backing up

[Cindy-Sue Causey]

On 9/25/14, Sajan Parikh <sajan at parikh.io> wrote:
> On 09/25/2014 12:51 PM, Liam Proven wrote:
>> On 25 September 2014 19:48, Scott Blair <scott.blair at gmail.com> wrote:
>>> What directories should I include in my back up. I included all
>>> but proc and tmp files, when I went to restore it stopped when
>>> it hit the kernal restore.
>>
>> As a general rule. everything in /home/$yourusername is good.
>>
>>
> Going to disagree here.  While it's true that generally you don't need
> anything OUTSIDE of /home/$yourusername, I wouldn't backup EVERYTHING
> inside /home/$yourusername, you'll end up wasting a ton of backup space.
>
> Instead, go through the hidden folders, if they are for an application
> you want the configs backed up for, go for it.  If you don't need the
> configs, skip the folder.  If you use something like GMail or your own
> IMAP email server, backing up your whole Thunderbird profile will just
> be a waste of space and time.
>
> I think Steam also installs certain games inside your home folder as
> well, so definitely don't include those.
>
> The only things guaranteed you'll want to backup are
> /home/username/{Desktop|Documents|Music|Pictures} and any other folders
> you created.  I'd even exclude the Downloads folder as well.  If you
> want to save something you downloaded, get in the habit of moving it out
> of your Downloads folder.


I just spent a little bit earlier backing up some stuff and had to
track down rsync's command (because that's the one that's user
friendly for me). Rsync uses "--exclude" for avoiding wasting disk
space.. Things users across the Net recommend avoiding include
.thumbnails and any cache directories. That would include catching
caches buried a couple levels deep into the directories of any
favorite browsers you use..

The tip about not using the Downloads directory at all is a good one..
Just about THE first thing I do with any new browser install is toggle
it to ask where I want to save downloads.. :)

Just thinking out loud.. :)

Cindy :)

-- 
Cindy-Sue Causey
Talking Rock, Pickens County, Georgia, USA

* runs with duct tape *