How to Backup Your Linux Data
Since I’m new to linux, one of the most important tip to know is how to back up your data. With Windows we’re all used to the fact that our data is saved in multiple areas on the computer. Unless you’re very computer savvy it’s hard to know where everything is. It’s a bit different with linux. The files to your applications may be in different areas of the file structure, but all of your important confirguration files to those applications is conviently saved in your /home directory.
Hidden Files and Folders
You may not see them at first. That’s because they are hidden. If you’re using the GNOME desktop, then your file browser (equivilent to Windows Explorer) is Nauttilus. Find your /home directory, usually found /home/{username}/. You can either click on View | Show Hidden Files, or keyboard shortcut CTRL+H to show your hidden files and folders. Once that’s done you will see files and folder that begin with a period.
Backing Up Your Files
At this point you’re probably wondering why I haven’t gotten to the meat and potatoes of this backup process. I have to explain the hidden files/folders in case someone doesn’t know where they are. Ok; so we’re ready to backup your files. You can use multiple methods to get the job done, in this case we are going to burn them to a CD or DVD.
Burning Software
By default, GNOME seems to have a CD/DVD writer available. Simply right-click on any file and an option to “burn” it comes up. Almost the same as Windows XP. If a burning application wasn’t installed by default you can click on Applications | Add/Remove Software and do a search for DVD. The application I will recommend is CD/DVD Writer GnomeBaker. This application is very simple to use and reminds me of Nero.
Figuring Out Which Files to Backup
Ok; so by default, your home directory should have visble folders, such as: Desktop, Documents, Download, Movies, Music, Pictures, Public, etc. When you do CTRL+H, you will see a whole lot more folders, such as: .cache, .config, .evolution, .filezilla, .gnome, .gnome2 and a slew of other [dot][folders]. For every application your run, a [dot][folder] is created to keep your personal confirgurations. So; therotically - if you have to reinstall your operating system, simply reinstall your applications and copy and paste the backup of your home directoy, from your backup DVD, and your up and running as if nothing happened.
That’ about all I have. Once you figure out which folders you want to backup:
- simply highlight them (using CTRL or SHIFT keys).
- Right-click and click the “burn” to CD\DVD option.
If you use a burning application, such as GnomeBaker, then it should be pretty self explanitory. It works like a file browser.
- Choose what type Burn you want to do, CD, DVD, audio, etc.
- Find your folders, drag them to the open window pane (indicating the media you’re burning too).
- Click on the “Write to CD” or “Burn” button and you’re off to the races.
References
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