iCloud vs Time Machine Backup

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iCloud vs Time Machine Backup

I currently have a 13 inch MacBook Pro (non-touch bar) and was notified that it was eligible for the Solid-State Drive Service Program due to the indue that could result in dat loss and drive failure. Before taking it in for service, it says I have to back it up and mentions Time Machine. However, I currently do not have an external hard drive to back it up to. My laptop is currently backed up to iCloud. Is this enough for a backup or do I need to get a hard drive and use Time Machine?

MacBook Pro, macOS High Sierra (10.13.6)

Posted on Nov 30, 2018 10:41 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 30, 2018 10:49 AM in response to sfernandez012

My laptop is currently backed up to iCloud

I would suggest syncing iCloud content from your Mac is *not* considered a backup. You are syncing some of your content via iCloud, dependent on what you have enabled in system preferences.

The Time Machine backup is true redundancy and can backup every file on your mac, including the system/OS files.

This allow you to "roll back" or recover data from past points in time, which iCloud syncing does not do.

It's your call on the risk you wish to take. If your Mac's HD crashes, iCloud will get you back only the data that is current at the time of the crash.

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iCloud vs Time Machine Backup

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