How To Install UrBackup on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

UrBackup stands out as a versatile backup system, enabling both file and image backups simultaneously without hampering system performance. Its compatibility with various platforms, including Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, makes it a preferred choice for both individual users and enterprises. Regular backups are crucial not only for data recovery in case of system failures but also for maintaining overall system reliability and compliance with data protection standards.

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, known for its stability and long-term support, serves as an excellent environment for hosting the UrBackup server. Its robust architecture and extensive community support ensure that your backup solution remains dependable and up-to-date.

Prerequisites and Preparations

Before diving into the installation of UrBackup, it’s essential to ensure that your system meets the necessary requirements and that you’ve prepared the environment adequately.

System Requirements

• Hardware: A server with at least 2GB of RAM and sufficient disk space to store backups.
• Operating System: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS must be installed and updated to the latest version.

User Privileges

Ensure you have access to a user account with sudo privileges. Administrative rights are necessary to install software and configure system services.

Network Configuration

• Static IP: Assign a static IP address to your server to ensure consistent access.
• Firewall Settings: Open the necessary ports, primarily TCP/UDP 55414, to allow communication between the server and clients.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Update the System and Install Dependencies

Start by updating your system to ensure all packages are current. Installing required dependencies is crucial for the smooth operation of UrBackup.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install curl gnupg2 software-properties-common -y

The above commands update the package list, upgrade existing packages, and install essential tools required for adding new repositories and installing UrBackup.

Add the UrBackup PPA Repository

UrBackup isn’t available in the default Ubuntu repositories. Adding the official PPA ensures you receive the latest updates and security patches.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:uroni/urbackup
sudo apt update

Adding the PPA repository allows your system to recognize UrBackup packages. Updating the package list afterward ensures the latest versions are available for installation.

Install the UrBackup Server

With the repository added, proceed to install the UrBackup server package.

sudo apt install urbackup-server -y

During installation, you’ll be prompted to specify the backup storage location. The default path is /media/BACKUP/urbackup, but you can change it based on your storage preferences.

After installation, verify that the UrBackup service is active:

sudo systemctl status urbackupsrv

This command checks the status of the UrBackup server, ensuring it’s running correctly.

Start and Enable the UrBackup Service

To ensure UrBackup starts automatically on system boot, enable the service:

sudo systemctl start urbackupsrv
sudo systemctl enable urbackupsrv

The first command starts the UrBackup service immediately, while the second ensures it starts automatically on every boot.

Access the Web Interface

UrBackup provides a web-based interface for easy management and configuration.

• Open your preferred web browser.
• Navigate to http://<your-server-ip>:55414.

On initial access, you’ll be prompted to create an admin account. This account secures your backup server and allows you to manage clients and settings effectively.

Add Backup Clients

Once the server is set up, you can start adding client systems whose data you want to back up.

For Linux Clients:

1. In the UrBackup web interface, navigate to Web UI → Status → Add new client.
2. Generate the client installation command from the web interface.
3. Execute the command on the client machine:

TF=`mktemp` && wget "http://<server-ip>:55414/x?a=download_client&lang=en&clientid=1&authkey=YOUR_AUTH_KEY&os=linux" -O $TF && sudo sh $TF; rm -f $TF

For Windows Clients:

1. Download the Windows client executable from the UrBackup server’s web interface under the client addition section.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to configure backup settings.

Verify Client Connection:

After installation, return to the UrBackup web interface and check under the Clients or Status section to ensure the client is connected and communicating correctly.

Post-Installation Configuration

Set Up Backup Schedules and Policies

Configuring backup schedules ensures that your data is backed up regularly without manual intervention.

• In the UrBackup web interface, navigate to Settings → Schedules.
• Define automatic backup schedules for both file and image backups.
• Set retention policies to manage backup storage effectively.

Adjust Storage Settings

Optimizing storage settings ensures efficient use of disk space and faster backup operations.

sudo dpkg-reconfigure urbackup-server

This command allows you to change the backup directory if needed. Ensure that the new directory has sufficient disk space allocated for your backups.

Monitor Backups

Regularly monitoring your backups helps in early detection of any issues and ensures that your data is always protected.

• Logs: Access logs at /var/log/urbackup.log for detailed information.
• Web Interface: Use the UrBackup web interface to monitor real-time backup statuses and histories.

Security Enhancements

Securing your backup server is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

• Enable HTTPS: Secure the web interface by enabling HTTPS.
• Firewall Rules: Restrict access to the UrBackup server by configuring firewall rules to allow connections only from trusted IP ranges.
• Strong Passwords: Ensure that admin accounts use strong, unique passwords.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, you might encounter issues during or after the installation. Here’s how to address some common problems:

1. Service Not Starting: If the UrBackup service fails to start, check the logs using journalctl -u urbackupsrv for error messages and resolve any dependency issues.
2. Web Interface Not Accessible: Ensure that port 55414 is open and that there are no firewall rules blocking access. Use netstat -tuln | grep 55414 to verify if the port is listening.
3. Client Connection Issues: Verify network connectivity between the server and client. Ensure that the client’s IP address is correctly configured and that the UrBackup client is running.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed UrBackup. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the UrBackup on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official UrBackup website.