:Space-efficient incremental backups using hard links which don't duplicate file dataCustomizable...
HDClone Free Edition
HDClone Free Edition is a free hard drive cloning and backup utility for Windows. It provides an easy way to duplicate hard drives and partitions to other drives or image files. Some key features include:Cloning hard drives and partitions to new larger or smaller drivesBacking up drives and partitions to...
Zinstall Backup
Zinstall Backup is a comprehensive whole-computer backup software designed to create full system images of Windows computers. With Zinstall Backup, users can back up an entire computer system including the operating system, installed software applications and programs, system settings, drivers, files, folders, and more.Some key features of Zinstall Backup include:Full...
FlyBack
FlyBack is an open-source backup and restore application for Linux operating systems. It provides an intuitive graphical user interface that makes it easy to configure and execute backups. Some key features of FlyBack include:Support for backing up files and folders locally or to cloud storage services like Google Drive or...
Mevvo
Mevvo is a cloud-based video conferencing and online collaboration platform used by teams to conduct meetings, webinars, presentations, and team collaboration sessions virtually. It allows up to 50 participants to join a HD video meeting with features like screen sharing, recording, chat, calendar integrations, and more.Some key features of Mevvo...
Dmailer Backup
Dmailer Backup is a backup software designed for simplicity and automation. It provides users with an intuitive way to set up scheduled backups of important files and folders to various destinations including external drives, network locations, and cloud services.Some key features of Dmailer Backup include:Easy setup of automatic backups using...
Obnam
Obnam is an open-source backup program that supports incremental backups. It can back up data to local storage, remote servers via SSH/SFTP, or various cloud storage services.Some key features of Obnam include:Supports incremental backups to save space and timeClient-side encryption for securityDeduplication across backup generationsCommand line interface for scripting and...
Get Backup
Get Backup is a user-friendly yet powerful backup software designed specifically for Windows computers. It makes backing up your important files quick and easy.With Get Backup, you can:Back up files and folders to any internal, external or network drive.Schedule automatic backups daily, weekly or monthly.Compress backups to save disk space...
MyDataSync
myDataSync is a user-friendly file synchronization and backup software designed specifically for Windows. It provides an easy way to synchronize files across multiple PCs and external drives, ensuring your files are always up-to-date and backed up.With flexible sync options, myDataSync can do one-way or two-way sync for files and folders....
Time Drive
Time Drive is a comprehensive time tracking and productivity platform designed to help individuals and teams better understand where their time is being spent. With powerful time tracking features, users can automatically track time or manually start timers to capture activity across projects, tasks, and other custom categories.Key features of...
AnyBackup
AnyBackup is a user-friendly Windows backup program designed to protect your personal data by regularly creating backups. It enables you to easily backup files, folders, drives, system state to external USB drives, network Drives and FTP servers.Key features include:Backs up Outlook emails, contacts and other dataFlexible auto-backup options - schedule...
IGoUSB
iGoUSB is a software program designed to help users easily transport and access files between different devices. It works by allowing you to store your important computer files, documents, photos, music, videos, and more onto any USB flash drive.Once the files are loaded onto the USB drive via iGoUSB, you...
SquirrelSave
SquirrelSave is a free, open-source password manager software used to store, generate, and manage passwords and other sensitive information securely. It utilizes the industry-standard AES-256 bit encryption to protect user data, ensuring it remains confidential and inaccessible without the master password.Some key features of SquirrelSave include:User-friendly interface - Logins can...
CascadePoint
CascadePoint is a cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management software solution designed specifically for manufacturers and distributors. It aims to help these businesses optimize their operations through process automation and real-time visibility across the organization.Key features of CascadePoint include:Financial management - General ledger, accounts payable/receivable, cash management,...
SysFreezer
SysFreezer is a system management and system freeze utility software for Windows. It allows administrators and power users to easily freeze, snapshot, and restore their Windows system configuration for backup, software testing, or rollback purposes.Some key features of SysFreezer include:Freezing the system state - This locks down the current configuration...
Bup
Bup is an open-source backup software developed originally by Avery Pennarun. It uses a rolling checksum algorithm and hardlinking similar to Rsync to save on storage space when backing up multiple versions of files.Some key features and capabilities of bup include:Space efficient storage using hardlinking and global compression across backup...
Oops! Backup
Oops! Backup is a user-friendly and versatile Windows backup software used to protect personal data by regularly creating backups. It enables scheduling automatic backups to various destinations like external hard drives, DVDs, NAS devices, FTP servers, etc. for backup redundancy.Key features of Oops! Backup include full, incremental and differential backups,...
Poppins
Poppins is a user-friendly website builder designed to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and anyone else create custom website without needing to code. It features an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that allows you to easily add and style content blocks like text, images, galleries, buttons, and more.With a library of...
