Chapter 8. Backing Up User Data

Contents

8.1. Creating Backups
8.2. Restoring Data

Abstract

The Backup Manager tool is a simple framework to let users backup and restore their own data such as home directories or selected files. It is possible to create scheduled backups or backups on request, and to play back a previous state of this data.

8.1. Creating Backups

First schedule which data you would like to backup, and when you would like to backup this data.

  1. Computer+More Applications and in the Tools section click Backup Manager Settings.

  2. Backup Manager Settings:
      General

    On the General tab set options such as:

    Data Selection

    Choose which files and directories are to be included in the backup process.

    Storage Destination

    Select a location for your backup on a separate media. For example, an external hard disk or a USB flash drive.

    Schedule

    Set Frequency and Time.

    If so desired you can enable Backup now and create a first snapshot of your data immediately.

  3. On the Exceptions tab add files and folders you want to exclude from the backup.

  4. On the Advanced tab you specify what should happen when attaching the backup device set on the General tab (for example, the USB flash drive).

    If you are short on disk space, enable removing old backups.

  5. Click Save to close the settings dialog.

[Note]Information on Scheduling

For scheduling backup dates the tool makes use of the user's crontab. For more information about crontab, see the crontab man page.

8.2. Restoring Data

To restore a previous state of your data, proceed as follows:

  1. Select Computer+More Applications and in the Tools section click Backup Manager Restore.

  2. Choose the files to restore and which version.

  3. Click Restore.