Easy backup with File Backup Manager

File Backup Manager 

I have tried a lot of backup programs and there is a lot of good ones out there, but for stability and an easy interface I have become a fan of File Backup Manager





Install.
You will find File backup manager in the "Ubuntu Software Center" (old Add remove Programs).

Setup.
Start File Backup Manager (found in System / Administration), if you like to backup your home folder (completely) to and cd or dvd you can now just press "GO". But since I like to choose what folders and file to backup we are not going to do that.

So click on Backup and edit "New backup set". You will get a small guide.

I have chosen to put my backup on my Ubuntu One share, you will have to start up Ubuntu One and crate an account first for this to work. You can, of course, put the backup wherever you like, but if it is an usb device be sure to mark the "This is a removable device" so you get an prompt to connect your device befor you start the backup.


Next step/window you may want to maximize the window. Here you can choose what folders and files you like to backup.  Use include on folders and files you like to include and Exclude if you like a folder but not a child folder or file in that folder.

Tip on folders to include:

• .config
• .mozilla
• . "any special program that you installed"
• Documents
• Pictures 
• etc.

Be sure to check the size of the folders before you make the backup, sadly the File Backup Manager don't tell you.


Tip on folders to not include/exclude:

• .VirtualBox 
• Downloas
• Ubuntu One
• .dropbox
• Or any other folder / file that needs to be reinstalled anyway. 

Click forward. Next step is an confirmation on what is to be included or excluded. Click forward again to save the backup set (and apply).

Now we are ready to start, you will see backup set name and destination. Click Backup, and you backup should be created. When its done you can check the results in the destination folder.

Summation.
File Backup Manager is and easy and simplified backup application that lacks a lot of the features that you may like to have in a backup application. You need to do the backup yourself, you get no security for the backup and no compression (packing) of the folders/files etc.


If you like to check out a backup program that securely encrypts and compress your data, let you do incremental backs ups, let you schedule regular backups and integrates well into your GNOME desktop. Then you should check out Déjà Dup (also available in  Ubuntu Software Center).

Other "easy" backup applications:

• Simple Backup Config / Restore
• Keep
• Back in Time 
• luckBackup