File backup: Copying files to removable media in Linux

Follow this procedure to transfer files from your Tech Computer Center account to removable media such as CD-ROM, DVD, or Flash drive.

1. If you have a lot of files to back up, first create an archive file that combines into a single file all the files you want to back up. See `Making archive files in Linux'.
2. Log in to any TCC workstation under Linux.
3. Insert the removable medium.
   • For a flash drive, shortly after you plug it in to the USB jack, the contents will appear in directory /media/disk. Use the Linux cp command to copy the files to locations inside your TCC account.
   • For burning DVD or CD-ROM media, we recommend the K3b program.
     1. Select Start → Sound & Video → K3b. If you see a window named “System Configuration Problems”, ignore it and click Close.
     2. To burn a CD-ROM, click on New Data CD project; to write a DVD, click on New Data DVD project.
     3. In the text field at the top right, enter the absolute path name to the files you want to back up.
     4. From the file list just below that field, drag files and drop them in the large blank area at the bottom right.
     5. As you add files, the green bar at the bottom will show you the total storage capacity required. Keep the size below the small black mark at bottom right that tells you the capacity of the medium.
     6. When you have dragged and dropped all the files you want to back up, click the Burn button on the left side. This brings up the Data Project window.
     7. In the Writing tab, you will probably want to select the checkbox labeled “Verify written data”, so the program will check that the disk was burned correctly.
     8. Click on the Filesystem tab and enter a descriptive name in the “Volume Name” field.
     9. Insert an blank CD or DVD.
     10. Click Burn.
4. To unmount:
   • For a Flash drive, just remove the drive from the USB jack.
   • For a CD-ROM:

     gnome-mount -u -d /dev/device
     

Last updated: 2008/01/21 06:41:53 UT
URL: http://www.nmt.edu/tcc/help/xfer/linux-backup.html