Backing Up to a File ?

Hi,
Just bought a new i7 iMac.

I have a lot of software that takes AGES to install (tons of dvd's), and also I like my OSX configures in a certain way that I would like to capture.

BUT- after those major installs I tend to install a lot of junk (such as free plug-ins for Logic), that after a while will potentially interfere with the flow and stability of the mac (happened before).

I will want to create a snapshot of the osx while it's still clean and clear, and a couple of times a year or once needed to reinstall that back to this state. It looks like time machine backs up continuously, so how could I secure a single date to my external HD?

Thanks.

A clone is a great way (and a great bootable backup solution too).
I use Carbon Copy Cloner, and there is also SuperDuper.

Thanks, I will check it out.

Is there any way to do this thing with the internal Time Machine?

I'm just thinking that once the new OS is here they'll might allow you to carry the preferences and installation to the Lion.

Yep, you can use to Machine to make backups when you choose.
I don't have mine setup to do automatic backups, I just turn it on when I feel that I have made some major alterations, or am about to, or, when I have data that I cannot afford to lose since my last backup.
I use both time machine and carbon copy cloner in the same manner.


With time machine preferences, all you need to do is slide the switch to off, and when you mount the external HD, right click on it and select backup now.

Thanks!