Back in time is a framework for rsync and cron for the purpose of taking snapshots and backups of specified folders. it minimizes disk space use by taking a snapshot only if the directory has been changed, and hard links for unmodified files if it has. the user can schedule regular backups using cron.

this is the common framework for back in time. for a graphical interface, install backintime-qt4.

to back up to ssh or encrypted filesystems, install the additional sshfs or encfs packages.