Fast and easy backups with Restic and Jarg
Restoring Data
The restore
parameter is used to restore data from the backup. First determine the ID number of the snapshot you need (Listing 3, line 1), and then initiate the restore (line 2). You can also specify a new folder that does not yet exist as the target path for the restore. If the target directory does not yet exist, Restic will create it automatically without further prompting.
Listing 3
Restoring Data
01 $ restic -r /path_to_repository snapshots 02 $ restic -r /path_to_repository restore -t /path_to_restore ID_number
Graphical Front Ends
Restic has several graphical front ends, but some are no longer under active development or are only sporadically maintained. Jarg is one of the sporadically maintained options. The last Jarg update was in September 2021. The name Jarg is an acronym for Just Another Restic GUI.
The Jarg front end covers the basic functionality of Restic and is available for download exclusively in source code or as an AppImage for 64-bit systems. Jarg has not yet found its way into the package sources of the common distributions.
After downloading the Jarg AppImage file, first grant it execution permission with the command:
chmod +x Jarg.0.2.0.AppImage
Then call the Jarg front end by typing the following at the prompt:
./Jarg.0.2.0.AppImage
The main window shows some information about the profile and four buttons for operation (Figure 3). Clicking on the pencil icon opens a small settings menu. The settings window is where you specify the path to the repository for the backups, the directories you wish to back up, and the matching password. The repository can be on the local system, or it can reside on a remote server.
Save the settings by pressing the Save button, and click Initialize. Then trigger the backup by pressing the Backup button. Jarg displays Restic's runtime messages on the right side of the gray window segment (Figure 4). The messages help you identify errors immediately so you can modify the profile accordingly.
Clicking on the List button brings up a list of existing snapshots, including their ID numbers, so you can easily reconstruct the datasets using the Restore dialog.
Profiles
You can create additional profiles for different backup tasks by clicking default in the configuration dialog. Choose the new entry in the selection menu. Then specify a name for the new profile in the name field, fill out the paths and password fields, and save the new profile. After that, you can select the profile whenever you run the program.
« Previous 1 2 3 Next »
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
So Long Neofetch and Thanks for the Info
Today is a day that every Linux user who enjoys bragging about their system(s) will mourn, as Neofetch has come to an end.
-
Ubuntu 24.04 Comes with a “Flaw"
If you're thinking you might want to upgrade from your current Ubuntu release to the latest, there's something you might want to consider before doing so.
-
Canonical Releases Ubuntu 24.04
After a brief pause because of the XZ vulnerability, Ubuntu 24.04 is now available for install.
-
Linux Servers Targeted by Akira Ransomware
A group of bad actors who have already extorted $42 million have their sights set on the Linux platform.
-
TUXEDO Computers Unveils Linux Laptop Featuring AMD Ryzen CPU
This latest release is the first laptop to include the new CPU from Ryzen and Linux preinstalled.
-
XZ Gets the All-Clear
The back door xz vulnerability has been officially reverted for Fedora 40 and versions 38 and 39 were never affected.
-
Canonical Collaborates with Qualcomm on New Venture
This new joint effort is geared toward bringing Ubuntu and Ubuntu Core to Qualcomm-powered devices.
-
Kodi 21.0 Open-Source Entertainment Hub Released
After a year of development, the award-winning Kodi cross-platform, media center software is now available with many new additions and improvements.
-
Linux Usage Increases in Two Key Areas
If market share is your thing, you'll be happy to know that Linux is on the rise in two areas that, if they keep climbing, could have serious meaning for Linux's future.
-
Vulnerability Discovered in xz Libraries
An urgent alert for Fedora 40 has been posted and users should pay attention.