A number of strategies have been devised over the years and I think I have tried them all. The problem is I never found one that 100% met and satisfied my requirements. IRecently I took a look at programs that were listed on MacUpdate ( www.macupdate.com ) and found a solution for doing backups that is fast , simple and does not rely on any cloud or other online assistance to accomplish the backup.
I had been using Apple Backup software in conjunction with MobileMe to store my backups. There were a could bottlenecks using this strategy that caused me some grief. When mobileMe was not available I could not upload my files I wanted to backup AND second the connection and processing was extremely slow.
I finally have found the “ ideal “ backup strategy for my iMac.
1. I use SuperDuper ( http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/SuperDuperDescription.html ) to accomplish a fully bootable backup of my hard drive. I do not include data folders such as spreadsheets, documents, pictures, movies,etc. ( They are covered in item #2 ). The SuperDuper backup is completed on a schedule at 3:33AM every night and takes approximately 40 minutes.
2. I use a “syncing” software to back up individual folders as needed. The software is Synkron ( www.synkron.sourceforge.net ) and is Freeware. Synkron is an application for folder synchronization that allows you to configure your synchronizations in detail. Synkron compares files just by their last modified dates.
3. I use an external hard drive to store my synchronized backup files on an as needed basis, scheduled backups can be made witin the program.
Synkron ( Freeware ) is a simple answer to a complex problem every computer owner has and does not want to admit it. Synkron cures the problem with no painful side effects, and you know backing up files is something you must do on a regular basis.