I couldn't speak to how you might do it on windows or mac. but as you mentioned linux... most popular linux backup applications have features such as backup on shutdown or backup on startup, which might help as you don't have to think about it (atleast with the backup at shutdown).

But just a word of caution as you're still in school, DON'T use a distribution(version of linux) that is called bleeding edge or unstable, use a "stable" distribution. the bleeding edge is fun, but it's more trouble than it is worth when you don't have a lot of time.

i mean, he could have just used the non-self checkout

A Canon!? how in the world!

or the same animalogical kingdom

or anyone with the same gender