The arrival of Mavericks OS X brought many new changes. Even though it’s no longer supported, users may still run this OS X version on older Mac models. Trust me, if you haven’t read about Mavericks or heard anything about the updates that are coming, you’ll definitely want to check them out sooner rather than later.
So, the best thing for any Mac user to do before any major update is to back up files.
Why should I back up? Backing up files on your Mac is always a good idea, no matter the situation. In fact, when was the last time you did a backup? Exactly. You should do one right now while reading this article. And, when installing a new OS X, it’s best to back up files just in case the changes bring something unexpected. Accidents happen. Technology is never perfect. |
What should I back up? You should back up all of your important documents, files, and folders. It’s a good idea to be as safe as possible by ensuring that everything is taken care of. With Apple’s Time Machine, backing up files couldn’t be any simpler. All you need is a few spare minutes and an external hard drive. So, let’s start! |
How to back up your files
- Open an app called Time Machine.
- Click “Select Backup Disk.”
- Select where you wish to save your files (an external drive works best, Apple Time Capsule is a safe bet).
- Click “On” on the left-hand side of the screen to turn Time Machine on.
- On the right, under the name of the storage device, there are three lines that say “Oldest backup,” “Latest backup,” and “Next backup.” Your backup should be scheduled within the next 5 minutes.
- Don’t want to wait? In the Finder Bar at the top of your screen, a few icons left of the Date & Time, click on the “arrow clock” icon and select “Back Up Now.”
Once Time Machine starts working, give it some time to finish copying. There you have it! All of your Mac files are safely backed on the drive you’ve chosen. Make sure you double-check to see that your files are all intact.
Now… Wasn’t that easy?
