Need tips on setting up linux as my long term OS

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Have tinkered with linux on and off for about the last 10 years bu now that steam does linux games i am thinking of switching for good so am going to set up up a test box.

OS will probably be Ubuntu or maybe Kubuntu.

What i need help/suggestions with are:

1) How to best partition the drive to allow for future OS upgrades - or even switching to a different linux OS without losing any data e.g. should /home always be on its own partition

2) backup strategies - is it as simple as copying the home folder - any software recomendations - and how about Image backups

3) anything else i don't even know to ask about :)

many thanks
 
1: My own partitioning scheme is as follows.

  • /boot # 256 MiB
  • swap # 8 GiB (Half my RAM)
  • / # Whatever usable space is left on the SSD.
  • /home # This takes up a whole disk / array of it's own
As for retaining data. I know lots of people who backup their "dot files" to GitHub and the like (I do too!), so that when they do a fresh install, they can just pull the files in from GitHub and all their original settings / preferences are the same again. However, if you don't know what you're doing, I have seen people accidentally upload folders and files they shouldn't, so including the .ssh and .gnupg folders, exposing GPG and SSH secure keys.

2: Yes. It's that simple, if you want it to be. My backup strategy involves the GitHub method for my dotfiles and folders, but then I also copy my Documents, Music and Pictures directories to optical discs once a week, or if there's been a big change in a particular folder (normally after batch ripping a lot of music from CD to my machine). Eventually I'll invest in a tape drive and several tapes for a more long lasting solution. For more methods, search google for "rsync backup". Most backup utilities make use of rsync and give it a front end anyway.

3: Not that I can think of right now. Just ask again in this thread if YOU do.

thanks - lots to digest - and most way above my knowledge :(

quick question about the partitioning:

/home # This takes up a whole disk / array of it's own

you mean you have a separate hard disk just for this i assume which i understand

however i am unsure how you would then use this if for example i want to reinstall the (or another?) os i.e. when i am at the partitioning stage again if i choose the HD with all my data on it will this reformat it or just point to it? its been a while since i ran an installation)

thanks
 
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