mint backup tool--setting Destination to DVD <CLOSED>

[scot^2]

1. I want to use the Mint Backup Tool to backup my home directory to a DVD (or possibly a usb flash drive). After I insert a blank dvd-rw I can't find it in the Destination list on the Backup Tool. (It does show any flash drives I have plugged in though.) Where is it? I do see the icon for the blank dvd on the desktop.

2. How can I determine how much space is needed for the backup so I know how many dvds I need or how big of a flash drive I need?

I'm using Mint 13, Cinnamon 1.6, Backup Tool 2.0.7.

Thanks.

**I posted this in Other mint tools but got no response**

[caf4926]

/home can be very big even if you are the only user
typically such a backup isn't needed if you created a separate partition for /home during install
I actually never make a backup such as you are describing. Only ever copy my important files to an external drive if I plan to format /home

By default though, Mint does not create a separate /home, you have to do that using advanced setup.

Making a backup of a potentially large folder like /home
Is probably best done with 'dd'

[scot^2]

Thanks for your response.

I'm making the backup following the Mint upgrade tutorial here: http://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/2 I want to upgrade from Mint 13 to 14. The tutorial suggests using the Backup Tool to backup the home directory to an external drive such as a usb or dvd.

What is 'dd' by the way?

[caf4926]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dd_(Unix)

[scot^2]

Thanks. I'm closing this post since I have gotten close to a solution at: viewtopic.php?f=33&t=124136