Time Machine (macOS)

Time_Machine

Time Machine is a backup software application distributed as part of macOS, the desktop operating system developed by Apple Inc.. It was introduced in Mac OS X Leopard and has been included in every subsequent version of macOS.

Overview

Time Machine is designed to work with both local and networked storage devices. It allows users to back up their entire system, including system files, applications, accounts, preferences, music, photos, movies, and documents. The software creates incremental backups of files that can be restored at a later date. This allows users to revert their system to a previous state or recover individual files that may have been deleted or altered.

Functionality

Time Machine works by creating a "snapshot" of the system at a given point in time. These snapshots are stored on an external hard drive or a network-attached storage (NAS) device. The software automatically backs up the entire system hourly, daily, and weekly, retaining these backups for as long as the storage device has space. When the storage device is full, Time Machine deletes the oldest backups to make room for new ones.

Backup Process

1. **Initial Backup**: The first time Time Machine is run, it creates a complete backup of the entire system. 2. **Incremental Backups**: Subsequent backups are incremental, meaning only the files that have changed since the last backup are copied. 3. **Restoration**: Users can restore their entire system or individual files from any of the backups created.

Compatibility

Time Machine is compatible with a variety of storage devices, including:

• External hard drives connected via USB, FireWire, or Thunderbolt.
• Network-attached storage (NAS) devices that support the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) or Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.
• AirPort Time Capsule, a wireless router with a built-in hard drive designed specifically for use with Time Machine.

User Interface

The Time Machine interface is designed to be user-friendly. It features a "space-time" visual metaphor, where users can navigate through a timeline of backups to find and restore files. The interface can be accessed from the menu bar or the System Preferences pane.

Limitations

While Time Machine is a powerful tool, it has some limitations:

• It does not support backing up to iCloud.
• It requires a dedicated storage device with sufficient space.
• Network backups can be slower compared to local backups.

See Also

• macOS
• Backup software
• Apple Inc.
• AirPort Time Capsule
• Apple Filing Protocol
• Server Message Block

Related Pages

• Mac OS X Leopard
• USB
• FireWire
• Thunderbolt (interface)
• Network-attached storage
• iCloud