HT202784: Backup disks you can use with Time Machine

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mariotti
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Q: A network volume seems not to work..

I connected a std smb share as asf disk. It does not appear on the possible disks for the time machine.

 

So first: What is Apple File Protocol (AFP)?

Can SMB be used?

 

If my network servers are not MacOSX, what can I do to mount them as AFP?

 

What is an example of correct AFP network disk which does not depend on any mac air like wifi device?

Posted on Mar 4, 2016 1:19 PM

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mariotti

Q: A network volume seems not to work..

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  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Mar 4, 2016 2:57 PM in response to mariotti
    Level 9 (52,335 points)
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    Mar 4, 2016 2:57 PM in response to mariotti

    Apple File Protocol AFP was used as standard up to Mavericks.. it is the default network protocol all Macs used but it then swapped to SMB.. unfortunately Apple decided to write their own SMB.. which wasn't a great success..

     

    I guess the main point about AFP is that it is linked to Files from original AppleTalk.. And the Mac file structure which is different to PC world.

     

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Filing_Protocol

     

    It is crucial that AFP is used for Time Machine backups.. as well as Mac OS formatting.. HFS+.

     

    It is possible for PC servers to host Apple Sparsebundle but the experience is so poor I can only say don't do it.

    http://lifehacker.com/5691649/an-easier-way-to-set-up-time-machine-to-back-up-to -a-networked-windows-computer

     

    From general reading the results are less than spectacular.. i don't recommend it.

     

    A Linux OS is much better because it can handle AFP and HFS+ much better than windows.

     

    Most decent NAS support TM backups.. but it is a lot easier to use a built system than build your own.

     

    Here is a DIY build running a Linux VM inside windows to support TM ..

     

    http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/nas/nas-howto/31609-how-to-make-a-windows-time-ma chine-server-part-1

     

    I still would not recommend it.

     

    And I would suggest you spend a bit of time understanding the issues of Mac format files.

     

    Read it in Carbon Copy Cloner or Chronosync as they have lots of info which is helpful.. Apple always assume pure apple networks and give almost no technical details.

     

    eg http://www.econtechnologies.com/chronosync/guides-basics.html

     

    Having to deal with something like Apple's special protocols within a more standard SMB network can be interesting..

     

    You can store user documents etc on SMB drive.. but just copying an OS X system file to anything but HFS+ disk (real or virtual) will make it useless.