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Linux for Starters: Your Guide to Linux – 8 Things to do after installing Ubuntu – Part 5

Last Updated on May 22, 2022

3. Enable Backups

Making file backups is an essential activity for all users, yet many users do not take adequate steps to protect their data. Whether a computer is being used in a corporate environment, or for private use, the machine’s hard drive may fail without any obvious warning signs. Alternatively, some data loss occurs as a result of human error. Without regular backups being made, data will inevitably be lost even if the services of a specialist recovery organisation are used.

Ubuntu 21.04 has backup software already installed. It’s called Déjà Dup Backups, a simple backup tool for GNOME. We awarded this software a rating of 8.6 (out of 10) in our Backup Software Roundup.

Open Déjà Dup Backups from the Dash (it’s shown as Backups).

Backups

Click the Create my First Backup button.

Backups - Create First Backup

Choose the folders to include and exclude. Your home directory is included by default.

Backups - Folders

Click the Forward button to proceed.

Choose the Storage Location from Google Drive, a network server, or a local folder.

Backups - Storage Location

You can password protect your backups for security reasons.

Backups - Password

Click Forward to perform the backup.

Backups - Automation

We then have the choice of running a weekly backup. We’ve moved the slider so that it’s automatic. In the Preferences menu we can also change the backup frequency. By default it’s set to weekly, but there’s a daily option too.

Déjà Dup Backups offers basic functionality. For more sophisticated backup software, check out our comprehensive 31 Best Free Linux Backup Software.

Next Page: Page 4 – Video/Audio Codecs and TrueType Fonts


Pages in this article:
Page 1 – Initial Update
Page 2 – Install Drivers
Page 3 – Enable Backups
Page 4 – Video/Audio Codecs and TrueType Fonts
Page 5 – GNOME Tweaks
Page 6 – GNOME Extensions
Page 7 – Install BleachBit
Page 8 – Night Light and Summary


All articles in this series:

Linux For Starters: Your Guide to Linux
1What is Linux? Why use Linux? What do I need?
2Choose a Linux distribution meeting your specific needs and requirements.
3Make a bootable Ubuntu USB stick in Windows.
4We show you how to install Ubuntu 21.04 on your hard disk.
5Things to do after installing Ubuntu.
6Navigating your way around the Desktop.
7Updating the system, install new software.
8Open source replacements for proprietary Windows desktop software.
9Get started with the power and flexibility of the terminal.
10We cover the basics of files and permissions.
11Getting help from your system.
12Learn all about the file system.
13Manipulating files from the shell.
14Maintain your system with these simple tips.
15Managing users on your system.
16Explore different desktops to GNOME 3.
17Gaming on Linux.
18Protect your privacy with this guide.
19Access the Windows desktop from Linux using a remote desktop client.
20Set up a virtual machine running Ubuntu as the host and openSUSE as the guest.
21Wine lets you run Windows programs on Linux without emulation.
22Extend your GNOME desktop with extensions and themes.
XUseful Linux commands.
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6 Comments
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Gremlin
Gremlin
2 years ago

Why only cover Ubuntu?

Jon
Jon
2 years ago
Reply to  Gremlin

From independent surveys Ubuntu is the most popular Linux distro. Ignore the charts you see on some web sites that often have fairly obscure distros top. Their fanboys just vote them up using bots, partly because they are very passionate about them.

Interestingly, Linus Torvalds (the creator of the Linux kernel) has never even tried Ubuntu.

Craig
Craig
2 years ago

What about the command line? Newcomers shouldn’t only use GUIs in my opinion.

Nico
Nico
2 years ago

How about what to do when app doesnt have a package?

James
James
2 years ago

How about as a Linux user you whine, cry and criticize ever tutorial and article ever printed? It really gets old. I use Linux, I use Ubuntu, I use other OS’s. I appreciate people with the skill and knowledge to write tutorials and articles that can help others. No article can cover ‘everything Linux”. Thank you Steve.