Backup Software & Strategy

[ssppss]

I have my Mac backing to the Time Machine. I want to setup a second hard disk to back this Time Machine or the main Mac disk using another hard disk. This is so that I can have the second backup off site (more redundancy). What is the best way for me to do this backup?

Should I backup the Time Machine? Should I backup the main Mac hard disk?

Can you recommend me a software for doing this backup?

Thanks.

 

[chscag]

Some of us recommend using either Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper in addition to Time Machine. Either one will provide the redundancy you're looking for.

 

[ssppss]

Thanks for the prompt reply.

Should I do a second Time Machine or just clone the Hard Disk? Should I clone the main Mac or the Time Machine?

Is this something that others worry about too? (Since the Mac and the TIme Machine are in the same physical location.)

 

[chscag]

Both programs I quoted above will clone your hard drive to an external disk and render it bootable. There is no need to backup the Time Machine backup.

 

[lclev]

I agree - lIsten to chscag

I do both CCC and time machine. Just install CCC on the mac you want to back up, set it up and it will work right along side time machine. I have each backing up to separate drives on my network. Very important, can not loose files are backed up in the cloud.

Lisa

 

[McBie]

I know the thread below is rather old, but it is still very valid with regards to backups.

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/switcher-hangout/196606-backups-backups-backups.html

Also have a look at a ' follow up thread ' that Schweb posted some time later ( linked in the article above )
Backup is all about a process, a strategy. It is not so much about tools.

Cheers ... McBie

 

[nickyr]

Like Lisa, I use 2 hard drives for backups:

1 for TM and which is permanently attached to my iMac
1 for SuperDuper which I back up weekly and is kept in a location away from my iMac

As I am a photographer I also have my pictures folder backed up seperately as well.

 

[JenPoMas]

Backup

I know CCC and SD have been mentioned, but what about ChronoSync from Econ Technologies? I've been using it for a number of years for backing up and syncing. It has never failed me. I am able to backup to multiple hard drives, sync projects back and forth between computers and maintain bootable clones of drives. They allow you to try it for free for 30 or so days, so it may be worth a look.

 

[lclev]

It does not matter what you use as long as it works flawlessly every time. I look for the following:

1. Can I customize what, when, where.
2. Can I create a bootable backup that will also allow me to recover just one file if I need it.
3. How silently and fast does it run in the background.
4. Is it a resource hog when it runs - translate: can I tell when it is running.
5. When I need it, does it do a complete restore with out a hassle.

Hard drives fail and that is a fact. It does not matter what you use but if it works every time! I set up a planned systematic backup at work. When my co-workers create or modify a document it is instantly backed up in two locations.

Backups have made me a local hero at work on more than one occasion.

Lisa