Sparse Image?

[tuni]

I've read the manual however still don't really understand "sparse image" - can you give me an elementary school -level explanation of what it is and how to use it?

It seems to me that its a "virtual image" (is that like the VmWare?) but I really can't figure out what it is, where it is and how it is to be used.

Would appreciate a ground-level explanation ....of what/how and where.

Many thanks again for your great product and mostly, what is lacking in so many other programs, the support you provide is super-duper too. ;)

tuni

[dnanian]

A 'sparse image' is a standard OSX 'disk type' that stores a virtual 'disk' in a file. You'd use it when using a real disk is not convenient or possible. In general, with SD!, you use a real disk.

[tuni]

I use a real backup drive - a LaCie FW for SD and My Book (USB) for Time Machine so, I guess, would have no need for the Sparse Image - good, now I don't have to figure out how to use it <BG>

Now while I have your attention (sort of?) tell me this....remember in previous thread I said that SD backed up my VmWare Windows XP including the Windows Programs?

Well, since that is the case....why can't I use SD on DH's Dell with XP running to back that up?

I know your response to others is that SD won't back up Windows but it did on my iMac with VmWare running. Is making Windows virtual with VMW, the reason???:confused:

Have trouble understanding the difference?

tuni (with her last question of the day) :)

[dnanian]

Because we're not a Windows program and we're not really running under Windows: we're copying VMWare's Macintosh-hosted data.