How to setup a simple No-brainer 'TimeMachine' like backups for Raspbian

Question

Trying to create an experience as simple as the 'Time Machine' functionality for my RPi3 running Stretch.

I'd like to have a few options if possible.

1. Creating a backup to a sufficient capacity disk with incremental changes, as they are made in the system.
2. Possibly do this to a remote location on a NAS, or remote network location.
3. Have all this create an IMG file I can use later to restore the SD card if recovery is needed.
4. Being able to maintain backups of machine while it's running

The primary goal is simplicity and successful functionality.

I understand that system files will be changing all the time, and a lot, and it wouldn't be practical to be overwhelming the backup system to maintain these changes, so is there a practical way to maintain easy accessible backup of everything else?

I guess i am looking for successful backup stories to hopefully determine whats easiest and most worry free for my setup.

"Essentially I'd like to be able to custom config a system the way I like, then from there (or even while developing the better) create a backup that would be 'no-brainer' simple to recover if needed."

Answer 1

I use rsnapshot for incremental backups. It's extremely lightweight and can be controlled via the conf file and run using cron on a user controlled basis.

Here is a "How-to" post for the pi.

As far as imaging goes, have you thought of running a "dd" task in your crontab to set up something? I prefer to simply use rsnapshot to backup: /home /etc /var/www

Everything else can be reinstalled with a fresh image imho.