jp0103
Level 1 (4 points)
Desktops

Q: backing up external hard drive

I have an iMac from 2008 that I am trying to update to El Capitan. I would like to backup all my pictures just in case anything happens. I am definitely NOT what you would call knowledgeable when it comes to computers. The first and last time I backed anything up on the external hard drive was Feb 2014. I am using the My Passport Ultra to do so. (Not sure if that makes a difference.) How do I burn new things on there? When I click to burn it just asks me for a disc. What am I doing wrong? How do I get my pictures on there? Also, I pretty much only use the computer for the internet and storing pictures. I don't have iPhoto. Is there a convenient way for me to go through all the pictures and organize them into folders? They show up all mixed up randomly so it's not like I can just drag and click a bunch and throw them together. I have pictures from years apart all mixed in together. Thanks for any help!

OBS iMac (20-inch Early 2008)

Posted on Jul 27, 2016 1:47 PM

by JimmyCMPIT,Apple recommended
JimmyCMPIT JimmyCMPIT
Level 6 (8,476 points)
Mac OS X
A:

insert the dvd, copy the files over to the dvd and you will be asked to burn the DVD through the OS, no additional software

OS X El Capitan: Burn CDs and DVDs

OS X Yosemite: Burn CDs and DVDs

 

otherwise TimeMachine works very well for this and has far more flexability

Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac - Apple Support

Posted on Jul 27, 2016 1:49 PM

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jp0103

Q: backing up external hard drive

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  • Helpful answers

  • by JimmyCMPIT,Apple recommended

    JimmyCMPIT JimmyCMPIT Jul 27, 2016 1:49 PM in response to jp0103
    Level 6 (8,476 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 27, 2016 1:49 PM in response to jp0103

    insert the dvd, copy the files over to the dvd and you will be asked to burn the DVD through the OS, no additional software

    OS X El Capitan: Burn CDs and DVDs

    OS X Yosemite: Burn CDs and DVDs

     

    otherwise TimeMachine works very well for this and has far more flexability

    Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac - Apple Support

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Jul 27, 2016 2:04 PM in response to jp0103
    Level 9 (58,956 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 27, 2016 2:04 PM in response to jp0103

    jp0103,

     

    You should get another external HD (they are inexpensive) and I'd recommend getting an OWC (www.macsales.com) Mercury Elite Pro. Format it to Mac OS Extended (journaled) and ensure both old EHD and the current EHD are connected to your iMac. Then begin using Time Machine to backup the computer. I'm assuming you don't know about TM but you likely have it installed on your computer as part of OS X. Apple explains TM in Use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac - Apple Support.

     

    After you have fully backed up the computer and EHD, then you can begin upgrading to El Capitan.  You will need at least OS X 10.6.8 to do this. If you don' t know the version of OS X installed, click the Apple symbol in the upper left of the display and click "About this Mac" and it will tell you the version of OS X. It will also tell you how much RAM is installed. On a 2008 iMac you should have a minimum of 4GB or RAM to run El Capitan, it's better to have 6GB though which is the maximum for a 2008 iMac. If the computer needs a RAM upgrade then purchase the RAM from OWC, they sell upgrade kits and anyone with a screwdriver and 10 minutes can upgrade the RAM.

  • by Old Toad,

    Old Toad Old Toad Jul 28, 2016 4:23 PM in response to jp0103
    Level 10 (141,679 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Jul 28, 2016 4:23 PM in response to jp0103

    I wholeheartedly second rkaufmann87's recommendation of getting a second external hard drive from OWC and use Time Machine on a continuing basis for your backups.

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