Backup Linux system

[JayM]

I must be the only person who never backs up their OS. I do back up all my files online and off. I have a short list of apps and setup items. I can probably install and set up MX in 20 minutes or so. Debian in around an hour. And these aren't systems that typically break.
Nevertheless I do see the appeal of complete backup for those with complicated setups and numerous apps.
Edit: I guess my back up system is Debian itself, though not really much difference between it and MX except MX much easier to setup and use, especially out of the box.

Every time I have to reinstall other Linux distros from scratch I have to spend at least an hour setting everything back up the way I want it, then several days of remembering and installing all of the apps that I use. I always forget some so that's why it takes days: I go to do something and it's "Oh, I forgot to install such-and-such." Plus with the *buntus and their ilk there's finding and installing PPAs in order to get actual working versions of apps rather than the old buggy versions in the repos. It's all time spent working on my computer rather than just using it to do what I want. With a recent personal shapshot of my MX system plus a recent backup of /home, reinstalling and restoring everything to just the way it was, apps and all, takes maybe an hour at the most, and then I can start doing whatever it is I want to do with no hassles or headaches.