All in one backup solution with a GUI for Unraid

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Main requirements of any Unraid user are to design a backup with “set it and forget it” approach, requiring only occasional monitoring.

Important Considerations

  • Initial Setup: You will need to invest some time in configuring everything to achieve the “set and forget” functionality.
  • Multiple Applications: No single application will meet all your needs, but you can accomplish most tasks with just a few applications, all of which feature a user-friendly GUI.
  • Server Requirements: Ideally, you should have at least two Unraid servers or one Unraid server paired with a backup service like Backblaze or BorgBase.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Create Shares: Set up shares on your Unraid server. Store all personal files in these shares instead of on your Windows machine. Alternatively, you can sync your Windows folders to the Unraid shares (refer to step #2).

  2. Install Syncthing: Deploy the Syncthing Docker on Unraid server #1 and install it on all your devices (Windows and Android).

  3. Sync Folders: Select a folder on your devices (such as camera images, pictures, or documents) and sync it to a corresponding folder on Unraid.

  4. Set Up Vorta: Install Vorta on Unraid server #1 and create a backup repository for each share, or consolidate them into a single backup repository for multiple shares.

    • The backup repository should reside on your second Unraid server or an external backup service.
    • Repositories are encrypted and deduplicated for security and efficiency.

  5. Schedule Backups: Configure the backup to run daily at a specific time. This will ensure that any changes made throughout the day are captured.

    • Only the differences from previous backups are stored, keeping the repository size manageable.
    • You can restore files from any point in time using the recycle bin feature.

  6. Backup Docker Containers: Install the AppdataBackup plugin to back up your Docker containers and their configurations from steps #2 and #3.

Conclusion

Once you’ve completed these steps, any changes you make on your desktop or new photos taken on your phone will automatically sync to Unraid. Each night, all your files will be backed up seamlessly. Should you need to restore any data, you can do so whenever necessary.

For users seeking an all-in-one backup solution with a graphical user interface (GUI) for Unraid, several options stand out based on community recommendations and user experiences.

Recommended Backup Solutions

  1. Duplicati

    • Overview: Duplicati is a free, open-source backup software that supports various backends for storage, including local drives and cloud services. It offers strong encryption and deduplication features.
    • Key Features:
      • Zero Trust Security: Utilizes AES-256 encryption for data security.
      • User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive GUI that simplifies the backup process.
      • Automated Backups: Users can schedule backups at their convenience.
    • Community Feedback: Users have praised Duplicati for its reliability and ease of use, making it a top choice for many Unraid users[1][4].

  2. LuckyBackup

    • Overview: LuckyBackup is another popular option that leverages rsync for efficient backups while providing a straightforward GUI.
    • Key Features:
      • Scheduling and Automation: Allows users to set up cron jobs for regular backups.
      • Snapshot Support: Users can create snapshots of their data before backing up.
      • Simulation Mode: Offers a preview of what will be backed up without making any changes.
    • User Experience: Many users find it easy to configure and operate, making it suitable for both novice and experienced users[1][2][3].

  3. Duplicacy

    • Overview: Duplicacy is known for its efficient deduplication and cross-platform capabilities. It offers both a command-line interface (CLI) and a paid web GUI.
    • Key Features:
      • Incremental Backups: Supports incremental snapshots, which save space and time.
      • Multiple Storage Options: Can back up to various cloud services or local storage.
    • Community Insights: Users have reported good experiences with Duplicacy, particularly its web UI, which enhances usability compared to the CLI[5][6].

  4. UrBackup

    • Overview: While primarily designed for backing up client machines, UrBackup can also be configured to back up data from Unraid servers.
    • Key Features:
      • Client-Server Architecture: Allows backups from multiple clients to a central server.
      • File Versioning: Keeps multiple versions of files for easy recovery.
    • Considerations: Some users have noted challenges in configuring UrBackup specifically for Unraid data, making it less straightforward than other options[1].

Conclusion

For an all-in-one backup solution with a GUI on Unraid, Duplicati, LuckyBackup, and Duplicacy are highly recommended based on their features, community feedback, and ease of use. Each solution provides unique benefits tailored to different backup needs, from simple file backups to more complex configurations involving encryption and scheduling. Users should evaluate their specific requirements to choose the best fit for their backup strategy.

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