Time Machine frequent hard drive access

[techcomm]

I'm a recent switcher having purchased an early 2008 iMac 24 2.8 Ghz computer a month ago. I am extremely happy with it. What a beautifully designed product with an amazing display. Still getting used to the OS since I've used windows only since day one.

Three days ago hooked up an iomega ultramax 500 drive as my time machine drive via firewire 400. Installation was a breeze. It did its initial backup with no problem and does hourly backups as well.

I notice that my time machine drive starts up and is accessed quite frequently. (Not just for hourly backups). Perhaps the drive starts up every 15 minutes or so.

Is this normal?

Should I be concerned about this?
Thank you so much for your help.

 

[cwa107]

It will be accessed constantly - basically any time files (including hidden and system files) are modified.

 

[techcomm]

Thanks so much for the reply. It just thought the time machine drive should be accessed only on backups. That makes me feel better.
This forum is a great resource. Thanks again.
Bob

 

[PKGuy323]

There's a freebie app out there called "TimeMachine Editor" that will allow you to set the times it will backup.

TimeMachineEditor

 

[techcomm]

Thank You!