Q: can a usb flash drive be used as the back-up disc when using TimeMachine?

People keep telling me I need to upgrade or update? from OS X Lion to something newer. I am wondering if a usb flash drive could be used as the back-up disc when using Time Machine. Before upgrading the system it seems the backing up files is strongly suggested. I do not have many files on my computer. And what would be the newest version I should or could move to from Lion? Thanks.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Aug 16, 2016 11:29 AM

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Q: can a usb flash drive be used as the back-up disc when using TimeMachine?

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by Allan Eckert,

Allan Eckert Aug 16, 2016 11:32 AM in response to SharLeeSylvania
Level 9 (53,621 points)

Desktops

Aug 16, 2016 11:32 AM in response to SharLeeSylvania

No
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by JimmyCMPIT,

JimmyCMPIT Aug 16, 2016 11:37 AM in response to SharLeeSylvania
Level 5 (7,508 points)

Mac OS X

Aug 16, 2016 11:37 AM in response to SharLeeSylvania

A backup before upgrading is a policy that should not be ignored. In the event you find out the upgrade is not working out you will have no recourse to restore your computer to working again without wiping the entire thing out and loosing any data you didn't back up.
A list of compatible devices for Time Machine can be found here.
Backup disks you can use with Time Machine - Apple Support

See this article on some insightful practices for Time Machine
http://pondini.org/TM/1.html
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Q: can a usb flash drive be used as the back-up disc when using TimeMachine?

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by Allan Eckert,

by JimmyCMPIT,

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