- How To Back Up My Mac
- Backup Software For Mac
- Best Mac Backup Software 2017
- Free Mac Backup Utility Programs
Hi, guys! How was your day? Hoped you can be joyful. If you're feeling down, try reading this page as it brings you the most popular backup software (free). We all know that fostering a good habit of backing up is fairly important for disaster recovery, especially for some significant files/folders such as financial records, meeting summaries and so on.
- Free download iPhone Backup Extractor iPhone Backup Extractor for Mac OS X. IPhone Backup Extractor - This utility helps you recover lost iPhone calendar events, contacts, photos, videos, SMS, messages, notes, location data and app data from iTunes.
- SilverKeeper is a freeware backup utility from hardware specialist LaCie. It doesn't have as deep a range of features and options as some other backup utilities, but for basic backups and folder synchronization, it gets the job done - and in fine style.
ForScore Backup Utility helps you archive your entire forScore library to your Mac running macOS 10.14 or later. If you ever need to recover your scores, metadata, setlists, annotations, and settings, a full restore takes just a few minutes.
When your files/folders are lost or accidentally deleted, you can’t go back to the past to save them as lost time is gone forever. Luckily, we can backup them in advance with the following free backup software.
Things to note before backing up
Check the integrity of the files/folders.
Connect the external storage device to your computer if you want to backup files to an external hard drive. Make sure it has enough space and can be detected by your computer.
Best free backup software for Windows, Mac and Linux
Three practical backup utilities will be presented below. You can choose one based on your own situations. Of course, if you have better suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
#1. Free Windows backup software – AOMEI Backupper Standard
As a free backup utility, AOMEI Backupper Standard is not only easy to use but also comes with various features. System backup, disk backup, partition backup, file backup and file sync are available in this freeware. By using it, you are allowed to backup files to internal/external hard drives, network, NAS devices, and cloud drives, etc.
To save time and energy, you can set up an auto backup with this freeware. Besides, it provides incremental backup and differential backup. You can use them to copy changes only. This powerful utility runs smoothly on Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista. To use it, you should do a backup software, free download at first. Let’s see how it works.
Step 1. Install and launch this free Windows backup software.
Step 2. Click Backup and File Backup subsequently.
Step 3. The Task Name can be modified by your needs. Click Add Folder or Add Fileto chooseselect your folder or file.
Step 4. Select the destination path. Then click Start Backup.
Tips:
Compared to file backup, file sync will not create image files. If you want to view your contents at any time, try to sync files.
In Step 3, Filter settings (in paid version) can help you backup files with a certain file extension.
To prevent unauthorized access, please go Options ＞ General ＞ Enable encryption for backups in Step 4 to create a backup encryption. Upgrade to the advanced edition to enjoy this feature.
You can check Schedule in Step 4 to create an automatic backup based on Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Event triggers, USB plug in or Real-time Sync. The last three options are supported by AOMEI Backupper Professional.
You can enable Scheme (in paid version) in Step 4 to delete older backups automatically.
Cobian Backup, free backup software, can also be used to backup files in Windows. See official website for additional details.
#2. Free Mac backup software - SuperDuper!
SuperDuper! is an advanced, yet easy to operate data migration program. Simple and intuitive interface meets the needs of Mac users. And best of all, it’s free! It enables you to move all data from one computer to another, or do a simple backup.
Usually, it can be used to migrate the following: permissions, user profiles, and private settings, etc. Users can specify exactly which files they want to copy and which they would like to omit in the use process. It's compatible with macOS 10.10 and later. Just have a try! Then follow the steps below.
Step 1. Intall and start up SuperDuper!
Step 2. Select the source drive in the Copy dropdown and the target drive after to. Leave the using dialogue set to Backup - all files.
Step 3. Confirm your operations and then click Copy Now. You’ll be asked for your password.
Step 4. When everything is completed, you'll be told so.
Tips:
Copy process will delete all files on your target drive, so make sure to do a disk backup at first.
Disk Utility is free and also comes built-in with every Mac OS. It works well when you need to backup files. If you're interested, you can have a try.
#3. Free Linux backup software – fwbackups
To backup files in Linux, it’s highly recommended to use the feature-rich backup program - fwbackups. This freeware allows you to backup files anytime, anywhere. It is completely free to use without any restrictions.
You will never have to worry about losing files again as scheduled backup and remote backup are available in this Linux backup utility. In addition, this backup program has a simple but powerful interface that enables users to backup files with ease. If you plan to use it, refer to the quick guide below.
Step 1. Install and open fwbackups.
Step 2. Select One-Time Backup from the list.
Step 3. Choose Add a Folder or Add a File to select the folders/files that shall be backed up. Select a Destination and adjust Options. Then click Start Backup.
Tips:
If you want to try other backup software free for Linux, Bacula can be an ideal choice.
If you click Options in Step 3, it will show up as follows. These options can be set by your needs.
Final words
You computer probably contains hundreds of files or folders. A single careless moment could lose them all forever. Fortunately, backup software free for Windows, Mac and Linux mentioned in this page can help you protect them efficiently. Simple steps and user-friendly interfaces make your backup effortless. Choose the one that works best for you!
By Vernon Roderick, Last updated: August 3, 2020
A lot of people constantly experience data loss. Considering how common this issue is, it’s only natural for you to stumble upon this problem as well.
However, you don’t have to be like everybody else. Instead of lying around waiting for disaster to strike, you can prepare yourself for it. What better way to prepare for data loss to create backups.
Below is a list of six free backup software for Mac that will help you come up with a plan on how you can counter data loss. Before that, there are some things you need to know first.
Part 1: Three Types of Free Backup Software for Mac
Although there are a lot of people that want to find the best free backup software for Mac, they are not knowledgeable of what backup software really is. There are generally three types of backup software. Here’s a look at their basic information:
- Cloud Storage. The one that can be considered the farthest from being a backup is cloud storage. As the name implies, it allows you to store your files on the cloud, and then get them out from another device. Simply put, you are storing files to secure them from data loss.
- Local Backup. A local backup, on the other hand, allows you to create a backup within the device that will be using that backup. That backup cannot be taken anywhere else.
- Bootable Backup. This is very similar to local backups. The only difference is that you can take this backup anywhere. It doesn’t necessarily have to be on the device where it came from.
Each of these types has its own strengths and weaknesses. In terms of security, cloud storage will be your best choice, since there is little to no chance of this from getting lost. A local backup has a higher risk of getting lost since it can only be stored on the device it came from. However, it is much easier to use when restoring files.
On the other hand, bootable backup has a lower risk but is more susceptible to encountering issues. Without further ado, let’s head to our first free backup software for Mac.
Part 2: Free Backup Software for Mac
#1 FoneDog Android Data Backup & Restore
The first entry is FoneDog Android Data Backup & Restore. As one might expect, it belongs to the bootable backup type. This is because it doesn’t create a local backup, though it can be used by all devices.
Android Data Backup & Restore is a product by the FoneDog group which specializes in creating backups from Android device.
How To Back Up My Mac
Pros
Perhaps the greatest strength of the tool is its simplicity. The tool brings many benefits to its users. Here’s a look at the things that I liked the most:
- You will be guided throughout the backup and restore process.
- It is compatible with most devices including Mac, Windows PC, and more.
- You have full control over the contents of the backup and when and where you create it.
Cons
Perhaps it may already be too obvious, but the most inconvenient characteristic of this tool is the fact that it is exclusive to Android. As such, you can only create backups from Android devices.
iOS Data Backup and RestoreOne click to backup the whole iOS device to your computer.Allow to preview and restore any item from the backup to a device.Export what you want from the backup to your computer.No data loss on devices during the restore.iPhone Restore Won't Overwrite Your Data
#2 Time Machine
Time Machine is a built-in backup function of macOS Leopard or later. It’s very easy to use since there are guides about it across the internet. The steps are also very simple.
However, the main reason why it is one of the best free backup software for Mac is the fact that it was developed by Apple itself.
Pros
There are several things to like about Time Machine. Here’s a list of the features that you might find to be very helpful:
- You can preview the changes that will be made after a backup is used
- You can sync the software to one of Apple’s product, Apple Time Capsule
- It is specially built for macOS, making it the best backup tool for Mac
Cons
Since it is only a function of Apple, it’s only natural to spot some disadvantages when using the Time Machine feature:
- The creation of backups is automatic and you may not be notified in some cases
- You have no control over when the backups will be created
- Data from old backups will be overwritten by data from new backups
- You need an external drive
Overall, considering how it is a built-in function, there’s no wonder why there are some disadvantages. However, it can still prove to be one of the best free backup software for Macwhen used properly.
#3 iCloud
How do I backup my Mac software? Our very first entry that belongs to the cloud storage category is iCloud. As the name implies, it is a cloud storage service offered by Apple Inc.
While it may be considered cloud storage, it is often used as a backup tool by many experts, which is the reason why it got here in the first place.
Pros
Personally, iCloud is the best free backup software for Macthat belongs to the cloud storage category, and there are many reasons as to why:
- You can instantly migrate from one device to another, as long as you have internet
- There are some features such as Find My iPhone and Find My Friend that can help you with other tasks
- It is a built-in function on most Apple devices including Mac
Cons
The only thing that might bother you when using iCloud is that you are required to have the internet. Without it, you won’t even be able to use this feature.
Nevertheless, as long as you have the requirements, you’ll see why it is one of the best free backup software for Mac.
#4 iDrive
What is the best backup software for Mac?iDrive is similar to iCloud. It is also cloud storage that is available to Mac users. This time, however, it is also available on PC, though that might not be very helpful if you only have Mac.
Either way, it offers free storage space as well as a bigger storage space with a premium subscription. It’s pretty much the same as iCloud, so you can think of it as alternative free backup software for Mac.
Pros
Although it is highly similar to iCloud, there are some features that set it apart from others. The following are some examples of those features:
- The pricing for every gigabyte is cheaper than iCloud
- While the storage space for backups is limited, there is no limit to how many files you can restore
Cons
Of course, since iCloud has some cons, there will also be something that might bother you with iDrive:
- There are tons of ads with the free version
- The only paid plans are yearly
Overall, you can think of iDrive as a cheaper, though not necessarily inferior, version of iCloud which can still be considered a good free backup software for Mac.
#5 SuperDuper
Backup Software For Mac
SuperDuper is an application that was specially designed to created backups. It is a product by Shirt Pocket and is an alternative to Time Machine. There are some features that are not in Time Machine, but there are also features that are lacking.
Best Mac Backup Software 2017
Pros
It may not be as popular as our previous entries, but you’ll find why it is one of the best free backup software for Mac:
- You can choose to create partial or full backups
- You can create bootable clones of your hard drive as well as local backups for individual files
- The paid version is very superior to the free version, making it a bargain
Cons
Of course, it didn’t become very popular for a reason. Below are some of the following drawbacks of using SuperDuper:
- You cannot select files or folders to include on the backup
- The creation of backup as well as the restoration is comparatively slower than its competitors
- Most features are not available unless you pay for it
These are the disadvantages of SuperDuper, but these will be no more as long as you are able to pay for the premium version. Either way, you can use it as free backup software for Mac regardless of your situation.
#6 Get Backup
Our last entry is Get Backup from the BeLight Software group. As you might expect, the app has both a free version as well as a paid version.
It is available from the Mac App Store, so you don’t have to worry about its credibility. After all, an app needs to be legitimate to enter this store. Remember that the app from the official website and the one from the store might have some slight differences.
Pros
This app is your typical free backup software for Mac except for some features that distinguish it from other software:
- You can encrypt the backup data to increase the security
- You can customize the functions of the software, giving you full control over everything you need to do
- The paid version is much less expensive than most of its competitors
Cons
Free Mac Backup Utility Programs
In contrast with the things that make the software great, you’ll find that it’s very bothersome to use Get Backup, especially if you are a beginner, and this is because of the following cons:
- There is no supporting website where you can get info about the software
- There’s no place where you can check the past activities of the tool
- You might miss out on some functions if you get the app from the App Store
Anyway, you can rest assured if you are knowledgeable of this type of tool. You won’t need help from the cloud support. Plus, you’ll know better than to get the app from the Store. In short, it’s a free backup software for Macworth trying out.
Part 3: Conclusion
There are a lot of unpredictable events on a computer, and one of them is data loss. Unfortunately, there’s no way of avoiding this phenomenon 100% of the time. There will always be a possibility, what you can do is have a contingency.
With these six free backup software for Mac, you should be able to live knowing that you won’t suffer as much as you will when you don’t have these tools.