Bootable backup strategy and other methods for protecting Mac data

A good backup strategy for data protection includes backing up data at regular intervals of time. Clone is a bootable backup method that is recommended mostly during transferring data or migrating apps from one drive to another. In all the cases of drive failure or crash the only solution is to have cloned drive.

After a lot of researches I came to know that there are mainly four methods to protect your data, which can be used by you individually or in conjunction with each other. The first safety method is normal backup routine; we all are generally familiar with the process and its advantages. However, three other methods are: - 

1. File synchronization.
2. Mac drive image method.
3. Create bootable Mac drive clone

Each method serves a different purpose, but all approaches will assist in same direction of protecting your Mac data by taking essential measures.

Normal Backup Routine of Mac volume/folder

For implementing normal backup routines in Mac drive, one should schedule time machine to take incremental backup of some important data including some volume or folder. Backup locations can be on secondary hard drives, on external drives or on network drive etc. Backing up your data to several locations protects the data even more efficiently by decreasing risk of losing data.

File Synchronization between two Mac
The file and folder synchronization can also be used as a data protection method. In synchronization process files and folders of one computer (primary machine) are duplicated on another machine. For example, your office desktop computer can be synchronized with your laptop. So, when the sync app is running, the most recently edited and saved files are stored or get updated on each computer. The advantage of the process is observed when one computer crashes but one can continue his/her work on the other computer. When your damaged machine is repaired or replaced, the files and folders can again get synchronized.

Mac Image Backup

This function is inbuilt in Mac OS X 10.3 later versions of OS X. Many other third party utilities can also perform this function. Basically, a system image is a copy of all the contents lying on hard drive. You need to create system image less frequently than backup of drive. Imaging of drive should be done in following scenario:

• When you install new software make any other significant changes in your drive.

Image backup of your disk can be stored on an external drive. One can restore his image backup when needed.

There are many cloning and imaging applications to do the job effortlessly and efficiently. I clone and image my Mac using Stellar Drive Clone application. I find it reasonable, effective, fast and easy to operate. After comparing the features with its competitors I decide to spend money on it and I observe that it is worthy enough. So, I will recommend Stellar Drive Clone software for Mac users. This software does not create incremental backup, which is the only lacking feature. As we know, Time machine works on incremental backups however Stellar drive clone can perform imaging and bootable cloning on your drive, volume and folder to any external drive, USB, DVD, network drive in few simple clicks.

Create Bootable Clone Drive

A bootable clone of your entire drive copies all of your data, bit by bit, and places it on destination drive. This method is useful in case of migration apps from one drive to another or if your drive fails or corrupts. If your drive fails then it is not necessary to do fresh installation. You can replace the damaged drive by the clone drive and your system will be back in service. You can continue your work while cloning is in progress.