TimeShift is a system restore utility designed for Linux (Debian/Ubuntu). It offers functionality similar to the System Restore feature available in MS Windows and The Time Machine Tool which is for Mac OS. It is similar to applications like BackInTime, rsnapshot and TimeVault but with different aim. TimeShift takes snapshots of the system as user schedule, these snapshots can be restored later to undo all those changes that were made in the system after the snapshot was taken.

TimeShift application take snapshots using hard-links and rsync. Common files are shared between snapshots which saves disk space. Each snapshot is a full system backup that can be browsed with a file manager. It is designed to protect only system files and settings, user files are excluded such as Pictures, Videos, Audios, and Documents (You don't need to worry about your documents getting overwritten when you restore a previous snapshot). This ensures that your files remains unchanged when you restore your system to an earlier date.
TimeShift has got new great feature clone your system to another device. It allows you to completely clone your system to another machine and boot the same OS.

Features:
  • Minimal Setup: just install and use, Cron job can be enabled to automate the snapshots.
  • Save anywhere: Snapshots can be saved in any partition.
  • Boot Snapshots: Boot snapshots provide an additional level of backup.
  • Scheduled snapshots: Snapshots can be scheduled hourly, daily, weekly and monthly levels.
  • Better Snapshots and Rotation: TimeShift runs at regular intervals but takes snapshots only when needed.
  • Clone OS: It allows you to clone your OS to another machine and boot same OS.
  • System Restore: Snapshots can be restored either from the running system or from a live USB/CD (Required reboot after restore).
  • Excluded Files: TimeShift excludes user files such as Documents, Audio, Video, Pictures in order to save space and time.
  • Cross-Distribution Restore: You can use it for different distributions, for instance you are currently using Xubuntu and decide to try out Linux Mint. You install Linux Mint on your system and try it out for a week before deciding to go back to Xubuntu. Using TimeShift you can simply restore the last week's snapshot to get your Xubuntu system back. TimeShift will take care of things like reinstalling the bootloader and other details.

Screenshots
TimeShift TimeShift ubuntu

TimeShift TimeShift linux mint

system restore ubuntu TimeShift linux

>>>Available for Ubuntu 14.10 Utopic/14.04 Trusty/12.04 Precise/Linux Mint 17/13/other Ubuntu derivatives
To install TimeShift in Ubuntu/Linux Mint open Terminal (Press Ctrl+Alt+T) and copy the following commands in the Terminal:
That's it
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