Backup solutiosn for Mac

[Michael Yuan]

Hi,
I am about to install OS X 10.3 on my powerbook. But before that, I need to backup my harddrive onto DVD-R disks in case something goes wrong in the process. Does anyone know a good backup solution for Mac OS X? I want a solution that allows easy retrieval of any individual files from the backup disks.
Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated!
cheers
Michael

[Elton Hughes]

Hello,
I have found Retrospect to be pretty good backup software to use. It is pretty straightforward and has lots of options. Retrospect Express comes with Norton Utilities too.
Elton

[Bear Bibeault]

I asked this very question of a long-time Mac user and he swears by Retrospect. I haven't used it so I can't vouch for it myself.
Since I don't have a better solution, my current plan is to burn my Applications, Library and User folders to DVD-R, and the use the Install and Archive method to install Panther.
I've been updating this machine since 10.0 so I think it's time for a fresh install.
bear
p.s. I've already installed Panther on my iBook which really didn't have anything to worry about keeping, and it went flawlessly.
[ October 27, 2003: Message edited by: Bear Bibeault ]

[Simon Brown]

I just made the upgrade and backed up my data to my iPod.

[Michael Yuan]

iPod for backup data is a good idea. I will do that for my movie projects. Retrospect seems to be a good solution but the Express version does not seem to be available anymore. The Desktop version costs $100. I do not know whether I can justify the cost.
Maybe I should pay for retrospect -- that will give me incentives to backup more often.

[Loren Rosen]

Norton Utilities also costs around $100, so it sounds like a better value. But probably the rest of the suite won't work on 10.3, meaning you'll have to spring for some upgrade fees at some point.

[Michael Yuan]

Actually, for harddrive-based backup, the plain old Unix rsync might still be the best choice. Now, I need to get one of those nice fireware drives ...