How to backup my Macbook properly

I have a few questions about upgrading from Mac OS X 10.4.11 to OS X 10.6.1. My first question is: When I back up my computer, will my versions of Microsoft Word, Office, etc. be transferred back onto my computer? And my second question is: I am backing up with a LaCie HD, should I use the backup assistant that came with the HD? Do you have any advice (do's and dont's) while going through the process of upgrading?
Any input is appreciated! I am a little lost when it comes to this topic. Thank you in advance!

andromeda11 wrote:
I have a few questions about upgrading from Mac OS X 10.4.11 to OS X 10.6.1. My first question is: When I back up my computer, will my versions of Microsoft Word, Office, etc. be transferred back onto my computer?
Not sure what you mean by that. Backing-up via any decent backup app won't change anything on your system.
Or do you mean, the upgrade process? If so, the +Erase and Install+ and +Archive and Install+ options have been eliminated, effective with Snow Leopard. There's just Install. It replaces the current version of OSX with the Snow Leopard version, +*without affecting anything else.+* "No muss, no fuss!"
And my second question is: I am backing up with a LaCie HD, should I use the backup assistant that came with the HD?
No. Snow Leopard incudes +Time Machine,+ a very good backup app, integrated into OSX. You might want to review the [Time Machine Tutorial|http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/#timemachinebasics] and perhaps browse [Time Machine - Frequently Asked Questions|http://web.me.com/pondini/Time_Machine/FAQ.html] (or use the link in *User Tips* at the top of the +Time Machine+ forum).
And/or, use a "cloning" app, such as [CarbonCopyCloner|http://www.bombich.com> (donationware); or [SuperDuper|http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html] (free, but you need the paid version (about $30) to do updates instead of full replacements, or scheduling).
And/or, see Kappy's post on Basic Backup.
Any input is appreciated! I am a little lost when it comes to this topic. Thank you in advance!
It has been made much simpler, easier, and more reliable.
You should check your 3rd-party apps for compatibility, of course. Here's a couple of lists of 3rd-party apps, with info about compatibility (accuracy unknown):
http://snowleopard.wikidot.com/
http://www.macintouch.com/specialreports/snowleopard/slcompat.html#d31aug2009-21 56

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How to backup a macbook pro to icloud

How to Backup a MacBook Pro to Icloud

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
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Hi all!
I have a MacBook Pro with 10.4.11 and am going to update my OS version to the latest. I want to back up my entire computer onto my external drive first because I'm scared I'll lose everything. I have a 500 GB LaCie external drive (p'9223 porsche design, if that helps!). The guy at the apple store told me, and showed me how, to use Time Machine. I then get home and find out my computer didn't come with it, even though the Apple guy knew which MacBook version I had! So now I'm lost. I heard using the restore function in Disk Utility works but I'm not totally sure I underestand that whole idea. How do I easily back up everything onto this external drive?

Carbon Copy Cloner makes a 'snapshot' of your internal drive. I really wish that you had Time Machine - it would be much simpler to simply restore those files after updating your OS.
Go ahead and make the clone - and then just update your system to 10.6.x. You SHOULDN'T lose ANY DATA during the update or afterwards. The clone is only for safety's sake. I'm 99.8% certain that you will not lose any data by simply upgrading your OS.
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I would like to periodically backup my Contacts in my Macbook Air. How do I do it?

The easiest thing to do is to use File > Export > Address Book Archive.
Details here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH4653
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Carbon Copy Cloner makes a 'snapshot' of your internal drive. I really wish that you had Time Machine - it would be much simpler to simply restore those files after updating your OS.
Go ahead and make the clone - and then just update your system to 10.6.x. You SHOULDN'T lose ANY DATA during the update or afterwards. The clone is only for safety's sake. I'm 99.8% certain that you will not lose any data by simply upgrading your OS.
That said, after the successful update, you can continue to use the clone method of backing up or use Time Machine. If I had to chose only one, I'd go with Time Machine because it makes incremental backups rather than one-time snapshots. I use both Time Machine and clones - having at least one of each is my preferred method.
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Hello,
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Hello mafrerichs and welcome to Apple Support Communities,
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How to use and troubleshoot FireWire target disk mode - Apple Support
and hook to another Mac and use CCC or SuperDuper and clone your HD to another drive.
You could also pull the drive out of your MBP and use an external USB case or SATA - USB dongle to hook it to another Mac.
"MacBook Pro (15-inch Late 2011),... have a 15" 2012 Macbook pro with 2gb of ram, i7 processor"
That's a little confusing?

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Basic Backup
For some people Time Machine will be more than adequate. Time Machine is part of OS X. There are two components:
1. A Time Machine preferences panel as part of System Preferences;
2. A Time Machine application located in the Applications folder. It is
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2. Get Backup
3. Deja Vu
4. SuperDuper!
5. Synk Pro
6. Tri-Backup
Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on backup and restore. Also read How to Back Up and Restore Your Files. For help with using Time Machine visit Pondini's Time Machine FAQ for help with all things Time Machine.
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2. OWC
3. WiebeTech
4. Firewire Direct
5. California Drives
6. NewEgg
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-B-

No, I don't have 2 gigs of RAM but as soon as I get the money I will upgrade from OWC! I have found that website (http://www.macsales.com) to be very reliable, quick and they have the lowest prices out there for the highest quality of products.
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Learn to make local backups and only store your data you need across all devices in the cloud, it's faster and it's safer from deletion or prying eyes. Also you can take it to any computer anytime and use it.
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Ciao.

How to backup my Macbook properly

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