How to Choose the Right Backup Tool?

In daily use, risks such as software failures, system crashes, hardware damage, power outages, human misoperations, and even ransomware and natural disasters may all threaten user data security, leading to the loss of valuable digital assets. In order to comprehensively safeguard data security for different users and scenarios, TerraMaster has developed a series of data backup and protection tools for TNAS, covering various needs including personal households, small and medium-sized enterprises, and commercial offices. This guide will help you clarify core concepts, understand backup modes, identify the corresponding tools, accurately choose a backup solution that fits your needs, and easily complete data backup.

I. The Difference Between Backup and Sync

Many users tend to confuse “backup” and “sync”. The core objectives and operating logic of the two are completely different, and choosing the wrong method can easily lead to data loss. The following uses plain definitions and a comparison table to help you quickly distinguish between the two and avoid mistakes.

1. Basic Definitions

Backup (Backup): The core is to create an independent and secure copy of data, generally stored in a different location, independent hard drives, or other NAS devices. The main objective is disaster recovery. Even if the original data is accidentally deleted, damaged, or encrypted, the backup files are still independently retained and can be restored to the state at a specified point in time. Deleting the source files will not automatically delete the backup files, and it inherently has data protection attributes.

Sync (Sync): The core is to keep data consistent in real time across multiple devices and locations. The main objective is convenient multi-end access and collaboration. Sync is a “mirroring” operation. Any modification, deletion, or overwrite on one side will be synchronized to all associated endpoints in real time. Once the source file encounters a problem, the synchronized data will also become invalid, resulting in higher data risk.

2. Core Comparison Table

Comparison Dimension	Backup (Backup)	Sync (Sync)
Core Objective	Data security and disaster recovery, prevention of accidental deletion, hardware failures, ransomware	Multi-end data consistency, enabling cross-device file sharing and convenient access
Data Logic	One-way/incremental replication, retaining historical versions, backup files are independent from source files	Two-way real-time mirroring, changes on one end are synchronized to all ends, no independent copy
Deletion Risk	No risk, backup versions remain intact after source files are deleted	High risk, deletion of source files causes all synchronized copies to disappear
Version Management	Powerful, supports long-term retention of multiple historical versions, supports time-machine-style recovery	Limited, only short-term recycle bin or a small number of versions, completely deleted after expiration
Virus Defense	Strong defense, after configuring immutable storage, backup data will not be infected or encrypted by viruses	Weak defense, if local files are encrypted, synchronized endpoints will overwrite intact files
Recovery Scope	Supports file, system, and full machine restoration, covering system + applications + data	Only supports file-level synchronization, cannot restore system and applications
Operational Complexity	Moderate, requires simple configuration of backup frequency, retention period, and storage location	Very low, ready to use after installation and directory binding, drag-and-drop operation

II. Explanation of TerraMaster Mainstream Backup Modes

TerraMaster backup tools support four core backup modes. Different modes vary in backup speed, storage consumption, and applicable scenarios. Understanding the characteristics of each mode can help you configure backup tasks more efficiently, optimize backup performance, and avoid wasting storage space.

• Multi-version Mode: Each backup fully copies all source data. The backup content is complete with no omissions, and subsequent recovery is convenient. The disadvantage is that the backup takes a long time and consumes a large amount of disk space. It is suitable for scenarios with small data volumes and extremely high requirements for backup completeness.

• Incremental Mode: Only backs up new data changed since the last backup (full or incremental), without repeatedly backing up existing files. It is the most time-saving and space-saving among the basic modes, with extremely high backup efficiency, and is suitable for regular daily backups and scenarios with large data volumes.

• Mirror Mode: Only backs up data changed since the last full backup. The backup efficiency is higher than full mode, but its core logic is “mirror synchronization”. Special attention is required: if the source data is deleted, the corresponding data at the backup destination will also be deleted synchronously. There is no independent copy retained. It is suitable for temporary data synchronization scenarios where historical versions are not required.

• Hybrid Mode: A high-efficiency backup mode independently developed by TerraMaster, combining the dual advantages of full multi-version and incremental backup. Through intelligent data block segmentation technology, data blocks are shared among different backup versions, which significantly reduces disk space usage while retaining the flexibility of multi-version management. It offers outstanding advantages: high storage utilization, fast backup speed, and convenient version management. It is the preferred mode suitable for most scenarios, and users can choose corresponding versions to restore data as needed.

III. Detailed Explanation of TerraMaster Full-Series Backup Tools

Warm Reminder: Some backup tools have specific requirements for TNAS hardware performance and TOS system versions, and not all TNAS models support all tools. To unlock full backup functionality, it is recommended to choose TNAS devices with x86 architecture and quad-core or above, to experience more comprehensive data protection services.

• TerraSync（TS）: A dedicated private cloud disk synchronization tool that can turn TNAS into a personal/team private cloud server. It supports multi-end collaboration and, combined with TNAS PC clients (Windows/Mac/Linux full system compatibility), enables cross-platform and multi-device file synchronization. It focuses on multi-end file interconnection for individuals/teams, with simple and easy-to-use operations.

• Centralized Backup（CB）: A commercial-grade professional centralized backup tool designed for enterprises and IT administrators. TNAS can be used as a central backup server to batch back up employee computers, workstations, Windows servers, and virtual machines (VMware ESXi/Windows Hyper-V). It supports active backup and multi-version management, and enables fast batch recovery after failures, significantly reducing enterprise business losses.

• Duple Backup（DB）: A TNAS-exclusive disaster recovery tool focusing on dual data protection. It supports backing up important shared folders and iSCSI LUNs within TNAS to multiple destinations (remote TNAS, file servers, mainstream cloud drives). It is compatible with incremental and multi-version backup strategies, features an intuitive operation interface, and prevents data loss caused by single TNAS hardware/system failures. It is the core tool for offsite backup of TNAS.

• CloudSync: A one-stop cloud synchronization tool that enables bidirectional/unidirectional data synchronization between TNAS and mainstream public cloud drives. It is compatible with major cloud services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Amazon S3, Dropbox, Baidu Netdisk, and Alibaba Cloud. It supports custom synchronization strategies, bandwidth control, and synchronization log monitoring, making it a practical tool for data interoperability between cloud drives and NAS.

• USB Copy: A dedicated backup tool for TNAS and USB storage devices, supporting bidirectional backup (TNAS→USB / USB→TNAS). It features a built-in intelligent anti-ransomware mode: after the backup task is completed, the USB device is automatically unmounted and automatically mounted again before the next backup, completely isolating the risk of ransomware attacking USB backup files. It supports scheduled tasks and multi-version/differential backups, suitable for offline backup scenarios.

• TFM Backup（TerraMaster Folder Mirror）: A dedicated mirror backup tool for TNAS shared folders. It can back up local shared folders to other local storage locations or remotely mounted folders (other NAS, file servers). It supports multiple backup modes and is suitable for local/LAN folder backup requirements.

• Snapshot: A snapshot tool based on the BTRFS file system, which can create local or remote snapshots for TNAS shared folders and iSCSI LUNs. Snapshots are completed within seconds. After accidental deletion, program crashes, or virus attacks, rapid recovery can be achieved. It is lightweight and does not consume a large amount of storage space.

• TFSS（TerraMaster File System Snapshot）: An advanced BTRFS file system snapshot tool, featuring an industry-first volume-level snapshot function. There is no need to set snapshot tasks for each folder individually. With one click, snapshots can be created for the entire data volume, providing wider protection coverage and more convenient operation, and strongly preventing misoperations and ransomware attacks.

• Time Machine Backup: A backup service exclusively for Mac users, natively supported by the TOS system. After enabling SMB file services, Mac computers can directly back up systems and files to TNAS through the built-in Time Machine function, perfectly fitting Apple users' backup habits without requiring additional complex configurations.

• Rsync Backup: A general backup tool for Linux systems. TNAS can be used as an Rsync backup source or destination. It is compatible with most Linux servers and NAS devices, facilitating cross-system and cross-device data migration and backup, and is suitable for professional backup needs in Linux environments.

• TPC Backupper: A TerraMaster customized backup tool for Windows computers, provided free with TerraMaster USB storage devices. It can back up folders and disk partitions of Windows computers to TerraMaster USB devices or TNAS. It features a simple interface and lightweight operation, suitable for basic backup needs of individual Windows users.

IV. Scenario-Based Selection Guide: Choose Tools Based on Needs

Based on common high-frequency backup needs of general users, the following matches dedicated backup tools for different usage scenarios, which can be directly selected according to individual needs.

(1) Personal Computer Backup to TNAS

1. Windows Computer

• Preferred Tool: TerraSync: Install TerraSync in the TOS App Center and set personal/team synchronization directories; install the TNAS PC client (with built-in TerraSync) on the computer, bind the TNAS device, and create synchronization tasks. It is suitable for daily file synchronization backup.

• Simple Tool: TPC Backupper: Download the installation package from the TOS App Center, install it on a Windows computer, and set the backup source and TNAS backup target according to the interface instructions. Start backup with one click, suitable for users with no prior experience.

• Business Scenario: Centralized Backup: For enterprise batch backup of Windows computers and Windows servers, install Centralized Backup on TOS, install Centralized Backup Agent on Windows devices, and after binding, the administrator can initiate backup tasks centrally.

2. Mac Computer

• Preferred Tool: Time Machine Backup: Enable SMB services in TOS, enter the “Backup” module to enable Time Machine, and set a dedicated backup directory; on the Mac side, open Time Machine and select the TNAS backup directory to automatically complete system and file backup.

• Multi-end Synchronization: TerraSync: Same as on Windows, install the Mac version of the TNAS PC client, bind TNAS, and set synchronization tasks to enable file interoperability between Mac and NAS.

(2) File Server / Other NAS and TNAS Mutual Backup

• External File Server / Other NAS → TNAS: Preferred tools are TFM Backup (mount remote directories first, then create directional backup tasks) and Rsync Backup (dedicated for Linux system devices); for enterprise batch centralized backup scenarios, directly use Centralized Backup.

• Local TNAS → External File Server / Other NAS: Preferred tool is TFM Backup. Duple Backup can also be used to directly set external file servers/NAS as backup targets, supporting multi-version and incremental strategies, with more stable data transmission.

(3) TNAS and TNAS Mutual Backup

• Local TNAS → Another TNAS (one-way offsite backup): Duple Backup is exclusively recommended. Install the Duple Backup client on the source TNAS and the Duple Backup Vault server on the target TNAS. The client can initiate one-way cross-device backup, focusing on disaster recovery without performing bidirectional synchronization, avoiding accidental overwriting of source data, suitable for offsite retention of critical data.

• TNAS ↔ TNAS (dual-device mutual backup): Preferred is Duple Backup (install Duple Backup on the source TNAS and Duple Backup Vault on the target TNAS to achieve cross-TNAS backup); for scenarios requiring bidirectional real-time synchronization between two NAS devices, TerraSync can be selected; if both backup and synchronization are required, TFM Backup can be used by mounting remote TNAS directories and combining with bidirectional backup tasks, suitable for collaborative office scenarios with dual NAS.

(4) Cloud Drive and TNAS Data Interoperability

• Cloud Drive → TNAS: Use the dedicated tool CloudSync. Install it from the TOS App Center, bind mainstream cloud accounts, and set one-way synchronization to back up cloud files to NAS locally.

• TNAS → Cloud Drive: Optional tools include CloudSync (bidirectional/unidirectional synchronization) and Duple Backup (multi-destination backup, selecting cloud drives as targets, supporting multi-version retention).

(5) USB and TNAS Local Backup

• Dedicated Tool: USB Copy: Install USB Copy in TOS, select backup direction (TNAS→USB / USB→TNAS), configure backup mode and scheduled tasks, and enable automatic mount/unmount to prevent ransomware, making offline backup more secure.

(6) Virtual Machine Backup

• VMware/Hyper-V Virtual Machines: The only recommended tool is Centralized Backup, supporting configuration and storage backup with multi-version recovery.

• Virtual Machine Alternative: Mount TNAS storage space to the virtual host via NFS/iSCSI, and use the virtual machine’s native backup tools to back up to TNAS.

Usage Recommendations:

1. Individual/home users should prioritize TerraSync, USB Copy, and Time Machine Backup for simple operation and daily backup needs; enterprise/commercial users should prioritize Centralized Backup and Duple Backup to meet centralized and multi-destination disaster recovery needs.
2. For critical data, it is recommended to adopt a “local backup + offsite backup” dual strategy, combined with hybrid backup mode, balancing storage usage and data security.
3. Regularly check the running status of backup tasks and the integrity of backup files to avoid situations where tasks silently fail, leading to no backup or inability to restore critical data.
4. Follow the 3-2-1 golden backup principle: keep 3 complete copies of data, store them on 2 different types of storage media, and keep at least 1 copy offsite or offline, comprehensively mitigating risks such as hardware damage, accidental deletion, ransomware, and natural disasters.