How do you backup your files?
All new Macintosh computes come with a combo drive which allows the user to "burn" their backups to CD-ROM. As discussed previously, CD-ROMs can store on average 650MB.
In order to backup your files it is essential to know where you stored them on your hard drive originally. After all, if you cannot find them then you cannot copy them. It is for this reason that keeping your files organised on your hard drive is just as important as having your files in organised off line when tax time comes!
Step 1: Insert blank CD into the drive
You will need a blank CD in order to backup your files. Insert it into the CD-ROM drive. When you do so, it will prompt you for a name for the CD. It is best to name it something meaningful so you know what is on the volume at a later date.
Step 2: Click the Macintosh HD icon
Do this by clicking on the "MACINTOSH HD" icon in the top right hand corner. This is the source drive - the location from which you will be copying files.
Find the folder you wish to copy to CD. In the example, we are using the "ITSadmin" folder.
Step 3: Click the CD icon
Click the CD icon that appears after you put the disc in.
Step 4: Drag the folder from the hard drive window to the CD window
This will allow the CD to be copied from your computer to the CD.
Step 5: Burn the CD
Once you have finished copying your files over, you should see the CD folder and the files you copied contained within. However from here you still need to "burn" the files to write them to the CD .
From here, click on the "FILE" menu at the top of the screen, then scroll down to "BURN DISC..."
Another window will appear, prompting you for which speed to burn at. Leaving it at maximum should be fine. From there, simply click the "BURN" button.
You should then see the Macintosh burning the information to the CD. The progress bar will indicate when the computer has finished writing to the CD.
Once this step has completed, then you have successfully backed up your files onto the CD.
Step 6: Test your backup
From here you should test your backup media no later than the next day to ensure your backups have taken effect and are working.
To test them, all you need to do is to attempt to copy the files back from the CD to your hard drive or try to open them and use them off the CD directly. Should it not work, simply repeat the steps outlined above. If it works, then everything is fine.
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