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What GNU + Linux software could enable deep integration of backup, sync, and transfer; just as convenient and beginner-friendly (edit: and efficient) as what Apple provides? (lemmy.ca)
submitted 1 year ago by to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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For example, iOS has these features:

  • iCloud backup restore or peer-to-peer transfer, very early in the device setup process
  • Two ways for things to be stored in iCloud, each with a corresponding list of per-app (not per-folder) toggle switches in iCloud Settings
    • "Saved to iCloud" normal syncing
      • Requires apps to use the right APIs and to handle conflicting changes
      • Allows same data to be read and modified by multiple devices
    • iCloud backup
      • Available for all apps
      • Separate backup per device
      • Only downloaded when setting up a new device
      • In app sandboxes, only excludes tmp (Flatpak equivalent is somewhere in /run) and Library/Caches (equivalent to cache directory in Flatpak sandbox) by default
      • Allows apps to set isExcludedFromBackup attribute for specific files (useful for things that are easy to recreate via download but are expected by the user to not be automatically deleted)
      • Includes system configuration such as home screen layout
      • Backs up a list of installed apps without backing up their executables and assets
  • Synced list of previously installed apps, not separate per-device
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[–] 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Every system has its own processes. If you want Apple software and services use Apple. If you want Linux use Linux. Do not expect either to be like the other especilly at such a micro level.

As far as Linux and beginner friendly, buy a device with Linux preinstalled just like you do with Apple. As far as user setting and apps. Get a notebook and write them down, and avoid deep customizations. As far as backup get 3 USB drives and backup your home directory with rsync or one of the other solutions. As far as restore, have install media and just reinstall from scratch then layer in your configs and apps and then restore your home directory files. For file sync and app sync functions, Nextcloud is helpful and you can pay for a commercial host, set it up yourself, or use a product like Synology. You frankly could use Dropbox, Proton Drive, or one of the others also. But think carefully what is actually needed. Cloud stuff is heavily promoted by the big providers presumably for lockin reasons and to mine your data but it is not really needed for most things. Get to know your distros builtin emergency startup tools and have a live distro like the live install media available and know how to use them.

Linux is about options but for simple beginner like processes it is best to stick to the basics.

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