I'm currently running os x 10.5.8 and need to update. I don't want to do it randomly but can't find a good guide. First, how do I backup my computer? I don't think I have Time Machine. I'm pathetic with technology but can't really use anything right now because the system is old.
Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)
To backup get. An external hard drive, lots of good ones are available. I have four from OWC, http://www.macsales.com
Connect and format with Disk Utility as Mac OS X, Extended (Journaled), then check in System Preferences, you should have TimeMachine. Turn that on and specify your external hard drive for the backup. TM will do all the work for you.
To backup get. An external hard drive, lots of good ones are available. I have four from OWC, http://www.macsales.com
Connect and format with Disk Utility as Mac OS X, Extended (Journaled), then check in System Preferences, you should have TimeMachine. Turn that on and specify your external hard drive for the backup. TM will do all the work for you.
Basic Backup
For some people Time Machine will be more than adequate. Time Machine is part of OS X. There are two components:
1. A Time Machine preferences panel as part of System Preferences;
2. A Time Machine application located in the Applications folder. It is
used to manage backups and to restore backups. Time Machine
requires a backup drive that is at least twice the capacity of the
drive being backed up.
3. Time Machine requires a backup drive that is at least double the
capacity of the drive(s) it backs up.
Alternatively, get an external drive at least equal in size to the internal hard drive and make (and maintain) a bootable clone/backup. You can make a bootable clone using the Restore option of Disk Utility. You can also make and maintain clones with good backup software. My personal recommendations are (order is not significant):
2. Get Backup
3. Deja Vu
4. SuperDuper!
5. Synk Pro
6. Tri-Backup
Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on backup and restore. Also read How to Back Up and Restore Your Files. For help with using Time Machine visit Pondini's Time Machine FAQ for help with all things Time Machine.
Although you can buy a complete external drive system, you can also put one together if you are so inclined. It's relatively easy and only requires a Phillips head screwdriver (typically.) You can purchase hard drives separately. This gives you an opportunity to shop for the best prices on a hard drive of your choice. Reliable brands include Seagate, Hitachi, Western Digital, Toshiba, and Fujitsu. You can find reviews and benchmarks on many drives at Storage Review.
Enclosures for FireWire and USB are readily available. You can find only FireWire enclosures, only USB enclosures, and enclosures that feature multiple ports. I would stress getting enclosures that use the Oxford chipsets especially for Firewire drives (911, 921, 922, for example.) You can find enclosures at places such as;
1. Cool Drives
2. OWC
3. WiebeTech
6. NewEgg
All you need do is remove a case cover, mount the hard drive in the enclosure and connect the cables, then re-attach the case cover. Usually the only tool required is a small or medium Phillips screwdriver.
Need to update software but unsure how to backup
