cp command

stresshead · 12-04-2004, 06:50 AM

I want to copy my home folder to a usb key so i can reinstall my os (fedora 3). A colleague at work has helped me with this before but I can't remember the parameters of the cp command that he told me to type. I think there were 4 in total and the only 1 i can remember is R to copy subdirectories. Can anybody give me any ideas on the other 3.

Thanks in advance,

Lee.

masand · 12-04-2004, 07:39 AM

hi

to copy a sub directory i think "r" will be only reqired
also why don't u have a look at

man cp

regards

adam-red · 12-04-2004, 08:10 AM

I think the syntax is:

cp --r <source> <destination>

but cp --help should show you all the options. Remember the directory/filename is case-sensitive.

wmakowski · 12-04-2004, 08:16 AM

A nicer way to do this would be to use cp -a /home/* <destination>. This not only copies recursively but retains date and time information along with owners and permissions. You might also consider creating a tar file of /home which would put all your data into a single file (very nice).

Bill