Backup methods

[Schecters]

I've been using Ubuntu 7.10 for about a month or so (my first time with any linux os), so I'm still new to some things. I have downloaded quite a few things through the repositories. How do you backup these files to install them later without redownloading? And maybe make them a .deb installer or something. Suggestions? What do you guys do for backup or reinstall?


And on another note, I have only used gnome with compiz-fuzion. How is kde different and would you suggest it? Or something else for that matter?

I'm the kind of person that just likes learn stuff by diving into it, but since I know so little about linux in general I kind of want some advice before completely bombing my system (which I'll probably end up doing sooner or later anyway haha). Thanks!

[CalcProgrammer1]

It automatically saves the .deb files so that when you reinstall, it doesn't download a new version unless there is an update. I do not recommend KDE, but it's all personal preference. I think the Gnome interface is easier and looks a lot nicer than the KDE one, but both are very capable desktop environments and both have a nice assortment of programs. Usually KDE apps can run in GNOME with some KDE helper files, and same is true for running GNOME apps on KDE.

I personally wouldn't worry about backups of debian files, as having it autodownload is easy and if your Internet connection is reasonably fast, the downloads don't take long. You can download the DEB files online too, just search "<package name> Ubuntu 7.10" and you'll probably find a link to it. All Synaptic does is download the .deb file and install it.

[Schecters]

So the .deb 's are saved on my computer? Where are they located? I have broadband so downloading isn't a problem, but it's something I'd just like to have anyway. (like if I were to get a laptop and for some reason or another couldn't get internet working right away).

[Greg]

GNOME > KDE, IMO. The only time I would use something other than GNOME would be if my computer was slow. Then I'd use XFCE.

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Have a look at /var/cache/apt/archives/

[CalcProgrammer1]

I don't really see the need for using .deb packages stored on your computer. Ubuntu packages are updated almost all the time, so even if you did use them on another PC, it would ask you to upgrade, requiring Internet.

I had to buy an Ethernet card to get my laptop running Ubuntu (had to download WiFi drivers using the Ethernet card) but other than that, it's not hard to run on a laptop.

And yeah, if I was installing on a computer slow enough not to run Gnome, then I wouldn't use Ubuntu at all...I'd probably go with DSL or Puppy Linux, but I had to use an old copy of Vector Linux to get a GUI on a really old laptop. I use Fluxbox or IceWM on old computers, Gnome on supporting ones.

[Schecters]

It's a habit that has carried over from windows. When I download installers, I save them in a folder. It's not that I can't redownload them when I will be needing them again, it's that I don't want to. I'd prefer to just be able to go through a folder of all the programs I'll be needing and install, rather than search for every one separately online. Seems like an efficient thing to me...