Backing it up

There are all kinds of backup apps out there. Which one is right for you?

It’s sad, but true. Few Mac users create backups of any sort, and fewer still have thorough, automated backups. There is no complete and final answer to everyone’s backup needs, but that fact shouldn’t become a reason to put off implementing a backup strategy. The key to making it happen is identifying your needs. Start with these two questions: What types of backups do you wish to perform, and where do you intend to back it up to?

Apple’s easy-to-use Backup application is a fine choice if you only want archives (and you have a .Mac account), but for bootable duplicates you’ll need a separate application. If you’ll be backing up to hard drives and want only bootable duplicates, the programs discussed here are overkill; you’d be much better served by SuperDuper ( ).

For an all-purpose, straightforward backup tool that handles everything from bootable duplicates to archives, Data Backup is a clear winner. If you plan to back up to optical discs, Retrospect Desktop and Personal Backup X4 are the best options; Retrospect is more capable by far (but also more expensive and more difficult to use). However, Retrospect is unrivaled for backing up multiple computers over a network and for maintaining total control over every aspect of a backup when necessary.

Backing it up

There are all kinds of backup apps out there. Which one is right for you?

Backup 3.1

If you’re a .Mac member, you have access to Apple’s Backup 3.1. Among numerous changes since version 2, Backup now backs up new or changed files on each run, without erasing older copies.
Retrospect Desktop 6.1

If measured purely in terms of the number and depth of features, no other Mac backup program can hold a candle to Retrospect 6.1. If you want to back up a small network, it’s the best choice, by far.
Personal Backup X4 10.4.5

Personal Backup X4 10.4.5 certainly contains some flashes of brilliance, such as extensive network server support and direct recording to optical discs, and for basic backup operations, it works well. But bugs and a poor restoration feature mar an otherwise attractive package.
Data Backup 2.1

Other than the weak support for optical discs and a below-average synchronization feature—neither of which is crucial for backing up your data to hard drives—there’s little not to like about Data Backup 2.1.
Tri-BACKUP 4.0.4

I found Tri-BACKUP made many activities that should have been simple unduly confusing. Unfortunate choices of interface and wording make this otherwise versatile program less attractive than others.