Backup Your Computer!

  • Where to put your files

    Option 1: Google Drive.

    Powertip: of the options presented here, this is both the easiest and cheapest route to back up your files.

    https://drive.google.com

    1. You can make folders in Google Drive. 
    2. You can click and drag files from your desktop (or other folders) to Google Drive. 
    3. If you use the Google Chrome web browser, you can click and drag folders filled with files up to Google Drive.

    How much storage do I have available?

    https://drive.google.com/settings/storage

    How long will it take to upload my files to Google Drive?

    It takes as long as it takes, based on the number and size of the files you have saved on your computer.

    Don't forget your bookmarks!

    Here's how to back up your bookmarks.

    Is there another option?

    Option 2: buy external storage and use Time Machine or drag and drop.

    You probably want to drag and drop the files over to an external backup drive rather than use Time Machine (see below). But if you wish to go this route, here's directions:

    You can buy an external backup drive. Western Digital is good, and there are many good drives.The following link is not an endorsement of any product, but a link to show you potential options. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=mac+external+backup&crid=1V3ARKONS25D6&sprefix=mac+external+backup%2Caps%2C108&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

    You can use Apple's Time Machine with your backup drive. Instructions are here: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250

    Is Time Machine Faster than uploading Files to Google Drive?

    In general, yes.

    How long will it take to back up my files using Time Machine?

    It takes as long as it takes, based on the number and size of the files you have saved on your computer.

    Don't forget your bookmarks!

    Here's how to back up your bookmarks.

    Is it worth the money to back up to an external drive vs. Google Drive?

    That's a personal decision. You must choose between using something freely available to you vs. spending money on speed.

    Restoring Files

    If you used Google Drive to back up your files, you can reverse the drag-and-drop procedure listed above to get files back down to your computer.

    Which one makes an exact copy of the old computer?  

    Time Machine. Once you have made a backup, you can restore files to your computer or to a new computer (hint, hint). To restore files from Time Machine, use the Instructions from the linked article below, but ignore step 2 where they tell you to install macOS. Do not try to reinstall macOS. 

    https://mactakeawaydata.com/restore-from-time-machine-to-new-mac/

    Here's the reason we advise using Google Backup (or simply dragging files to the backup drive rather than use time machine): since you are switching accounts (using your PCSS account; see the column on the right), if you do the Time Machine backup, once you restore from Time Machine, you'll have to give your new account permission to your old user folder and drag the files over to your new user folder. 

    How do I change permissions? https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-permissions-for-files-folders-or-disks-mchlp1203/mac

What Do The New Laptops Look Like?

  • MacBook Air M2, 2022

    The Liquid Retina display is bright and bold. The laptop has 16 GB of RAM and a 500 GB hard drive. The operating system is macOS Sonoma.

    Macbook Air M2 with the PCSS logo

    The midnight-colored laptop will come in a protective case.

    The protective cover

    On the left side is the MagSafe 3 charging port and two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports. The charger is a 30W USB-C with a MagSafe adapter.

    power port and USB-C

    On the right side is a 3.5mm headset jack for connecting headphones or speakers.

    a 3.5mm headset jack for connecting headphones or speakers.

    The keyboard and trackpad area are what you expect in an Apple laptop.

    The keyboard and trackpad area.

    The design allows this 2.7 pound MacBook Air to operate very quietly. Software will be managed by JAMF and you can access Self-Service to gain software titles. How do I use the new Self Service?

    Is there anything else I should know?

    To improve security (to prevent a remote operator from accessing your device as easily), you will be signing in to these devices using your PCSS account:

    Google sign-in on the mac laptop.

    But I don't know my password! Here's how to access it.