There are many backup solutions for Linux-based operating systems like the Kubuntu Focus. We have configured BackInTime as the out-of-the-box solution, but there are other options you may want to consider.
Please read the disclaimer before proceeding. We review and update guided solutions like this regularly. If you have suggestions or requests, please write support@kfocus.org.
BackInTime is installed by default on the Kubuntu Focus, and it stores snapshots to /backintime
on your primary drive. You may use this to revert to an earlier version of a file or restore a deleted file.
To see what is being backed-up, examine the BackInTime settings. It is pre-configured to ignore directories that would otherwise be useless, such as cache directories and temporary directories. It only backs-up your home folder, and backs up most of your configuration files as well.
While the default configuration of BackInTime is definitely better than nothing, we highly recommend you use an external or remote drive with it instead. To learn more, please see the official BackInTime documentation. Please make sure you adjust the backup filter to allow larger files and test your backups to ensure you capture all the data you need.
Another handy technique is to copy your home directory to a USB thumb drive or external drive:
/home
. You should now see all user home directories on your system./home
directory to the USB drive by dragging them from the left-hand file-area to the right-hand file area. When prompted, select copy
. Do NOT move the directories as this could harm your system!.Safely Remove
and then remove the physical drive after confirmation by the Device Notifier in the system tray.Because of file permissions, you may not be able to copy all files. When this happens, it may be helpful to run Dolphin as root. One can add this capability like so: Click on [Hamburger Menu] > Configure Dolphin… > Services > Download New Services…
. Then search for and install "Open Dolphin As Root".
Cloud storage, such as Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive, or Google Drive, can often provide multiple versions of files using heuristics. However, we recommend explicitly versioned backups such as thosed provided by SCMSs (Source Control Management Systems like Git) for more exact control. Ultimately, one must balance convenience and storage requirements with completeness. And remember, any backup solution is better than none.
Content will be added as needed.
This is a partial revision history. See the git
repository for all entries.
2021-10-10 5728326e
Reformat to 2-column2021-09-22 dc862884
Update link and headline colors2021-08-23 681261b4
Review and update codeblocks2021-06-01 5a195210
First publicationWe try hard to provide a useful solution validated by professionals. However, we cannot anticipate every situation, and therefore cannot guarantee this procedure will work for your needs. Always backup your data and test the solution to determine the correct procedure for you.
THIS SOLUTION IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS “AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COPYRIGHT OWNER OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOLUTION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.