How to create a Linux backup with KBackup
KBackup is an incredibly easy tool that allows Linux users to quickly back up any folder or file to a Tar archive. In this guide, we’ll go over how you can create backups using the KBackup tool. We’ll also show you how to install the program on your system.
Installing KBackup on Linux
KBackup is a KDE app that allows users to quickly create Tar backups of various folders and files on Linux. That said, before we go over how to use the KBackup utility, we must demonstrate how to install the software on your computer, as it does not come pre-installed on many mainstream Linux operating systems.
To start the installation of KBackup on your Linux PC, open up a terminal window by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or Ctrl + Shift + T on the keyboard. Then, follow the command-line installation instructions below that correspond with the Linux operating system you currently use.
Ubuntu
On Ubuntu Linux, the KBackup utility can be installed with the following Apt command below.
sudo apt install kbackup
Debian
Those using Debian Linux can easily install the KBackup utility through the “Main” software repository using the Apt-get command below.
sudo apt-get install kbackup
Arch Linux
On Arch Linux, the KBackup program is available to users for installation through the “Extra” software repository. To start the installation on your system, ensure that you have the “Extra” software repo enabled in your Pacman.conf configuration file. Then, use the following Pacman command below to get the app installed.
sudo pacman -S kbackup
Fedora
KBackup is available to all Fedora 32, Rawhide, and 31 users via the Fedora primary software repository. To start the installation, enter the following Dnf installation command.
sudo dnf isntall kbackup
OpenSUSE
On OpenSUSE Linux, KBackup can be installed through the OpenSUSE Oss software repository. To start the installation on your computer, ensure you have OpenSUSE Oss enabled. Then, enter the following Zypper command below.
sudo zypper install kbackup
Generic Linux
The KBackup program is available for a wide variety of Linux operating systems. If you’re using a Linux operating system that is not covered on this list, try searching for “KBackup” in the package manager on your computer. Then, install it the way you typically install programs on your system.
Alternatively, if KBackup is not on your OS, you’ll still be able to get the app working by downloading it directly from the KBackup project page. Additionally, click here to check out information on KBackup, as it may help you get the app working.
Create backups with KBackup
The KBackup tool is very straightforward, thanks to its easy-to-understand UI. To start the backup process, open up KBackup on your Linux desktop by searching for it in the app menu. You can also launch it by typing in the kbackup command via the terminal.
Once the KBackup program is open and ready to use, follow the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to create backups on Linux.
Step 1: Open up the Linux file manager on your computer and create a new folder called “Backups” inside of your home directory (~). This directory will hold all the backup files when the KBackup tool completes a backup.
Step 2: In the KBackup program, look to the left-hand sidebar. In the left-hand sidebar, you’ll see an overview of every folder and file on your Linux PC. Using the file browser, check the boxes next to the folders or files you wish to back up. However, keep in mind that the backup process gets longer the more files you choose to backup. For best results, backup specific things individually.
Step 3: After selecting the folders you wish to back up, find the “Target” section. In the “Target” section, you’ll see the “Folder” area. Click the button next to “Folder” to open up the file browser.
Step 4: In the file browser, locate the “Backups” directory you created in step 1. If you cannot find the “Backups” folder, you may need to delete it, create a new one, and follow steps 2-3 again.
Once you’ve found the “Backups” folder in the file browser, select the “Open” button to add it as the target output folder for the KBackup tool. If KBackup adds the folder successfully, you will see it written out as /home/USERNAME/Backups in “Folder.”
Step 5: Look for the “Start Backup” button in KBackup, and click on it with the mouse. By doing this, you will start the backup process. From here, sit back and be patient.
When the KBackup tool completes the backup process, you will see a message appear. This message says, “The backup is finished successfully. What do you want to do now?” Click on “Continue” to end.
Your backups will be in the “Backups” folder in your home directory. Take these backed up files and store them in a safe location.
If KBackup isn’t quite what you’re looking for in a Backup tool, try the following tools that are available on the Linux platform, or go through our list of system backup utilities for Linux.
