Ok, so the node`s been running perfectly now and I managed to stop the lid closing from turning off the wifi by altering a config file and it`s all good!

I`v bought a second 2tb internal ssd drive for the laptop so I can make backups of the block data every now and again (perhaps monthly).
From what I can tell I need to copy the folders 'Blocks' and also 'Chainstate'
are there any other essential files that will need backing up? I`m not bothered about wallets because I won`t be using it for that.

also, on linux (specificaly ubuntu) can I just copy / paste these files onto the new drive and the next time I do it, will it just copy the new stuff that`s been added or will it be awkward?
On windows it gives the option to 'Skip' files that already exist.