Hey everyone! I'm transitioning fully to Linux for my work, but I've found that some apps are leading me to try out different distros after I've done a lot of customization on my current setup. I'm looking for a reliable method or software that can help me back up all my application preferences and system settings. I want to avoid the hassle of restarting the whole installation and customization process when I decide to switch to Ubuntu 22.04, Mint, or Nobara. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
What kinds of programs are you looking to migrate? If they aren’t system-level applications, you could typically use solutions like Flatpak, AppImage, or even compiling from source to install them on different distros. A simple fix can be to set up a separate /home partition; that way, your personal files and configurations are preserved.
You should definitely back up your dotfiles, but keep in mind that they might not be fully compatible across different versions of the same distro or across different distros. I typically focus on moving important items like my LibreOffice templates and profiles for Firefox and Thunderbird. Also, transferring the list of installed programs isn't easy; it doesn't cross over well between different distributions.
The software I’m using includes Blender, Krita, and Rawtherapee, with some specific preferences. Most of the others are just tweaks to the GUI. Setting up a separate home partition sounds promising! Just a couple of questions:
- Will the home partition save app preferences, like those for system settings?
- If my current system doesn't have a home partition, how would I migrate my home folder to one in a new installation?
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