I'm planning to migrate fully to Linux after spending some time with Ubuntu and then Fedora Workstation. During my Fedora installation, I accidentally wiped my SSD, but thankfully, I didn't lose any important data. However, I'm curious about how people back up their files when switching distros or updating to a new version of the same distro. Is it common to back everything up to an external drive before making the switch? Can I keep a directory safe so it's recognized after the installation? Are there any specific software or cloud services people recommend for this? I know package managers and apps change, but file types like .py, .xlsx, .docx, and .jpg remain constant. What's the smoothest way to handle this?
4 Answers
One effective method is to create a separate /home partition during the installation. When switching distros, just mark that partition as /home and avoid formatting it. This keeps your personal files intact while you install the new system.
For backups, I typically use rsync to copy my $HOME data to a network file server before I reinstall the OS. I don't stress about keeping lists of installed packages anymore; I have a simple text file with my essential apps, which I can install afterward. Just keep in mind to backup hidden files too, as they may contain crucial info.
Switching to Linux taught me the importance of backing up data. I follow a 3-2-1 backup strategy: I use Lucky Backup for my home data to an external SSD often, and I use rsync occasionally for larger backups to a hard drive. I’ve also transitioned from Google Drive to Koofr for cloud storage.
I personally use an extra drive to store all my games and save files. I also mirror my home directory to that drive. You could also look into BTRFS subvolumes; they save space and work like folders, but just be sure to back everything up in case something goes wrong.
Related Questions
How To Get Your Domain Unblocked From Facebook
How To Find A String In a Directory of Files Using Linux