Security, Updates, and Backups

Reading time: about 9 min

Now you have a well-organized system with the programs and files you need. You have created a digital home and classroom. Just like with a physical home, the next step is to make sure it is safe and that you have a spare key if something unexpected should happen.

In this lesson we go through Ubuntu's three layers of protection: the secure foundation, the simple updates, and the vital safety net in the form of backups. Mastering these simple routines is one of the biggest advantages with Ubuntu, it is easy to stay safe.

What You Will Learn

After this lesson you will be able to:

• Understand why Ubuntu is considered a secure operating system from the ground up.
• Manage all system and program updates with a single tool.
• Understand why backups are crucial.
• Configure and schedule automatic backups of your important files.

The Basics: Ubuntu's Three Layers of Protection

1. A Secure Foundation: User Permissions

You have already encountered Ubuntu's most important security feature: every time you install a program or make an important system change, you must enter your password. This system, often called sudo, ensures that no one (and no program) can make changes on your computer without your explicit consent. This drastically reduces the risk of malicious code gaining a foothold, a fundamental difference from how many are used to Windows working.

2. Constant Improvements: Updates

Updates are not just about new features, but are primarily there to patch security holes that are discovered. Ubuntu's big advantage is that it handles all updates centrally.

• The tool: "Software Updater" handles everything.
• The process: At regular intervals, a box will appear and notify you of new updates. It shows a consolidated list of everything that can be updated, from the operating system itself to your web browser and LibreOffice. One click on "Install now" and a password entry is all that is required.

3. A Safety Net: Backups

Imagine your computer's hard drive breaks, you accidentally delete an entire folder with lesson plans, or the computer gets stolen. A good backup is what determines whether this becomes a minor inconvenience or a total disaster. It is your most important insurance. Ubuntu has a simple, built-in tool for this.

Practical Examples: How to Do It

Managing Updates

You rarely need to do anything yourself, as Software Updater starts automatically. But if you want to check manually:

1. Press the Super key and search for "Software Updater." Start the program.
2. It will search for available updates.
3. If anything is found, review the list (if you are curious) and then click Install now.
4. Enter your password when prompted. Done!

Create Your First Backup

For this you need an external hard drive or a large USB drive (at least as large as the space your files take up).

1. Connect your external device to the computer.
2. Find and start the tool "Backups" (in English it is called "Déjà Dup"). Search for it in the Activities Overview.
3. The first time you start, you are met by a simple wizard. Click Create my first backup.
4. Configure your backup:
   • Folders to save: By default, your entire Home directory is selected. This is almost always what you want.
   • Folders to ignore: By default, the folders "Downloads" and "Trash" are ignored. This is smart, since you rarely need to back up temporary files or things you have already thrown away.
   • Storage location: Select your connected external hard drive in the list.
   • Scheduling: Enable "Automatic backup." Running it once a week is an excellent habit.
5. Protect with password (optional): You can choose to encrypt your backup with a password for extra security. If you do, make sure to save the password in a safe place!
6. Click Forward and then Start backup. The first time can take a long time, but future backups go much faster since they only save what has changed.

Exercise: Secure Your System

Now it is time to act. Go through this checklist:

1. Run "Software Updater" and install all recommended updates.
2. Connect an external storage device to your computer.
3. Open the "Backups" tool.
4. Configure your external device as storage location.
5. Enable automatic backup (e.g. every week).
6. Start your first backup and let it complete.

Next Steps

Fantastic! Your system is now not only well-organized, but also safe and protected. You have mastered the most important basics for daily use. For those who are curious about taking a step further and seeing what is "under the hood," the next lesson will be an exciting introduction.

In The Terminal - A First Look for the Curious, we demystify the command line and show how it can be a surprisingly fast and powerful tool.