Linux-specific information

The following items can be added to exclude lists:

• /dev: contains special and device files which are created by the Linux kernel or an administrator. These files are always recreated during startup.
• /media: removable media are (automatically) mounted here. If you want to back up removable media you have to include a DLE for it in the disk list. Just mounting it here won't include it in the backup.
• /mnt: this directory is for temporarily mounting a filesystem. If you want to back up the filesystem you have to include a DLE for it in the disk list. Just mounting it here won't include it in the backup.
• /proc: contains process and system information which is not persistent but always generated by the Linux kernel.
• /tmp: contains temporary files applications need while running. Applications cannot assume files will be preserved between invocations, i.e. removal of these files (while the application is not running) must not prevent an application from running or lead to data loss.
• /var/cache: contains data that can be regenerated by applications. No data loss may occur if files in this directory are removed.
• /var/run: contains non-persistent information about the system since it was booted. This directory is cleared at the beginning of the boot process.

Backing up cache files

If you want you can back up the /var/cache directory or part thereof for faster recoveries. If, for example, you want to keep all the cache files except for the Debian APT cache, only add /var/cache/apt to the exclude list.