Creating boot microSD card from current instance

[theMusicMan]

Hi All

So, I have been using the Pi 3B now for a few weeks and in this time I have installed quite a few programmes and scripts etc. if anything should happen to this card, I would need to reinstall Raspbian AND everything else I've installed since I started using the Pi - eeeek!

Is there a way I am able to create a boot disk from the microSD card I am using, so that if anything happens I have a backup card available.

Is it simply a matter of somehow cloning the microSD card I have to a spare?

Apologies if this is a typical noobie question

[fruitoftheloom]

Hi All

So, I have been using the Pi 3B now for a few weeks and in this time I have installed quite a few programmes and scripts etc. if anything should happen to this card, I would need to reinstall Raspbian AND everything else I've installed since I started using the Pi - eeeek!

Is there a way I am able to create a boot disk from the microSD card I am using, so that if anything happens I have a backup card available.

Is it simply a matter of somehow cloning the microSD card I have to a spare?

Apologies if this is a typical noobie question

Raspbian Stretch with Desktop includes SD Card Copier, so you can create a clone of your SD Card.

You will need a USB SDHC Card Reader..

[gkaiseril]

It also includes the command line comnand piclone, wich is used by sd vard copier.

[theMusicMan]

Thanks all. Duly noted.