BackupPC

BackupPC is free, open-source software that backs up Linux, Windows, and macOS computers to a server’s disk. It is best suited to administrators protecting files across computers that may connect intermittently. Its shared storage and scheduling make it a practical server-based option, but it cannot recreate a failed disk exactly.

Overview

BackupPC centralizes computer backups on a server, with settings available globally or for individual PCs. Administrators can use its web interface to review logs, configuration, and status; users can start or cancel backups and browse or restore files. That division works well in a managed environment, but the server-centered setup is a poor fit for someone seeking a hands-off, standalone backup app.

The project distributes BackupPC under the GPL license. Its home page lists version 4.4.0, released June 20, 2020, as the latest release. Support is organized through announcement, user-support, and developer mailing lists.

Key features

• Deduplication and optional compression: Identical files across backups are stored once, reducing disk use and disk I/O. Optional compression can save more space, and only new files need compression. This is useful when computers share or repeat substantial amounts of data.
• Multiple backup methods: Client-side software is not required. The documentation covers SMB, rsync, tar, and FTP, giving administrators several ways to connect computers to the backup server. The trade-off is that setup depends on choosing and configuring an appropriate method rather than installing a dedicated client.
• Scheduled backups and restore choices: Administrators can configure parallel backups, full and incremental schedules, and settings at the system or individual-PC level. Files can be restored directly or downloaded in ZIP or tar archives. These file-level options suit routine recovery of documents, but not full-disk recovery.
• Intermittent-computer support: BackupPC accommodates laptops that connect sporadically and have dynamic IP addresses. Configurable email reminders can alert users when their computer has not been backed up recently, helping reduce gaps in coverage.
• Digest caveat: Backup files use full-file MD5 digests, but the documentation notes that MD5 collisions remain possible. This is a specific limitation to weigh when evaluating the integrity safeguards.

Pricing

BackupPC is free: its BackupPC plan costs nothing and is open-source backup software for backing PCs and laptops up to a server’s disk. There is no paid tier described, so the main cost consideration is operating the server and its storage rather than buying a software plan.

Platforms

BackupPC supports Linux, Windows, and macOS computers, with a web interface for administrators and users. It backs up files to a server’s disk and offers file-level restores; it does not provide mobile backup or exact disk re-imaging. Choose it for computer-file protection, not as a phone backup or bare-metal recovery system.

Who it's for

BackupPC is a strong fit for technically capable administrators who want centralized backups for a mix of desktop and laptop computers, especially when machines come and go from the network. Deduplication, optional compression, and configurable schedules make shared server storage more efficient. It is less suitable for individuals who want a managed cloud destination, a simple client-led setup, or an image that can restore a failed disk exactly.

Pros and cons

• Pro — Shared storage is used efficiently: Deduplication stores identical files once across backups, while optional compression can further reduce storage use.
• Pro — Flexible deployment: No client software is required, and the documented SMB, rsync, tar, and FTP methods give administrators several connection options.
• Pro — Good coverage for roaming laptops: Intermittent connections and dynamic IP addresses are supported, with reminders available for computers that have gone too long without a backup.
• Con — No exact disk recovery: BackupPC is designed for files, not re-imaging a failed disk, so it cannot replace an image-based recovery tool.
• Con — Administration is part of the proposition: Backups are stored on a server and configured through system or PC settings, making it less appropriate for people who do not want to manage a backup server.
• Con — MD5 collisions remain possible: The documented digest approach has a known collision caveat, which may matter to readers with strict integrity requirements.

Alternatives

If you want a different approach, consider IDrive for its freemium plan structure, free plan, and support for mobile as well as computer platforms. Duplicati offers a free tier that monitors up to two machines and shows the last 200 backups, which is a clearer fit for a small setup that values those caps. Synology Photos is a free option when the requirement is specifically photo management and a Synology NAS is available. Duplicacy is worth considering if a personal license is preferable; its first-year license is $20 a year for one home computer, followed by $5 a year in subsequent years. Kopia is another free, open-source backup and restore option, though storage must be provisioned and paid for separately.

BorgBackup is a free and open-source alternative under the BSD license. MSP360 Backup has a free personal workstation plan with file- and image-based backup and forum support, making it a candidate for readers who need image backups. Bareos offers a free community edition with public repository access and complete source code. For more options, browse NAS Backup Software or Backup software.

Verdict

Choose BackupPC if you can administer a server and want free, scheduled file backups for Linux, Windows, or macOS computers, with efficient shared storage and support for laptops that connect intermittently. Its central advantage is flexible, deduplicated server storage without requiring client-side software. Look elsewhere if you need exact disk imaging, mobile backups, or a setup that does not depend on server administration.