How to backup data without Time Machine

<<I have read enough about Time Machine to believe that using that system may slow down my MacBook,>>

That is exactly what I thought as well. So I did enough research to be certain there was a way to decrease the frequency of time machine backup, in case I needed to "get it out of my way".

But I never needed to change that. Time machine runs at very low priority, and except for the first full backup, is done and out of the way six times over before you think to check if it is still running.

Time machine's "claim to fame" is that you never need to set aside a separate time to run backups, because it does its work so quietly in the background, that when you need it, it is the backup that actually got done, and is there to help you.

Give it a chance. If you really hate it, there are plenty other ways to make backups you can use instead.

Back up your Mac with Time Machine - Apple Support

.

If your mind is already made up, leroy douglas' guide should be helpful

How to create a boot clone - Apple Community

.