Backup 2.0.1 adds quality and reliability improvements to scheduled backups and is recommended for all Backup 2.0 users. Please use either Software Update in System Preferences or download Backup 2.0.1 with the button below to bring your system up to date. If you haven’t started using Backup yet, let us take this opportunity to urge you again to do so. Data loss seems distant and remote until it happens to you, and then it feels harsh and painful. Backup 2.0.1 gives you the ability to protect your important data via your iDisk, CDs and DVDs, and external FireWire hard drives (including iPods), network servers, and other mounted volumes. And it’s way too easy to use for you not to take advantage of it.
Backup 2 requires the latest update of Mac OS X version 10.2 or 10.3; Backup 1.1 requires Mac OS X version 10.1.5 or later. Backup 1.1 users must upgrade to Backup 2 to access the following features: backing up to hard drive, backing up to external (OS-supported) external optical drives, disc spanning, and numerous QuickPicks. Non-standard (symlinked) Home folder configurations are not supported.
Before installation, make sure you have the latest Mac OS X update. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu, then click Software Update and proceed with the update.
Backup requires a .Mac account. Full .Mac members can use all Backup features. Trial accounts can back up only to iDisk.
.Mac members using Mac OS X version 10.1.5 should download and install Backup 1.1.
More info here.
I’d love to use Backup, but I’m not a .Mac member. Perhaps Apple has taken Microsoft’s software subscription idea and disguised it as a real service? Nah.
Are there any freeware Backup apps? I just periodicly zip my home folder and copy it away, but Apple’s last security update has put me in the market for backup software. After the update, my TiBook wouldn’t boot. Ended up erasing and installing again. Luckily, I had backed up the previous day.
The way Backup works has made it worth the inexpensive price of .Mac alone. If .Mac were just Backup, it would be worth the price. Backup with .Mac is a powerful app when used correctly. I would seriously consider .Mac if I were you.
Not to mention that copying your home folder doesn’t get the ever-important invisible files. I’ve used Carbon Copy Cloner with success for moving and backing up Home folders, but I use backup every day, and it’s already proven itself worthwhile as I’ve managed to accidentally trash files and get them back in a flash with Backup.
Thanks for the so-called advice. Panther’s zip function seems to zip the invisible files just fine. .Mac offers nothing worthwhile that I don’t already have.
You may convince me that Backup is worth $99/year, but you’ll have to offer more than you have. Isn’t retrieving trashed files possible with every backup program? What’s special about Backup, and why is Backup/.Mac such a powerful combo? I don’t get it.