Backup in Tiny Core Linux

Previous Versions of Tiny Core

Tiny Core

Backup

Backup may be used to save files and settings in Tiny Core, used to save documents, or not used at all, depending on how you set up Tiny Core.

Select What is Saved During Backup

The file /opt/.filetool.lst contains a list of files and directories saved during backup. The file /opt/.xfiletool.lst contains a list of files and directories within those in /opt/.filetool.lst excluded from being saved during backup.

You can add files and directories to, or remove files and directories from, /opt/.filetool.lst and /opt/.xfiletool.lst to determine what is saved during backup.

To edit .filetool.lst or .xfiletool.lst use a Root Text Editor. Be aware, file and directory names beginning with a . are hidden.

To start Leafpad text editor as root, open the terminal and type:

sudo leafpad

If you are using leafpad, to open hidden files, click on the square at the top left, and type the name of the file following "Location."

Backup or Not Backup

In version 2.5 and later, if you include the "norestore" boot option, Tiny Core will not backup files when you turn the computer off, unless you click on the square preceeding "Backup," so it becomes ticked.

In earlier versions, Tiny Core will backup files every time you turn the computer off, unless you untick the square preceeding backup.

If you want to change this, so backup does not occur unless you select it, open the file /home/tc/.profile with a Root Text Editor. Note, this is a hidden file. After opening the file, you will see a line:

export BACKUP=1

Change this so it becomes:

export BACKUP=0

After doing this, if you want to backup occasionally when turning the computer off, you can click on the square preceeding "Backup," so it becomes ticked, and backup your files.

Not Backup Files and Settings

If you use persistent home and opt, and make extensions for any applications which contain personal settings (for example printer setup), you do not need to use backup at all. This is ideal for most people, and results in the quickest start up and shut down of Tiny Core.

If you use this method, also include the "norestore" boot option.

For more information, see Install on a Hard Drive While Connected to the Internet, Install on a Hard Drive Without Being Connected to the Internet, or Install on a USB Drive.

Backup Documents

If you use the above method, you can use backup to save documents. If all documents are in /home/tc, leave that in .filetool.lst, and delete the other lines. List all of the files and directories you want to exclude from backup in .xfiletool.lst. Be aware, there are a lot of hidden files.

Backup Files and Settings

If you don't use persistent home or opt, or make extensions for applications which contain personal settings, you need to use backup to save files and settings. If you don't backup in this situation, you will lose files and settings.

The more you have in backup, the longer it will take to start up and shut down Tiny Core.

Having large amounts of files in backup may also use more RAM while the computer is running, and affect its performance, particularly if the computer does not have a lot of RAM.

If you backup /home/tc, and want backup to be quicker, you may put files in another directory, so they are not included in backup.

After changing settings, you must backup when shutting down Tiny Core, unless you don't want to save them.

Xfe

If you use Xfe file manager, it saves files and directories you delete in trash. If you backup /home/tc, this is included in backup. The more you delete, the longer backup takes. To avoid this, add the following line to /opt/.xfiletool.lst.

home/tc/.xfe

You may also edit the preferences in Xfe, to permanently delete files instead of adding them to trash. To do this, go to Edit -> Preferences. Click the square preceeding "Include a command to bypass the trash can (permanent delete)," to tick it. Then click "Accept."

Mozilla Firefox or Minefield

If you use Mozilla Firefox or Minefield internet browser, it saves a lot of information. If you backup /home/tc, backup may take longer. To avoid this, add the following line to /opt/.xfiletool.lst.

home/tc/.mozilla

Information from Mozilla Firefox is saved in the /home/tc directory, so it will still work the same (unless you don't use persistent home).

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