Need Image Backup w/Recovery Boot Flash

[Mrbobb]

Currently using Carbon Copy but not really what I want

Something similar to Windows' GHOST/Macrium.

Able to image copy Mac Boot drive and write to external, to a single file or a series of files fine WITH COMPRESSION to expedite the process and using less ext storage doesn't hurt. Ext DOES not have to be bootable.

Creates a mini-OSX boot Flash for recovery, when Mac Boot drive hosed for some reason, and the mini-OSX boot Flash will recover from saved ext image back to Mac, overriding any old bad stuff, re-create partitions if necessary, able to recover DISK or partition only.

Seen any?

 

[hobowankenobi]

Nope.

It's likely that there are OS and/or file system limitations or specifics that do not allow this same functionality that you are used to on Win. The latest file system—APFS—introduces Snapshots, which may be changing Mac backup options as we move forward. Some third party tools are already leveraging this...like SuperDuper.

You may be overlooking easier solutions though available right now, and for older HFS+ Macs.

There are plenty of free tools (although you already have one of the best in CCC) that make a bootable OS clone, which it is not machine specific, so there is essentially no need for flash recovery (machine and/or OS specific) tool.

Generally in the Mac world:

1. Make a a generically bootable recovery drive. Test by booting to it. Run updates, config as needed.
   
2. Update recovery drive only AFTER you make a major OS upgrade, and are sure you don't want to roll back (You can go with a USB external HD or SSD, or even a larger USB thumb drive).
3. Continuously backup up unique data (primarily User home directories and Applications) with the tool of your choice.

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If you don't have or want to set up #1, modern Macs already have the default Recovery mode, which will reinstall the OS without nuking data or configurations, and Internet Recovery is still available even if you choose not to have a Recovery partition...or you lose a HD or something. Not as flexible as your own bootable external, but doable.

Most folks doing IT work on Macs have a generic golden OS that may include some installed applications, configurations, and perhaps user accounts on it, that they use to re-image or restore machines. No need for a machine specific OS, mostly because no licensing issues, and (almost) hardware/firmware compatibles to worry about.

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As for backing up to a compressed image, there are tools for that too. Either a full backup, or a folder sync (with version history) are the two most common techniques. CCC can do that for you...no?

ChronoSync can, if you are looking for something different. Another commercial alternative with strong syncing tools (that include compression) is Get Backup. You might also look close at Tri-Backup...been well liked for many years. They DO list a feature to make a minimal bootable OS clone. Never used that feature; can't confirm how well it works.