I need to update my OS from 10.5.8 to 10.6.3. I have the Snow Leopard disk to do it but am worried that not all of my data is backed up on my external backup. It is WD external backup I bought at the Apple store. Can I confirm it is backed up?

Backup before you update. If you don't know that you have a current backup then make a new one to be sure.

We can't tell you how to see what is on your backup when we don't even know what utility you use for your backup.

Mustang1985 wrote:

Can I confirm it is backed up?

You can't confirm your data is backed up using TimeMachine methods.

However you need to maintain two copies of your data at all times, since it's possible when you go to upgrade to 10.6.3, it's not going to work and you may have to erase and install (should for best performance actually)

So since there is a potential for loss here, you should get another external drive, use Disk Utility to format it the standard Mac format and use Carbon Copy Cloner to clone your 10.5 to it.

Since it copies everything, all your stuff will be there AND it's direct accessible so you can verify your files are there before you proceed with the upgrade.

Most commonly used backup methods

Also if your interested in maximizing your Snow Leopard's performance then do this

For Snow Leopard Speed Freaks

I do NOT advise any Mac that's out of AppleCare (or 3+ years old) to be upgraded past OS X 10.6.8

10.7 and 10.8 are SLOWER and they don't run your older PPC based software like 10.6 will, thus it tends to be a HUGE cost in replacement software that's better spent on a new 10.8 machine instead.

Also there is a risk with newer OS on a old machine and if a firmware update breaks the machine and your out of AppleCare, your out of frigging luck and stuck buying a new machine prematurely.

So it's not always wise to upgrade operating systems too far.

Apple is maintaining security updates for 10.6.8, so there is no need to worry about that issue presently.