Macbook Pro Backup advice needed

libra10

I have been regularly backing up the system using an old(ish) hard drive, and need to replace in case of failure.

Just wondering whether there is a USB stick which would have the capacity to store these regular backups.

My system is Memory 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3

Processor 2.9 GHz Intel Core i7

Very grateful for any help.

Thank you

StuC75

How much disk space are you actually using though? what space is showing as been used on the backup drive. as this will determine if pendrives could be suitable..

Also depends what kind of work you do on the mac - we talking lots of photo \ video editing using up gb's or just general use.. if its just general then cloud type storage could be handy - e.g. Skydrive (just one of many!)..

libra10

Thanks for replying.

I use the Mac just for surfing, not many photos or downloading. Very few programmes - Office, Roboform, not much else.

I've just remembered that I have a Know How Cloud services 500GB or 1TB online backup, which was given free when buying something from Currys/PC World.

It's never been used, never thought of cloud storage to be honest, would this be suitable?

Thank you

StuC75

Its always good to have a second \ 3rd method or more..

should never just rely upon just the usb hard drive - if house burnt down and the mac and hard drive destroyed all would be lost..

So don't think of any method as a replacement - more an addition..

Its also good when can be used on other devices too - e.g. access from work / iphone / tablets..

Havent used the Currys one so cant comment on there speed \ reliability -but assuming you have a good internet connection then it will be ok (with these the nominated folders are 'mirrored' to the cloud - so updates \ changes get transferred over 'seamlessly').. So it isn't the case that you are only working online..

some are also good at keeping different versions of the file - I know with dropbox can look at versions of the same file and recover deleted files on some as well.. so suppose its another form of time machine...

libra10

Thanks again stuC75 for further information.

I think I will keep using the older hard drive to back up, along with Curry's cloud system. That way I will have two back ups in the event of failure.

Much appreciated. for your help.

Katykat

I was using an old hard drive which was mains powered till my son laughed his socks off when he saw it. He bought me a USB hard drive which is the size of a deck of cards. I keep it connected all the time so that whenever I power up my MacBook, it backs up. Have to say I usually only turn the computer on once a week as I use my Ipad all the time.

libra10

Thanks katykat, that sounds like a good idea.

I like my mini iPad, it's great for reading books etc, but prefer Macbook for the keyboard, Office, and autofill. Find iPad much slower to use.

Thanks for your advice.

fishybusiness

I have been regularly backing up the system using an old(ish) hard drive, and need to replace in case of failure.

I just wondering what you mean by backing up your system. Copying a few files and folders will be easy with USB stick, online backup, external drive etc, but if you mean the whole system, say using Time Machine, an external drive is always the way to go.

libra10

Every week or so I receive a message on the Mac screen saying it's time to backup. When I plug in the hard drive, it mentions something about Time Machine.

Not being techy, not sure exactly what is being backed up, just do as I'm told

Also back up documents etc separately using a USB stick.

fishybusiness

The clean install is about 14GB, plus all of your own files, and programs. You could easily be at 20GB+

For me, an external hard drive is the only way. Time Machine will have made one large backup of the whole disk contents, then on each subsequent backup will only save files that have changed.

128GB USB flash drives are pricey, over 100 pounds, for the same money you can buy a 1 or 2TB external hard drive, which will keep you in plenty of backup space.

knightstyle

I was in a similar situation so I got a WD 500gb external HD. Simple to set up for my Macbook and I plug it in every week or so to backup using time machine.
I have also created a separate file on it where I store all my films as they take up a lot of space. But PC users cannot access these direct from the HD so I have to transfer to a USB stick for them.