The simple strategy
Use three layers: host/VM backups, service configuration backups, and important data backups. Then test a restore before you trust the setup.
Beginner backup table
| Layer | What to back up | Frequency | Restore test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host/VM | Proxmox VM/LXC backups or system images | Weekly or before major changes | Restore one small VM |
| Services | Docker Compose files, app data, config directories | Daily for active services | Recreate one service on a test path |
| Data | Documents, photos, unique media, project files | Daily or continuous | Restore a sample folder |
What matters most
- Keep at least one backup away from the machine being protected.
- Document where configs live.
- Automate the backup, but manually test the restore.
- Alert on failed backups.
- Do not confuse RAID or snapshots with a full backup strategy.
What I would do first
Pick one important service, back up its config, delete it in a test environment, and restore it. That one drill teaches more than a week of planning.