When you compare Windows and Ubuntu, you’ll see that Windows has many advantages over Ubuntu and maybe Ubuntu has few over Windows as well. But one feature that stands out is the ability to restore your machine to a previous state. Windows has had this feature going back to Windows XP and worked great at times and can save your a lot of time when you need to fix issues.
Ubuntu on the other hand don’t have it. You can’t just restore your machine to a previous state in Ubuntu. You may be able to restore individual files and folders but not the entire machine like what Windows does.
Well, thanks to TimeShift, you may just be able to restore your entire Ubuntu machine to a previous state like Windows. TimeShift may not give you all the benefits that you get in Windows, but it’s a step closer.
TimeShift is a open source application that provides the same function as Windows Restore in Windows or Time Machine in Mac OS X. It takes snapshots of you system at scheduled time that can be restore in the event you need to undo changes that were made after a snapshot.
To install TimeShift in Ubuntu, run the command below to add its PPA archive.
sudo apt-add-repository -y ppa:teejee2008/ppa
Next, run the commands below to update your system as well as install TimeShift.
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install timeshift
After installing it, go to Unity Dash and search for TimeShift. Next launch it and set your preferred settings. When it first launch it may take few minutes scanning your machine for available space and files to backup.
If you like the default settings, you can keep. To perform immediate backup, click the Backup button at on the menu. You’ll use the same apps to restore your machine in the event you need to.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I restore my Ubuntu machine to a previous state?
You can use the open source application TimeShift to take snapshots of your system at scheduled times and restore it to a previous state if needed.
Is there a way to revert changes in Ubuntu similar to Windows System Restore?
Yes, by installing TimeShift in Ubuntu, you can achieve a similar functionality to Windows System Restore by taking snapshots and restoring your system to a previous state.
What is TimeShift and how does it work in Ubuntu?
TimeShift is an open source application that takes snapshots of your Ubuntu system at scheduled times, allowing you to restore your machine to a previous state like Windows System Restore.
Can I use TimeShift to backup individual files and folders in Ubuntu?
TimeShift primarily focuses on taking snapshots of your entire system for system-wide restore. For backing up individual files and folders, you may need to use other backup solutions.
How do I install TimeShift in Ubuntu?
To install TimeShift in Ubuntu, you can run the command 'sudo apt-add-repository -y ppa:teejee2008/ppa' to add its PPA archive, then update your system and install TimeShift using 'sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install timeshift'.
What benefits does TimeShift offer compared to other backup solutions in Ubuntu?
TimeShift provides the ability to restore your entire Ubuntu machine to a previous state, similar to Windows System Restore, offering a convenient way to undo changes and fix issues efficiently.
Does TimeShift in Ubuntu require manual configuration for scheduled snapshots?
TimeShift automates the process of taking snapshots at scheduled times, but you can customize the settings to suit your preferences for backup frequency and retention.
Is TimeShift in Ubuntu a reliable tool for restoring system stability?
TimeShift is a reliable tool for restoring system stability in Ubuntu by allowing you to revert your machine to a previous state, making it easier to troubleshoot and fix issues effectively.
