Best Data Backup Software for Mac
Top Utilities For Backing Up Files on Apple OS X Computers
Aug 11, 2009
Backing up important files and system configurations is essential for Mac computer users. This can be done onsite, offsite, or in both places for a higher level of protection against data loss.
Offsite data backup usually occurs via an online data backup service. Backing up data onsite is often done manually with external hard drives or DVDs.
However, Mac users can take advantage of the various data backup software programs available for Apple computers to make automated onsite data backups.
What is Data Backup Software?
Backup software allows users to restore a single file, multiple files or a whole system – often without the need for separate data recovery software or data recovery services. Furthermore, these backup utilities can be set to automatically backup files hourly. In almost all cases, the only requirements for this method of data backup are the data backup software and an external hard drive.
There are many choices for Mac users looking for data backup software. Perhaps the best place to start is by looking at Time Machine, Apple’s own backup utility which is integrated into Mac OS X 10.5.
Time Machine as a Data Backup Solution for Mac
The Time Machine data backup utility is built into Leopard OS X 10.5. Once initiated in the System Preferences, this software will create a folder on an external hard drive and copy the entire contents of the primary hard drive to that folder.
The folder will contain the current date and time. Every hour after the initial complete backup, Time Machine will create a new folder and back up only the files that have changed since the last backup. These incremental backups happen in the background so users can enjoy uninterrupted workflow.
When a file goes missing, the user can open up Time Machine and easily go “back in time” to locate the missing file and restore it. Time Machine can also assist with seamless migration of files from an old Mac to a new Mac.
Other Data Backup Software Solutions For Mac Users
While Time Machine is available to all Mac OS X 10.5 users, there are a number of other data backup software utilities for Mac. While most of these other backup programs do exactly what Time Machine does, many go the extra mile to make sure the restoration process is just as seamless as the backup process – even in face of major data loss.
SuperDuper Data Backup and Recovery Software for Mac
SuperDuper by Shirt Pocket is one of the most trusted Mac backup utilities on the market. For just $27.95 USD, Mac users get an easy-to-use data backup solution with the powerful option of creating a fully bootable copy of the primary hard drive.
While Time Machine can restore a full system, the creators of the SuperDuper backup utility state that the “Time Machine copies are not bootable until they're restored”. In order to restore a Time Machine copy, the user must first boot up from the Leopard OS X DVD. This poses a huge problem for the majority of Mac laptop users who may encounter a system crash on the road. With SuperDuper, the system can boot off of the SuperDuper clone with relatively little inconvenience to the user.
CrashPlan Data Backup Software
Although CrashPlan offers offsite data backup services, they have also put forward a unique data backup utility available to both subscribers and non-subscribers. This software allows users to backup files to a second or third computer via a network or internet connection. This software is attractive not only because it is free but also because it can be used with PC and Macs as long as the user has the CrashPlan software installed on all of the computers.
For those who have two or more computers but don’t want to spend money on an external hard drive or spend time/money burning DVDs, CrashPlan is a great option for backing up important data.
The Best Data Backup Solution for Mac
For most Mac users on OS X 10.5 or higher, Time Machine will suffice as a data backup solution because it is very easy to use and is already integrated into the Mac operating system. For those users in need of fully bootable backups, SuperDuper is an inexpensive solution and runs nicely alongside Time Machine.
Between these two onsite data backup solutions, Mac users can rest assured that their data is safe from accidental deletion or loss due to hardware failure. For increased protection, users can augment onsite data backup with one of the many offsite backup solutions available to Mac users.
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