UrBackup: Centralized Image and File Backups with Minimal Fuss
What Is It?
UrBackup is a hybrid backup system that supports both full disk imaging and file-level backups, with a focus on central management and speed. It’s designed for networks where multiple clients — Windows or Linux — need to be backed up regularly to a central server, either over LAN or the internet.
Where many solutions force a choice between block-level and file-based workflows, UrBackup allows both, in parallel. It can run silently in the background, create snapshot-based disk images, and back up user files incrementally, all while being managed through a web-based interface. It’s particularly effective in SMB and departmental IT setups where GUI access and automation are both needed.
Capabilities
| Feature | Description |
| Full Disk Imaging | Bare-metal backups with Windows VSS integration |
| File-Level Backups | Incremental or full, supports inclusion/exclusion rules |
| Web-Based Management | Central dashboard with status, logs, scheduling |
| LAN and WAN Support | Works over local networks or via secure internet tunnels |
| Automatic Client Discovery | Detects and installs agents via the server GUI |
| Snapshot Support | Uses VSS on Windows and btrfs/zfs snapshots on Linux |
| Deduplication & Compression | Reduces storage overhead without compromising restore speed |
| Restore Portal | Self-service file restores via web or admin-initiated image recovery |
Deployment Notes
– Server component required: A dedicated UrBackup Server must be deployed on Linux or Windows.
– Clients are light: Windows client includes VSS handling; Linux client works as a system daemon.
– Optional internet mode: Enables offsite backup from remote endpoints without VPN.
– Minimal user interaction: After setup, clients run silently with scheduled jobs.
– Scales well: Suitable for dozens to hundreds of endpoints with decent storage backend.
Installation Guide (Ubuntu Server Example)
1. Install Server
sudo apt install urbackup-server
2. Access Web Interface
– Default: http://:55414
– Configure storage paths, retention policies, user access.
3. Install Clients
– Windows: MSI installer from urbackup.org
– Linux: via package manager or compile from source
4. Configure Backup Modes
– Enable file and/or image backups per client
– Schedule backup times and set throttling if needed
5. Perform First Backup
– Initial full image/file backup may take time; future runs are incremental
6. Test Restore
– File restore via browser; disk restore via bootable ISO recovery image
Usage Scenarios
– Central backup system for Windows workstations and Linux servers in small to mid-size networks
– Disk image creation for fast bare-metal recovery after hardware failure
– File versioning and recovery for teams storing documents on local PCs
– Offsite backups of remote endpoints without setting up VPN tunnels
– Scheduled automatic backups without requiring per-user setup