Book Image

Linux Mint Essentials

By : Jay LaCroix
Book Image

Linux Mint Essentials

By: Jay LaCroix

Overview of this book

A task-oriented look at Linux Mint, using actual real-world examples to stimulate learning. Each topic is presented in an easy-to-follow order, with hands-on activities to reinforce the content. If you are starting out with Linux from a different platform or are well versed with Linux Mint and want a guide that shows you how to exploit certain functionality, this book is for you. No previous Linux experience is assumed.
Table of Contents (17 chapters)
16
Index

Preparing for the migration

The key to being able to effectively manage your Linux Mint installation is planning it properly right from the start. In order to retain your home directory between installations, you at least must have originally installed Mint with the home directory attached to its own partition. If you haven't, the way you'd be able to move from one release to another is to back up your files, reinstall, and completely start over. Giving the home directory its own partition is a highly recommended practice.

Installing Mint with a separate home partition has several benefits, including the following:

  • You can retain your data across different installations
  • You can switch from one distribution to another without recopying user data
  • If your Mint installation fails, your data is less likely to be at risk
  • User applications store data in /home; therefore, the settings will be preserved

    Note

    If you chose to encrypt your home directory during the installation of Linux Mint, you...