Newbie needs assurance

[Kari]

Hi there--I am a new Mac owner, and have spent the last 3 months since I got by new iMac trying to figure out different stuff. I have gotten books from the library, but it seems some things are a bit more complicated than I had hoped they would be.

When I started researching how to backup, SuperDuper! had the most recommendations. So, I downloaded the guide, and am in the process of clearing the external drive that I used to use to back up my PC. A couple questions before I get started. I see a lot of references to a Firewire drive, but my drive is a USB drive. (Maxtor 3200). Is that a problem, or does it just make for a longer backup? I am currently zeroing the drive as recommended.

Secondly, just so I make sure I am on the right track, I am mostly hoping to backup my photos (in iPhoto '08 7.1.1, which I am having issues understanding fully), music, personal documents in case of a breakdown, and if I want to upgrade to Leopard. (Currently I am using Tiger 10.4.11)

Thanks in advance for any suggestions or help.

[dnanian]

If you have an Intel Mac, then a USB drive is OK. Just make sure it's properly partitioned using the "GUID" partition scheme.

Back up everything, not just your photos. It doesn't take much more space, and it's a lot easier to recover with a full backup.

[Kari]

Yes, I have an 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. Glad to hear I don't need to buy additional hardware.

I am following the 60 page guide, and am on page 6, is the explanation within that guide? If not, can you point me where I learn to "properly partition using the "GUID" partition scheme"? (I haven't even download SuperDuper! yet, but plan to pay to get the full version.)

I definitely plan to back up everything. I referred specifically to the pictures because I don't fully understand how to even get to my pictures in iPhoto...been trying to figure out this whole database/packet thing I keep reading about. So, as long as I know it is being backedup then I can rest easily that the kids childhood photos aren't lost forever. I will figure out the iPhoto issue later.

Thank you so much--

Kari

[dnanian]

To partition:

• Start Disk Utility
• Select the external drive hardware in the sidebar
• Click the Partition tab
• Click Options
• Choose the proper partition scheme (GUID for your Intel mac) and accept the page
• Use the UI to divide the drive as desired. Use "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" as the format type and name appropriately
• Click Partition.

[Kari]

First, I really appreciate your help.

Second, is there any reason why I would divide the drive, and if I don't do so at this juncture does that mean I won't be able to in the future?

Thanks...the zeroing just finished and I am about to do the partition, thanks to your instructions.

Kari

[dnanian]

You'd divide the drive if you want to store other things on the drive alongside the backup.

[Kari]

thank again. I now have a full backup on the backup drive. I followed the directions to schedule for a smart update. After filling out the schedule box, it just sits on my screen, as does the main super duper box. Do I close the schedule box and click copy now on the main box, or do these boxes need to stay open all the time in the background?

Thank you again.