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Leopard's Quick Desktop Backup

TMO Quick Tip - Leopard's Quick Desktop Backup

by , 7:30 AM EST, November 19th, 2007

Protecting your important files is a big deal, and Apple has given us a few options to help make backing up information easier. Mac OS X 10.5 brought us Time Machine, and .Mac users can take advantage of Backup, but Leopard also adds an easy way to backup just the contents on your Desktop.


You can backup your Desktop files from the Finder.

Leopard's Burn "Desktop" to Disc feature does just that. You can find the option by selecting your Desktop folder, and then choosing File > Burn "Desktop" to Disc while in the Finder. The Finder will spend a minute or two preparing for the backup, and then will present you with a dialog asking for a blank CD or DVD. Inserting a disc in your Mac will begin the backup, or click the Cancel button to stop the process.


The Finder asks for a blank disc when it is ready to backup your files.

Burn "Desktop" to Disc isn't a replacement for a good backup routine because it isn't automated, and it only copies files from your Desktop. It is, however, a great supplement -- especially if you tend to keep lots of files on your Desktop.

Of course, Apple tends to be pretty good with its follow-through on features. Try selecting different folders: You can use this feature to burn any folder on your hard drive to a CD or DVD.


Jeff Gamet is TMO's Morning Editor and Reviews Editor. He lectures, teaches and speaks on Mac OS X and design-related topics, and is the author of The Designer's Guide to Mac OS X from Peachpit Press.

if you have tips or tricks to share, or Mac-related questions you want answered.

Observer Comments

Show: Subjects Only | Full Comments
Close Name:burrito Posts: 177 Joined: 07 Aug 2005
Subject:

what's even cooler is that this doesn't just work for the desktop, but rather whatever the currently selected folder is..

Close Name:Jeff Gamet -   TMO Staff Posts: 102 Joined: 15 Mar 2006
Subject:

Quote
burrito wrote:
what's even cooler is that this doesn't just work for the desktop, but rather whatever the currently selected folder is..


You are absolutely correct, and it's a great example of Apple thinking about the little details. This is sure to save time for everyone that burns discs for specific folders, like work projects, on a regular basis.

Jeff

Close Name:MOSiX Man Posts: 558 Joined: 20 Jun 2001
Subject: Nit-picking

Sorry, but how is this really any different than, under Tiger, selecting your Desktop folder in a Finder window, and clicking the little Burn Disk button which can easily be added to the Finder window toolbar?

Mind you, I think that using this as a way to make back-ups of your currently important stuff is a great idea. Also, I like the fact that Apple added a very 'plain English' option for burning a folder, into the Finder's File menu. I'm just wondering how this is a 'new feature'.

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