HOWTO: Backup all installed programs/packages

[abhiroopb]

It'll give you a massive directory of .deb files. Its completely upto you what you want to do with them. I have them backed up in an external hard drive. You could burn them to DVD if you want.

[Bruce M.]

It'll give you a massive directory of .deb files. Its completely upto you what you want to do with them. I have them backed up in an external hard drive. You could burn them to DVD if you want.

Well, my /var/cache/apt tells me 359+MB so if it's the same it could go to my second HD or even a CD.

Could I use this to "install" on another machine (ie: not mine)?

[abhiroopb]

the /var/cache/apt directory is debs from a while back (which haven't been erased and are still lying around even after uninstall) and some new installed packages won't be listed there.

Installing on a clean machine is ok. But I have NO idea what will happen if you try it on a machine that already has some programs installed. Apt is quite smart so it should be ok, be careful though.

[Het Irv]

To reinstall everything couldn't you 'cd' to the directory that ther are in and use

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

If remembered the command correctly, that will install all deb's in the current folder, it will also handle any depencencies (install packages that need to be installed first, first).

[abhiroopb]

I have added that already (but I forgot to add the sudo)

[Het Irv]

I don't really want to create a username but would it be ok if I were to suggest requests for QuickStart? It seems like a great program!

I guess so, but It would be easier for you to join. If you are busy thats fine, We used to have a thread here in the Ubuntu Forums, but there was a little dust up, and the program was getting to big for one thread anyway. It's not the most active of forums but mdplaow is usually on two or three times a day.

[starcannon]

Have you tried apt on cd?

sudo apt-get install aptoncd

[abhiroopb]

I have already mentioned EXACTLY why aptoncd is not appropriate. Thanks for mentioning anyway.

[Sef]

Moved to Tips and Tricks.

[PinkFloyd102489]

Wouldnt it just be easier to do this?

To make the list:
sudo dpkg --get-selections > installed-software

To restore packages:
sudo dpkg --set-selections < installed-software

This gives you the list of packages without all of the deb files. Mind that you'll need an internet connection, but most computers do.



EDIT: installed-software is a file btw. It just acts as a list that you pipe back into the dpkg command so it will know what packages to download.