Introduction

Making backup copies of your data, fixing little problems, recompiling the kernel, installing software, and tweaking configuration files aren't uncommon scenarios in every day GNU/Linux life: even if you don't do it all the time, some day you will want or need to. Those tasks can be managed without any hassle if you use a little common sense and follow some practices and guidelines we will introduce in this chapter.

[Note]Note

Many of the examples and tools presented in this chapter deal with the command line. Usually, restoration of a damaged system to a working state can only be done through it. We assume that you feel comfortable enough using this powerful tool.

So, on to the basic things you need to have ready...