Backup root as root

There is nothing complicated in this. Start 'Back in time (root)' and give a destination in 'Where to save Snapshots'. Then select your preferred schedule and add '/' in 'Include' tab. Just leave 'Exclude' as it is and press OK. You are now ready to take your first snapshot.
If you still have problems don't hesitant to ask.

Thank you; I hope I haven't messed anything up with all the bits I've been trying...
Still, when you say "Start 'Back in time (root)' " -- I'm don't think I know what you mean:
I have tried: kdesudo backintime
from the terminal. Which does not seem to do anything besides display the disclaimer.
So, how should I Start 'Back in time (root)'....?

thanks...

Thanks Germar, that solved my question.

Thank you, that seems to have done it!
This may not be quite the right forum, but a quick search provides no other answers, so:
Can you explain the "-c" and the "-kde4" in the command line version of your answer (though I used the desktop file)?
Other instances of kdesudo don't seem to use the "-c" (eg, kdesudo kate); and how would one know to use the name "backintime-kde4"?

thanks again...

'-c' specifies the command to run. Take a look at 'man kdesudo'. But it will work without as well.

Backintime provides two (or three) executable files:
backintime -> command line program which will do the snapshots etc.
depending on which package you've installed and which desktop you use:
backintime-gnome -> GUI for Gnome
backintime-kde4 -> GUI for KDE4

Once again, thanks!

Still, ahem: Having installed Back In Time, the laucher shows "Back In Time", so how, without asking here, should I be able to tell that the executable I want is "backintime-kde4"?

I recognize that this is a generic, not a back-in-time question, if you will continue to indulge me...

thanks...

This is done in the .desktop file which is installed (and in that one you created with my comment #3). Take a look at the 'Exec' value.

I do understand the part about the .desktop file you had me create.

But: There are no other desktop files there. If the way to find the right name is looking in the desktop file, where would I find the desktop file?

If I had the same, or a similar, problem again, I still wouldn't be able to solve it myself, because I don't know how to find the name of the program to run (as root)...

thanks...

The .desktop files normally are installed in '/usr/share/applications/'
But there are other (easier) ways to get the command you want. The easiest - which would have helped you in this case - is to use bash completion. Just start typing e.g. 'backi' and press Tab on your keyboard. This will complete the command to 'backintime'. Now double press Tab and bash will show you two valid commands 'backintime backintime-kde4'. So just add '-k' and press Tab again and it will give you your final command 'backintime-kde4'.

If you want to know what a specific command does you can read the manpage e.g. 'man backintime-kde4' or use '--help' e.g. 'backintime-kde4 --help'.

Many thanks, Germar, for repeatedly accomodating my ignorance!