K.Mandla
April 18th, 2007, 09:13 PM
A few staff members have been talking about things you should probably back up before you upgrade to Feisty, if you're considering it.
This is not to suggest you'll have problems, but that it would be good to have things like this duplicated somewhere, if something does go wrong. If you're planning on a clean install (which, personally, I suggest), you'll want to be as comprehensive in your backup as possible. If you're just going to dist-upgrade, it would still be a good idea to mirror these files elsewhere, just in case.
Personal files. Of course.
Bookmarks. Export your bookmarks from Firefox or your preferred browser, if it's possible.
Passwords. If you're used to the password manager in Firefox remembering your password, it would be wise to write it down or keep it somewhere else so it's not lost if you start afresh. (I've done that before. :oops: )
Extension settings. Some extensions will allow you to export their settings (like Tab Mix Plus), so you can easily reapply them if you start new.
E-mail settings. If you use Evolution or Thunderbird, make sure the settings and addresses are saved somewhere.
Saved games. Some games keep high score files or folders (usally hidden with the dot prefix, like .warzone2100); if you want your saved games or player accounts, copy them to somewhere.
Setup files or libraries for games. If you want to reinstall something like Neverwinter Nights, you might want to keep the client and patches somewhere.
Fonts. If you add fonts to your machine, find out what they were, or your documents might look goofy when you open them again. :lol:
Icon sets and themes. If you have icon sets, themes or wallpaper you like, make sure it's safe. I have a tendency to hand-edit a lot of Openbox themes, so I make sure I dupe my .themes folder.
.bashrc, etc., files. If you customize your system to the point where you use .bashrc files, or .Xdefaults, or .gtkrc-2.0, or .gtkrc-mine, copy them too. If you don't know what those are, don't worry about them. ;) Don't forget your .conkyrc file. :)
Networking settings, passwords, etc. If you use funky network settings, gateways, masks, address servers or some other wacky arrangement, copy the settings at least as a reference. Don't lose your access to ubuntuforums.org. We'd miss you while you were gone.
/etc/fstab. If you use a networked drive, or a Windows share partition, you might want to copy your fstab file, just as a reference. Remember that Feisty uses sd-series drive designations, so copy-and-paste in the fstab file is probably a really bad idea.
Drivers, firmware or configuration files. Some cards or hardware might need firmware updates or drivers (like certain Broadcom cards, or RT61 cards). There's always the chance Feisty will pick up your card and it'll suddenly work like new. But if you're on a unique piece of hardware, make sure you're not running to the library with a USB drive to download a 248Kb file so you can get back online. (I've done that too. :oops: )
Unusual deb files you compiled or downloaded. If you compile your own applications and keep debs somewhere, or if you downloaded an application from GetDeb.net (http://www.getdeb.net) or elsewhere, see if there's a copy around. (Keeping in mind, as SD-Plissken mentioned, that some applications might need recompiling under Feisty. That'll be for you to discover.)
From ComplexNumber (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=76421):
Your .tomboy folder (or your Zim repository, if you're like me and you prefer Zim).
Your .mozilla folder, but clear the cache folders first.
Any theme engines or GDM themes you may have installed, and want to keep.
Yes, it would probably work to just copy your /home folder onto an external drive, but that might not get everything. So think about it, and reflect for an hour or so, and make sure your upgrade is a pleasant one.
And by all means, add to the list if you like. :D
This is not to suggest you'll have problems, but that it would be good to have things like this duplicated somewhere, if something does go wrong. If you're planning on a clean install (which, personally, I suggest), you'll want to be as comprehensive in your backup as possible. If you're just going to dist-upgrade, it would still be a good idea to mirror these files elsewhere, just in case.
Personal files. Of course.
Bookmarks. Export your bookmarks from Firefox or your preferred browser, if it's possible.
Passwords. If you're used to the password manager in Firefox remembering your password, it would be wise to write it down or keep it somewhere else so it's not lost if you start afresh. (I've done that before. :oops: )
Extension settings. Some extensions will allow you to export their settings (like Tab Mix Plus), so you can easily reapply them if you start new.
E-mail settings. If you use Evolution or Thunderbird, make sure the settings and addresses are saved somewhere.
Saved games. Some games keep high score files or folders (usally hidden with the dot prefix, like .warzone2100); if you want your saved games or player accounts, copy them to somewhere.
Setup files or libraries for games. If you want to reinstall something like Neverwinter Nights, you might want to keep the client and patches somewhere.
Fonts. If you add fonts to your machine, find out what they were, or your documents might look goofy when you open them again. :lol:
Icon sets and themes. If you have icon sets, themes or wallpaper you like, make sure it's safe. I have a tendency to hand-edit a lot of Openbox themes, so I make sure I dupe my .themes folder.
.bashrc, etc., files. If you customize your system to the point where you use .bashrc files, or .Xdefaults, or .gtkrc-2.0, or .gtkrc-mine, copy them too. If you don't know what those are, don't worry about them. ;) Don't forget your .conkyrc file. :)
Networking settings, passwords, etc. If you use funky network settings, gateways, masks, address servers or some other wacky arrangement, copy the settings at least as a reference. Don't lose your access to ubuntuforums.org. We'd miss you while you were gone.
/etc/fstab. If you use a networked drive, or a Windows share partition, you might want to copy your fstab file, just as a reference. Remember that Feisty uses sd-series drive designations, so copy-and-paste in the fstab file is probably a really bad idea.
Drivers, firmware or configuration files. Some cards or hardware might need firmware updates or drivers (like certain Broadcom cards, or RT61 cards). There's always the chance Feisty will pick up your card and it'll suddenly work like new. But if you're on a unique piece of hardware, make sure you're not running to the library with a USB drive to download a 248Kb file so you can get back online. (I've done that too. :oops: )
Unusual deb files you compiled or downloaded. If you compile your own applications and keep debs somewhere, or if you downloaded an application from GetDeb.net (http://www.getdeb.net) or elsewhere, see if there's a copy around. (Keeping in mind, as SD-Plissken mentioned, that some applications might need recompiling under Feisty. That'll be for you to discover.)
From ComplexNumber (http://ubuntuforums.org/member.php?u=76421):
Your .tomboy folder (or your Zim repository, if you're like me and you prefer Zim).
Your .mozilla folder, but clear the cache folders first.
Any theme engines or GDM themes you may have installed, and want to keep.
Yes, it would probably work to just copy your /home folder onto an external drive, but that might not get everything. So think about it, and reflect for an hour or so, and make sure your upgrade is a pleasant one.
And by all means, add to the list if you like. :D