Time Machine

Hello

I just got my new Mac about a week ago, and I'm still unsure as to how exactly Time Machine works. (I used to use System Restore in Windows...)

So I know Time Machine backs up every single file, as according to the description.

So lets say I have 200GB of created/downloaded files, and 10GB of system files. (making up a number.) Does this mean that when I create my time machine backup, the backup itself will be 210GB in size? If so, then I really need to save up for that 1TB external hard drive I want, as I only have 820GB total to work with, and I have a lot of files. (500 MBP 320 external)

The first backup will be 210GB (using your figures), but subsequent backups will be tiny and supplemental in nature -- basically just what's changed (which is usually not much).

If you are running any kind of Windows virtualization, make sure you EXCLUDE that from Time Machine's backup -- TM doesn't read Win files, but it will keep trying to backup the huge "system" file most of those Win solutions (not Boot Camp, but the others) rely on.

Thanks I've given Windows the boot, it's not coming anywhere near this laptop So, I don't think that will be a problem.

There are other things that can be excluded as well for most users. I excluded the Developer Tools folder, which some users have not installed, because it does not change and can easily be restored from the original.

In my case I also excluded the System files because I usually keep and up-to date bootable clone of my system drive while allowing Time Machine to back up my data.

How do you exclude windows virtualization from Time Machine?

In Time Machine .... Exclude the folder where the virtual machine resides.

Cheers ... McBie