How to backup ANY Linux distribution for FREE using BDRSuite

Linux is not immune to failure or malware infection. Therefore, it is recommended to back up the data from Linux to remote network location or storage. In this article, I will discuss the process of backing up Linux directly from a Windows system using BDSuite, an exceptionally robust backup solution suitable for any environment size.

For the purpose of demonstration, I will show you how to back up a user profile from Linux Ubuntu to a remote location. However, the procedure applies to all other Linux distributions as well.

Before proceeding to the next step, please ensure that you have installed BDSuite on your Windows or Windows Server from where you will be performing the backup of your data from Linux machines. You can find step-by-step instructions on how to do it in our article How to install BDRSuite on Windows and Windows Server.

Step 1: Add Linux Backup Repository

To begin, you’ll need to add a storage destination where you can back up data from your Linux machine.

1. Log in to your BDRSuite Web UI.
2. Click on Backup Server and then click Block Storage.

3. Click on Create New Block Storage Repository.

4. Add the repository name, repository type and select the volume for your backup and then click Create.

Step 2: Backup your Linux Ubuntu or any other distribution

Moving on to the second step, you will initiate the data backup process from your Linux Ubuntu machine. However, before proceeding, you need to configure your target Linux machine, set up the necessary credentials, and install the BBA agent.

1. Log in to your BDRSuite web UI.
2. Click on Backup > Configure Backup > Linux.
3. Create a backup job by adding the backup job name, and selecting the repository you created in Step 1. Optionally, you can also add a job description. Once done click Next::Select Hosts to backup.

4. Click Add Linux Machine to add target Linux machine you want to back up.

5. Add IP/FQDN and credentials and then click Save. You can set up the credentials by clicking on Add Credential.

6. Click OK, Proceed with adding the Linux machine, and install the agent on it.
7. Wai until the BBA agent is installed.

8. Now, navigate to the Backup menu and restart the process from Step 2. You will notice your target Linux machine is added. Select it and then click Next::Files/Folders Selection Processing.

9. Select the path to a file/folder and then click Add. In my case, I want to back up anything that is under my user profile. Once done, click Next: Host-Level Files/Folders Selection.

10. Click Next::Job-Level Exclusions.
11. Click Next::Schedule.
12. Select when you want to make an image backup, and then click Next:Settings. In my case, the backup happens daily at 8 PM.

13. Under Retention, keep the default setting and click Next::Encrpytion.

14. Enable Encryption and click Next::Advanced Settings.

15. Click Next::Review.

16. Review settings, select Run this backup job immediately after saving, and then click Save.

17. Click Save to confirm.
18. Check the backup status. As you can see, it is „In Progress“.

19. Open File Explorer and navigate to the location where you backed up your Linux data.

You successfully backed up your critical data to a safe location. Now, in case of any issues, you can easily access your data with a few clicks.

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