How to Setup a Time Machine Backups on MacOS:
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- Connect a MacoOS formatted HDD or SSD you would like to use as a backup to your Mac. If it is the first time connecting that drive, MacOS will show a dialog box asking if you would like to use the drive for Time Machine. If that happens you can click “Use as a Backup Disk.” If it is not the first time using the drive with your Mac, go to the Apple menu and click on System Preferences… and click Time Machine.
- Click Select a Backup Disk and choose the disk you have connected from the list. The Time Machine switch on the left should now be set to “ON” or it may have “Backup Automatically” checked depending on the MacOS version.
- You can select “Backup Now” from the Time Machine menu at the top of the screen or just wait for it to backup with the time is has scheduled where it says Next Backup. Also note the details of the backup disk such as space available, oldest backup date and last backup date which are listed here when the backup drive is connected. Under the Options button you can select preferences like backup frequency, folders to exclude and more.
An offsite backup is anytime your files are stored somewhere other than your current system location. Technically, this could be a hard drive you keep at a friend’s house, but it usually means backing up your system online. Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, and OneDrive are convenient, low-cost options that have sync options to automatically sync your most important files. Depending on how much data you plan on backing up, you may need to purchase a data plan. You can use your chosen storage platform’s software to set your preferences. Your data will be backed up according to your preferences whenever you’re connected to the internet.
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A more comprehensive and secure way to back up your entire system is to use a disk image or ghost image. You will need specific software to do this. There are free options like Macrium Reflect and EaseUS for hard drives 1TB or less along with paid options like Acronis True Image. Find the right backup and recovery software for you and do your research like reading reviews and watching videos to see if it accommodates your needs. Mac users can use the Disk Utility app to make a disk image.
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