Mac Backups Quick Start - Take Control of Backing Up Your Mac - page 2

Set up your backups:

• If you've chosen to use Time Machine for versioned backups, read

Configure and Use Time Machine . Otherwise, consult Use Other
Versioned Backup Software to learn how to configure a versioned
backup and verify that you can retrieve stored files.

• Make a bootable copy of your startup volume, schedule it for regular

updates, and test it to make sure it works with the advice in Create a
Bootable Duplicate .

• One way or another, Store an Extra Backup Offsite —either by

physically moving backup media or by signing up for an online
backup service.

Address problems and unusual situations:

• If your disk dies, your Mac is stolen, or an important file goes

missing, don't panic; read What to Do When Disaster Strikes .

• After months or years of backing up your Mac, you may run out of

space on your backup disks, or you may become concerned about
the long-term viability of your backup media. Discover what to do
about this in Manage Your Media .

• Find out how to deal with backup needs that don't fit neatly in

the duplicate or versioned categories by reading Consider Special
Backup Needs . As appropriate, read about Digital Photos , Dealing
with Huge Volumes of Data , Backing Up a Small Network , Backing
Up While on the Road , and Windows Files and Volumes .