While most cloud backup services focus on offering support for Windows and Mac, there are many options that take Linux users into consideration. Linux is a popular platform among those who have advanced technical needs, but it is also a good option for anyone who wants a secure and flexible operating system. In the past, Linux was seen as a solution that presented some challenges for inexperienced users.
However, nowadays it is possible to find versions of this platform that make things simple. Linux is widely used and it is crucial for many online services and telecommunications. Since Linux users also have a lot of data that needs to be protected to avoid loss, it is good to see that there are high quality services that suit this platform. Here are the most effective cloud backup solutions for Linux.
SpiderOak
SpiderOak is probably the strongest solution in terms of security and privacy. The service boasts a zero-knowledge policy that states that they don’t have access to your backups. SpiderOak doesn’t know what data you are backing up and they also offer private encryption. The service is compatible with a variety of Linux distros including Debian, Fedora and openSUSE. The installation process is simple, but you should keep in mind the system requirements to run SpiderOak on your Linux computer.
To start, the Glibc has to be at least 2.9 and the libc6 needs to be 2.11 or higher. SpiderOak offers 2GB of free storage when you sign up, but the offer only lasts for 60 days. Apart from offering high security, SpiderOak has other advantages, such as the fact that it can backup as many devices as needed. Additionally, file syncing and sharing are supported. The main downside is that the interface is not easy to use and there is no web app that allows you to access your backups. The prices are not exactly affordable, but if you are after a high level of privacy, SpiderOak would be a good investment.
AltDrive
AltDrive stands out for being a straightforward, powerful and easy to use backup and archiving solution. It provides unlimited storage, incremental backups and affordable prices. The installation process is relatively simple and Linux users shouldn’t have major issues installing the application. AltDrive features a GUI and while it is not a regular GUI, those who are used to Linux would be able to manage it without difficulties. During the installation process, you will be able to select the folders that you wish to backup and the backup schedule.
Once you have set up the backup job, AltDrive will run in the background so you can continue working on other tasks. You can restore individual files or an entire backup easily. In terms of security, AltDrive uses SSL for transfer and 256-bit AES encryption to protect the data. File syncing or file sharing are not supported and there is not unlimited file versioning. While the fact that there is no graphical interface can be an issue for some, overall AltDrive is a good option for users who have experience with Linux.
CrashPlan
CrashPlan is known for offering a great set of features including unlimited storage space, for an affordable price. You can backup any type of file and enjoy a high level of security and versatility. CrashPlan supports continuous backup. incremental backup, scheduling, unlimited file versioning and more. Linux users can access all the features available for Windows and Mac. CrashPlan provides all the information that you will need to install the software on a computer running Linux. It should be noted that the installation process, requires you to run the installation shell script. If your system doesn’t have Java, the desktop software will install Java’s Runtime Environment automatically.
Once the software is installed, open Terminal and enter the commands relevant to the version of CrashPlan that you want to use. Although CrashPlan is a solid option for Linux, there are a few downsides such as the fact that syncing/sharing is not supported and the lack of GUI installer, which means that you have to open Terminal to install CrashPlan. You won’t find an entry in the GNOME menu, but a shortcut will appear on the desktop. In spite of some hassle in the installation process, CrashPlan offers good performance and convenient prices that make it an option worth considering.
ADrive
Although ADrive doesn’t offer dedicated software for Linux, it has SFTP, FTP and WebDAV. With these options, it is possible to connect ADrive to Linux to backup their data. While the installation is slightly complicated, the interface is simple. After the full backup is completed, ADrive carries out incremental backups for any file that has been updated. They offer 50GB of free storage for 60 days, which gives you a chance to try the service and the paid plans are conveniently priced.
There are two options for file syncing. The first mode allows you to sync files across all devices. It also includes backup and a copy of the file is kept on the ADrive server, even if the file is deleted from a device. The second mode focuses on file syncing so if a file is deleted from one device, it will be completely deleted. ADrive only secures data during transmission using SSL.
pCloud
If you are looking for a cloud solution that can be installed easily, pCloud would be the right choice. Unlike CrashPlan, pCloud doesn’t rely on terminal commands for installation purposes. You just need to download the software and install it. However, it is important to note that pCloud only works with Ubuntu 32-bit and 64-bit and support for other Linux solutions, is not available. When you sign up for pCloud, you get 20GB of free storage space. pCloud’s interface is easy to use and it offers the same functionality available for Windows and Mac.
File sharing and syncing are supported, so you can access your data and edit it, no matter where you are. To protect your backups, pCloud uses encryption on the server side and locally. You can also get personal encryption by subscribing to the Crypto plan. While the price of the plans is high when compared to other options, pCloud offers hassle free installation, as well as sharing and syncing functionality. If you use Ubuntu, it is an option worth considering.
