For example, iOS has these features:

  • iCloud backup restore or peer-to-peer transfer, very early in the device setup process
  • Two ways for things to be stored in iCloud, each with a corresponding list of per-app (not per-folder) toggle switches in iCloud Settings
    • “Saved to iCloud” normal syncing
      • Requires apps to use the right APIs and to handle conflicting changes
      • Allows same data to be read and modified by multiple devices
    • iCloud backup
      • Available for all apps
      • Separate backup per device
      • Only downloaded when setting up a new device
      • In app sandboxes, only excludes tmp (Flatpak equivalent is somewhere in /run) and Library/Caches (equivalent to cache directory in Flatpak sandbox) by default
      • Allows apps to set isExcludedFromBackup attribute for specific files (useful for things that are easy to recreate via download but are expected by the user to not be automatically deleted)
      • Includes system configuration such as home screen layout
      • Backs up a list of installed apps without backing up their executables and assets
  • Synced list of previously installed apps, not separate per-device
  • flatbield@beehaw.orgEnglish
    41·
    1 month ago

    Every system has its own processes. If you want Apple software and services use Apple. If you want Linux use Linux. Do not expect either to be like the other especilly at such a micro level.

    As far as Linux and beginner friendly, buy a device with Linux preinstalled just like you do with Apple. As far as user setting and apps. Get a notebook and write them down, and avoid deep customizations. As far as backup get 3 USB drives and backup your home directory with rsync or one of the other solutions. As far as restore, have install media and just reinstall from scratch then layer in your configs and apps and then restore your home directory files. For file sync and app sync functions, Nextcloud is helpful and you can pay for a commercial host, set it up yourself, or use a product like Synology. Get to know your distros builtin emergency startup tools and have a live distro like the live install media available and know how to use them.

    Linux is about options but for simple beginner like processes it is best to stick to the basics.