[RFC PATCH v2 11/26] docs: reporting-bugs: remind people to back up their data

From: Thorsten Leemhuis
Date: Thu Nov 12 2020 - 13:01:14 EST


Add a small reminder that users are best of preparing for emergencies.
Doesn't cost us much and might prevent data-loss for a few people, as
disabling DKMS, installing mainline and other tasks this guide suggest
can break the system if you're unlucky.

Signed-off-by: Thorsten Leemhuis <linux@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
---
Documentation/admin-guide/reporting-bugs.rst | 13 +++++++++++++
1 file changed, 13 insertions(+)

diff --git a/Documentation/admin-guide/reporting-bugs.rst b/Documentation/admin-guide/reporting-bugs.rst
index 455d67be0fd7..8633f0976b00 100644
--- a/Documentation/admin-guide/reporting-bugs.rst
+++ b/Documentation/admin-guide/reporting-bugs.rst
@@ -589,6 +589,19 @@ test a proposed fix. Jump to the section 'Duties after the report went out' for
details on how to get properly involved.


+Prepare for emergencies
+-----------------------
+
+ *Create a fresh backup and put system repair and restore tools at hand.*
+
+Reminder, you are dealing with computers, which sometimes do unexpected things,
+especially if you fiddle with crucial parts like the kernel of its operating
+system. That's what you are about to do in this process. Thus, make sure to
+create a fresh backup; also ensure you have all tools at hand to repair or
+reinstall the operating system as well as everything you need to restore the
+backup.
+
+
.. ############################################################################
.. Temporary marker added while this document is rewritten. Sections above
.. are new and dual-licensed under GPLv2+ and CC-BY 4.0, those below are old.
--
2.28.0