Time Machine is EXTREMELY SLOW. What is the best way to make a complete, reliable copy of the hard drive before i erase the disk?

I was given an older iMac (from 2010) on the condition i first create a complete, reliable copy of everything on her hard drive and then wipe it clean.  Is Time Machine the best way to do this so that she can use this data when she needs it?  I started Time Machine but it is so slow, at this rate it will take at least 10 days to do the first backup.  I'm already on the 3rd day now at about 2.5 GB per day.  Is there a better way that is reliable?  perhaps some kind of disc copy? This iMac has 4gb memory,processor: 3.06 gHz Intel core i3, model iMac11,2, 1 processor, 2 cores.  thank you

Choices.
Clone  - Carbon Copy Cloner          (Often recommended as it has more features than some others)
Clone – Data Backup
Clone – Deja Vu
Clone  - SuperDuper
Clone - Synk
Clone Software – 6 Applications Tested
Time Machine Versus Clones and Archives
Commonly Used Backup Methods

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    That is our most common error.. ever since Mountain Lion came along with its inability to remember beyond a few hours. where the devices are located.. and so forgets to dismount properly.
    Look at the right hand.. More Like This.
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    http://pondini.org/TM/Troubleshooting.html

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    If you have more than one user account, these instructions must be carried out as an administrator.
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    Some personal information, such as the names of your files, may be included — anonymize before posting.

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    kieranroy wrote:
    Hey - apologize if this has been covered, but despite much searching, I haven't found a solution to my problem...
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    Apple doesn’t routinely monitor the discussions. These are mostly user to user discussions.
    Send Apple feedback. They won't answer, but at least will know there is a problem. If enough people send feedback, it may get the problem solved sooner.
    Feedback
    Or you can use your Apple ID to register with this site and go the Apple BugReporter. Supposedly you will get an answer if you submit feedback.
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    Peruse Pondini's TM FAQs, for information.

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  • Time machine is extremely slow in Leopard

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    see "restoring data" under "learn more" near middle of page:
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