What is on a bootable backup disc?

While I'm pretty sure what a bootable disc is...( I think) It allows one to startup their computer in cases where for whatever reason their computer is not responding. I've read in the discussion pages that I should have a bootable backup for when I update software . So my question is what is on a bootable backup disc? and for that matter what is generally on any backup disc and what kind of disc is used? Sorry to seem so dense but I'm not very techno-savvy as you can obviously tell by my questions.
Thanks in advance for your help

Hi jopaglke,
Your first and most safely reliable boot disc is your Mac's original install DVD. It has Disk Utility on it, and Terminal, and the Hardware Test!
Personally I also keep a duplicate of my Mac's original install DVD, just in case.
- With Disk Utility, create an image of it while it's inserted. Choose "CD/DVD Master" kind of image, the one that ends with .cdr (not .dmg), and burn it on a blank DVD.
This works for those whose original DVD is small enough in size.
Another safe and handy solution:
- partition your external hard drive
(you DO have an external for backup purposes, right?),
and assign 10 GB to one of the partitions where you'll install (Custom-Install)a light version of your original OS.
You can perform the Software Update updates, and install your favorite utilities on it
(TechTool Pro, DiskWarrior etc)
so this bootable partition will be always ready for an option-boot (alt-boot) in case of a problem.
For those who own an original DVD that exceeds usual blank DVD sizes, the partition solution is the other simple and genuine one still possible.
Then there are bootable discs solutions by third-party softwares that you can buy (some of them are really good utilities).
Axel

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    hello,
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    SilverKeeper gives the option of cloning a bootable backup. i'm not exactly sure what's the advantage of this and in what case i may need it.
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    i thought that time machine will be able to do the same thing if i lose all the data on my computer. is that not so?
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  • I'm wondering about bootable backup strategies

    I'm wondering what people use and recommend for backup strategies, and especially the utility of "bootable" backups.
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    ... how "exposed" one still might be with "just" a Time Machine backup.
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  • Installing Mountain Lion Without Bootable Backup

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  • Creating a Bootable Backup in ML

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    Spinland wrote:
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    D'oh!
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