How should I backup my data from a Macbook Pro

[BizzyLeo]

I'm still kind of new to Mac so I feel like I have to ask how to properly backup my data from a Mac to an external harddrive.
I don't have a Time Capsule and I do not plan to buy one. I have an external HDD that I will be using for the time being.
So my question is; how do I properly backup my data from a Mac onto my own external HD? I was using Windows before buying my Mac in August. I have my own 'system' I use for backing up certain info (such as school/Word documents, my pictures, music, etc.) Is there specific folders or a specific method you guys can recommend for backing up?

Thanks in advance!

 

[swiftaw]

Time Machine?

 

[BizzyLeo]

Time Machine?

That's what it says on the site

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD032LL/A/Time-Capsule-2TB?fnode=MTY1NDA0Nw

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Time Machine is not the same as Time Capsule:
Mac 101: Time Machine - Support - Apple + Time Machine FAQ

For Time Machine you just need an external HDD.

____________________________________________________________

Maybe have a look at Advanced Search to find similar threads:

​

____________________________________________________________
​

----------

That's what it says on the site

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD032LL/A/Time-Capsule-2TB?fnode=MTY1NDA0Nw

What do you mean with that?

 

[GGJstudios]

So my question is; how do I properly backup my data from a Mac onto my own external HD?

I recommend Carbon Copy Cloner, which can make a bootable clone of your drive. If anything ever happens to your internal drive, you can simply boot from the clone and you're back up and running.

Helpful Information for Any Mac User
Portables Fast Start: The New User's Guide to Apple Notebooks