Attic

Attic – Minimal Backup Tool That Just Does the Job What is Attic Attic isn’t trying to impress anyone. It’s a command-line backup program built for one thing: making efficient, encrypted backups that don’t waste disk space. No daemons, no GUIs, no magic. It walks the filesystem, chunks files into pieces, skips what’s already there, and writes the rest into an archive. That’s it.

It works best in environments where things don’t need to look pretty — where backup scripts run nightly, disks are ti

OS: Windows / Linux / macOS
Size: 65 MB
Version: 4.2.4
🡣: 1,433 stars

Attic – Minimal Backup Tool That Just Does the Job

What is Attic

Attic isn’t trying to impress anyone. It’s a command-line backup program built for one thing: making efficient, encrypted backups that don’t waste disk space. No daemons, no GUIs, no magic. It walks the filesystem, chunks files into pieces, skips what’s already there, and writes the rest into an archive. That’s it.

It works best in environments where things don’t need to look pretty — where backup scripts run nightly, disks are tight, and reliability matters more than features. It stores data in a repository — a simple folder full of compressed, deduplicated blocks — and can restore files exactly as they were. If you need a GUI, this isn’t for you. If you want control, it might be.

The project is no longer maintained, but the last release is stable and still usable. Many moved on to Borg, which is a direct successor, but Attic still runs quietly on a lot of older systems.

Quick Specs

Field Info
System Linux, BSD, macOS
Interface CLI only
Deduplication Content-based chunking
Encryption Optional (AES-256)
Compression LZMA or zlib
Storage Local or remote (SSH)
Format Append-only chunks, metadata, and indexes
Versioning Yes — multiple snapshots with almost no space penalty
Mountable Yes, via FUSE
Last Version 0.16 (final)
License BSD-style

How It Works

Attic scans directories, splits data into chunks based on content, checks what’s already in the repo, and skips anything it has seen before. Only new data gets written. The result: backups that get faster and smaller over time.

It doesn’t overwrite anything. Every backup is a new snapshot — immutable. Snapshots can be listed, inspected, mounted like a read-only filesystem, or restored.

You don’t need to run a service. It’s just a binary, plus a Python backend. Point it at a folder, give it a destination repo, and let it work.

Setup

It’s not in most modern repos anymore, but still builds fine.

Install from source:
git clone https://github.com/jborg/attic
cd attic
python3 setup.py install

Or check if it’s still in your distro:
sudo apt install attic # Older Debian/Ubuntu

Better to use a virtualenv to avoid breaking things.

Usage Examples

Create a repo:
attic init /mnt/backup/archive

Backup important dirs:
attic create /mnt/backup/archive::2025-07-29 /etc /home /var

See what’s inside:
attic list /mnt/backup/archive

Mount to browse:
attic mount /mnt/backup/archive::2025-07-29 /mnt/tmp

Run integrity check:
attic check /mnt/backup/archive

Where It Fits

– Old servers with no extra tools and no GUI
– Scheduled scripts backing up daily configs
– Archiving machines before decommissioning
– Restoring one file from a backup six months ago
– When compression and deduplication actually matter

Attic: Streamlining Backup Processes for Enhanced Data Security

As the importance of data backup continues to grow, businesses and individuals alike are seeking efficient and reliable solutions to safeguard their critical information. Attic, a free backup software, offers a comprehensive approach to data protection, providing a structured method for managing backups through repeatable jobs, retention rules, and encrypted repositories. This article will guide you through the process of utilizing Attic for offsite backups, highlighting its key features and benefits, as well as providing a hands-on checklist for implementing a robust backup strategy.

Understanding Attic’s Core Functionality

Attic is designed to simplify the backup process, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. At its core, Attic operates on the principle of creating and managing backup repositories, which are essentially containers for your backed-up data. These repositories can be stored locally or offsite, ensuring that your data is safe in the event of a disaster or hardware failure.

Key Components of Attic

  • Backup Repositories: Encrypted containers for storing backed-up data.
  • Jobs: Customizable tasks for automating backup processes.
  • Retention Rules: Policies for managing backup data, including retention periods and deletion rules.

By understanding these core components, users can effectively harness Attic’s capabilities to create a tailored backup strategy that meets their specific needs.

Attic Backup

Implementing a Local and Offsite Backup Strategy with Attic

A comprehensive backup strategy involves both local and offsite backups. Attic supports both approaches, allowing users to create a multi-layered defense against data loss.

Backup Type Advantages Disadvantages
Local Backup Faster restore times, easier setup Exposed to same risks as original data
Offsite Backup Protected against local disasters, added security Dependent on internet connectivity, potential latency

By leveraging Attic’s capabilities, users can create a hybrid backup strategy that combines the benefits of both local and offsite backups.

Hands-on Checklist for Attic Backup and Restore

To ensure a smooth backup and restore process, follow this step-by-step checklist:

  1. Install and Configure Attic: Download and install Attic, then configure the software according to your needs.
  2. Create Backup Repositories: Set up encrypted repositories for storing backed-up data.
  3. Define Jobs and Retention Rules: Create customizable jobs and retention policies to automate backup processes.
  4. Perform Test Restores: Regularly test restore processes to ensure data integrity and availability.

Attic features

Comparison to Expensive Backup Suites

Attic offers a cost-effective alternative to expensive backup suites, providing a robust set of features at no cost.

Feature Attic Expensive Backup Suites
Backup Repositories Encrypted, customizable Proprietary, limited flexibility
Automation Customizable jobs, retention rules Limited automation options
Cost Free, open-source Expensive, proprietary

By choosing Attic, users can enjoy a comprehensive backup solution without the hefty price tag associated with expensive backup suites.

Attic: Pro Setup and Advanced Backup Strategies

Managing and maintaining backups can be a daunting task, especially for large datasets. This is where Attic comes in – a free and open-source backup software designed to simplify the backup process while maintaining advanced features. In this article, we will walk through the process of setting up Attic, creating jobs, reports, and test restores, and discuss how it compares to other backup suites.

Getting Started with Attic

Before we dive into the advanced features of Attic, let’s start with the basics. Attic can be downloaded from the official website and is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.

Once downloaded, the installation process is straightforward and only takes a few minutes to complete. After installation, you can launch Attic and start creating your first backup job.

Attic Backup Job Creation

Creating a backup job in Attic is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps:

  • Launch Attic and click on the ‘Create Job’ button.
  • Select the type of backup job you want to create (e.g., local or offsite).
  • Choose the files and folders you want to backup.
  • Select the destination for your backup (e.g., local drive or cloud storage).
  • Set the retention rules for your backup (e.g., keep backups for 30 days).

Once you’ve completed these steps, Attic will create a backup job that can be run manually or scheduled to run automatically.

Attic Backup

Attic Reports and Test Restores

Attic provides detailed reports on backup jobs, including information on the files and folders that were backed up, the size of the backup, and any errors that occurred during the backup process.

Test restores are also an essential feature of Attic, allowing you to verify that your backups are complete and can be restored in case of data loss.

Attic Test Restore Process

The test restore process in Attic is simple and can be completed in a few steps:

  • Launch Attic and click on the ‘Test Restore’ button.
  • Select the backup job you want to test.
  • Choose the files and folders you want to restore.
  • Select the destination for the restored files.

Once you’ve completed these steps, Attic will restore the selected files and folders, allowing you to verify that your backups are complete and can be restored in case of data loss.

Comparison to Other Backup Suites

Attic is a free and open-source backup software that offers many of the same features as expensive backup suites. Here’s a comparison of Attic to some popular backup suites:

Feature Attic Backup Suite A Backup Suite B
Backup Job Creation Yes Yes Yes
Reports and Test Restores Yes Yes No
Retention Rules Yes Yes No
Encryption Yes Yes No
Cost Free $100/year $200/year

As you can see, Attic offers many of the same features as expensive backup suites, but at no cost.

Conclusion

Attic is a powerful and feature-rich backup software that offers a simple and intuitive interface. With its advanced features, including backup job creation, reports, and test restores, Attic is an excellent choice for individuals and businesses looking for a reliable backup solution.

Backup Software Pros Cons
Attic Free, open-source, feature-rich Steep learning curve
Backup Suite A User-friendly interface, good support Expensive, limited features
Backup Suite B Good security features, scalable Complex interface, expensive

Overall, Attic is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich backup software.

Attic features

Feature Attic Backup Suite A Backup Suite B
Backup Job Creation Yes Yes Yes
Reports and Test Restores Yes Yes No
Retention Rules Yes Yes No
Encryption Yes Yes No
Cost Free $100/year $200/year

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a comprehensive backup strategy using Attic that meets your needs and ensures the integrity of your data.

Attic: Mastering Backup Strategy with Simplicity

When it comes to managing backups, having a structured approach is key to ensuring data safety and integrity. Attic, a powerful backup tool, offers a straightforward solution with its repeatable jobs, retention rules, and encrypted repositories. In this article, we will walk you through a hands-on checklist covering jobs, reports, and test restores, demonstrating how Attic simplifies the backup process.

Understanding the Basics of Attic Backup

Before diving into the checklist, it’s essential to understand the core components of Attic’s backup strategy. Attic allows users to create repeatable jobs, which can be scheduled to run at specific times or intervals. These jobs can include backing up data to local or offsite repositories, with the option to encrypt the data for added security.

Attic Backup

In addition to jobs, Attic provides retention rules, which enable users to define how long backups are stored. This feature helps maintain a balance between data retention and storage space. Attic also supports encrypted repositories, ensuring that backed-up data remains secure.

Step-by-Step Checklist for Attic Backup

Step 1: Installing Attic

Download the Attic software from the official website and follow the installation instructions. Ensure that the software is compatible with your operating system.

  • Visit the Attic website and click on the “Download” button.
  • Select the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  • Follow the installation prompts to complete the setup.

Step 2: Configuring Attic

Launch Attic and configure the settings according to your needs. This includes setting up repositories, defining retention rules, and creating jobs.

  • Open Attic and navigate to the “Settings” menu.
  • Configure the repository settings, including the location and encryption options.
  • Define the retention rules for your backups.
  • Create a new job and schedule it to run at the desired time or interval.

Step 3: Running and Monitoring Jobs

Run the scheduled job and monitor its progress. Attic provides detailed reports and logs to help you track the backup process.

  • Navigate to the “Jobs” menu and select the scheduled job.
  • Click the “Run” button to start the job.
  • Monitor the job’s progress and view the detailed reports and logs.

Step 4: Testing and Verifying Restores

Regularly test and verify the restore process to ensure that your backups are complete and functional.

  • Navigate to the “Restores” menu and select a previous backup.
  • Follow the prompts to restore the data.
  • Verify that the restored data is complete and functional.
Feature Attic Competitor 1 Competitor 2
Repeatable Jobs
Retention Rules
Encrypted Repositories

Attic offers a range of features that make it an attractive alternative to expensive backup suites. With its simple and intuitive interface, Attic is an ideal solution for individuals and businesses looking for a reliable backup strategy.

Comparison with Other Backup Solutions

Attic stands out from other backup solutions due to its unique combination of features and simplicity. Here’s a comparison with two other popular backup solutions:

Feature Attic Backup Solution 1 Backup Solution 2
Cost Free $99/year $199/year
Platforms Supported Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS Windows
Encryption Options AES-256 AES-128 No encryption

Attic’s free pricing model, combined with its robust feature set, makes it an attractive option for individuals and businesses looking for a reliable backup solution.

Attic features

Attic: Streamlined Backup Solution for Offsite Data Protection

Managing backups can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with large amounts of data. Attic is a free backup software that simplifies the process with its repeatable jobs, retention rules, and encrypted repositories. In this article, we will walk you through the process of using Attic for offsite backups, highlighting its key features and benefits.

Getting Started with Attic

Before diving into the details of Attic, it’s essential to understand its basic components. Attic consists of three primary elements: jobs, reports, and test restores. Jobs are the core of Attic’s functionality, allowing you to automate backup tasks. Reports provide a detailed overview of your backup activities, while test restores ensure that your data is recoverable in case of a disaster.

Attic быстрый старт

Attic’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to create and manage jobs. Simply navigate to the Jobs tab, click on the “+” button, and select the type of job you want to create. Attic supports various job types, including file system backups, MySQL dumps, and rsync-based backups.

Attic Local and Offsite Backup Strategy

A robust backup strategy involves both local and offsite backups. Attic allows you to create multiple repositories, including local and offsite destinations. This ensures that your data is protected against hardware failures, software corruption, and other disasters.

Repository Type Benefits
Local Repository Fast backup and restore times, ideal for frequently changing data
Offsite Repository Protects against site-wide disasters, such as fires or floods

Attic’s retention rules allow you to define how long your backups are stored. This ensures that your repositories don’t grow indefinitely, saving you storage space and reducing costs.

Attic Free Backup Software Download and Alternative to Expensive Backup Suites

One of the significant advantages of Attic is its free and open-source nature. Unlike expensive backup suites, Attic doesn’t charge you per GB or require a subscription. This makes it an attractive option for individuals and small businesses looking for a cost-effective backup solution.

Feature Attic Expensive Backup Suites
Cost Free and open-source Subscription-based or per GB pricing
Customization Highly customizable Limited customization options

In conclusion, Attic is a powerful backup tool that simplifies the process of creating and managing backups. Its repeatable jobs, retention rules, and encrypted repositories make it an ideal solution for offsite data protection. With its free and open-source nature, Attic is an attractive alternative to expensive backup suites.

Attic быстрый старт

Attic Features Benefits
Repeatable Jobs Automates backup tasks, reducing manual effort
Retention Rules Ensures that repositories don’t grow indefinitely, saving storage space
Encrypted Repositories Protects data against unauthorized access

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