Do I need an External Hard drive to Back up with Time machine?

     I probably have all kinds of misconceptions about Resetting to an earlier time for the computer I have. It's a 2009 macbook, running OS 10.8.5. I got it last week, previous to this machine I have been running a powerbook G4. It does not have a backup with Time Machine either.
Let me tell you a funny story,
      Back in the year 2000 I got a powerbook G4, it was tops (in my Book) and my boss paid for it. David, my boss is the owner -operator of a manufacturing business turning out soft-weapons for martial artist's I call it the Chinese Stick Fighting Factory. <Sof-Stx.com> . While going to work one fine summer day on my Harley Super Glide,( I saw in my rear-view mirror that the back pack (packing the G4) had left the Vehicle with out authorization, and was bouncing down the road in the opposite direction. Anyway to make a long story short, I developed inoperable  Colon Cancer in 2008, I had to retire for the second time in my life, this time collecting a fixed income. and when I was able to fit it in my budget (in 2012) I got a used G4 and last week I got the MacBook running Maverick.
     So… any input ?

Answer to your question....yes, buy an external HD. You do not need an expensive one and you do not need a huge one. I run two 500 GB externals - both attached (occasionally) to my MacBook Pro.
Barry

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