Good app for backing up system files to DVD?

[BiikeMike]

I don't have an external drive, and as I install more and more programs and making more and more changes to my Powerbook, I'm getting worried about not having it backed up. I have a spindle of DVDs, and instead of just backing up my important files, is there a way to back up all the system stuff also in case of a crash, HD upgrade, theft, etc?

 

[iMeowbot]

I don't have an external drive,

Think about changing that, seriously. The prices are pretty approachable these days, and the stress eliminated after one screwed-up disk incident will pay for it.

and as I install more and more programs and making more and more changes to my Powerbook, I'm getting worried about not having it backed up. I have a spindle of DVDs, and instead of just backing up my important files, is there a way to back up all the system stuff also in case of a crash, HD upgrade, theft, etc?

It's a pain to make a useful backup of everything that way to DVD. It's not so much getting the files copied over, as restoring them in a way that makes sense. Especially the bigger apps like to scatter stuff all over library, user and application directories, and IMHO it's too much hassle to sort out what belongs where.

A good plan would be to burn copies of the latest software updates (for OS X and all the apps you use) so that you can get your software back where you want it with a minimum of lost time. That, and your user and documents directories, and you've got all you need. Making backup copies of your original software CDs/DVDs and putting them somewhere safe, just in case the originals get scratched, lost or eaten, would help too.

 

[wattage]

Two things:
1. Toast 7 will allow you to burn over multiple DVDs. Just drag everything you want to burn to the window and start burning, Toast will tell you when to load another disc. BTW it is on sale for like $50 on macmall i think.

2. Buy an external HD and use Carbon Copy Cloner to make a BOOTABLE copy of your hard drive. If you buy a LaCie hard drive (what I recommend) then you can use their Silverkeeper app to back up (nonbootable) your hard drive or just do it the ole fashion way and drag your home folder to the ext. hard drive.

 

[Mustafa]

Two things:
1. Toast 7 will allow you to burn over multiple DVDs. Just drag everything you want to burn to the window and start burning, Toast will tell you when to load another disc. BTW it is on sale for like $50 on macmall i think.

2. Buy an external HD and use Carbon Copy Cloner to make a BOOTABLE copy of your hard drive. If you buy a LaCie hard drive (what I recommend) then you can use their Silverkeeper app to back up (nonbootable) your hard drive or just do it the ole fashion way and drag your home folder to the ext. hard drive.

Agree that the hard-drive is essential -- a portable one might be more useful. But I'm happy with Back Up that comes with .Mac. Let's you back up to the iDrive, or to an external drive or CD/DVD.