I'm supposed to back up my computer. Can someone help?

[IBrakeforPastry]

I have a Mac that needs to go into the shop for some diagnostic testing. They reminded me to back up everything before I brought it in. "Okay!" I said knowingly. I realize this is something I should have been doing anyway, but I never did. I'm pretty sure I'll have to buy an external hard drive, but other than that, I'm pretty clueless.

I'd appreciate any advice and information to make this as painless as possible.

[IBrakeforPastry]

Do I have to buy a Mac-specific hard drive? I wasn't sure if he was just trying to sell me something with the Apple name on it. I'll pay extra if it makes it easier, unless the whole process is pretty easy, anyway. I can follow prompts.

[OakLeaf]

Do I have to buy a Mac-specific hard drive? I wasn't sure if he was just trying to sell me something with the Apple name on it.

Nope. And particularly you don't need an Apple brand hard drive. Buying one already formatted for Mac means you don't have to format it before use if you don't want to ... but I always format a new drive regardless. Plug it in, launch Disk Utility, select the new drive, click the Erase tab, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) from the pulldown menu, rename the drive if you want, and then click the Erase button.

I use Time Machine because it's free and pre-installed, but I also use SuperDuper which lets you create a bootable clone, so in case of hard drive failure, you can boot from your backup drive. I've also had permissions issues transferring files to a new computer using files I'd backed up from my old computer using Time Machine. I expect there's a workaround or a procedure to follow if I RTFM , but it was simpler for me to just use my SuperDuper backup.


Buying a networked drive means potentially slower backups, but it also means you never have to remember to plug it in. Wifi capability might be worth your money if you're not adding large amounts of data to your backups (like photos or videos) regularly - and especially if your space or mobility requirements make you reluctant to keep a backup drive plugged in all the time.

Have more than one backup drive, even if you use the same software for both. Do it regularly. Daily or even hourly if you use your computer for work, banking, or other important tasks. Weekly at a minimum.

The old adage about crashes (which I strongly dispute when it comes to bikes) is actually true when it comes to computer storage: there are two kinds of people, those who have had a crash and those who are going to have a crash. My DH's comment: "Emergency. Get off the computer and stop looking at TE, go to Best Buy right this second, get your backup drive and get it started."

[IBrakeforPastry]

Okay, got it. Off to Best Buy. And thank you!!

[IBrakeforPastry]

My computer engineer brother prefers Western Digital brand. (You can set up your own cloud on it), though I think you can do that with most if you know what you are doing. I got one, but haven't taken it out of the box, yet. Had some trouble with the Seagrave brand drive I'm currently using. (Or maybe it's Seagate?).

And stay away from Mac--overpriced. Plus, yes, their permissions are a pain.

Thanks for the tip about Superduper, Oak. Good to know. I may ask again later when I set up my new drive. (Looking forward to not having Mac in the future. Too proprietary. Ugh).

The last part, that I bolded, what do you mean? I got my Mac 5 or 6 years ago. I like it because it was simple to use, once I took a few classes. I'm getting annoyed at all the upgrades that seem to change to way things work, and that I have to break old habits and learn new things. I have a math and science background, but never really got into computers other than to use them for "fun". Obviously, I'm here, but I use it for my photos and travel planning, and goofing off on message boards (although I've learned a lot, too). I've considered going back to a PC, but I remember having to deal with constant updates and anti-virus programs. Do you think I should look into it again?

[BikeDutchess]

Keep in mind that the first time you back up with Time Machine, it may take a few hours depending on the amount of data/files you have on your Mac. Don't try to back it up the first time right before you run off to your appointment at the shop!