Superpowers for your Mac
- Free Backup Software For Mac Os X Operating System
- Free Backup Software For Mac Os X Os
- Free Backup Software For Mac Os X
- Best Mac Backup App
Get Backup from BeLight Software is available in free and paid (pro) versions. The pro version has some nice feature enhancements that are worth the small additional charge, but the free version has all the basic functionality that many Mac users will ever need. Best Backup Software for Macs. Now that we've discussed what to look for in Mac backup software, let’s look at the apps. Here are my picks for the best Mac backup software for 2018: 1. Time Machine is built into macOS and it should be your first go to as Mac backup software.
macOS is the operating system designed to run on Apple laptops and desktop computers. As Apple grew and strengthened the ecosystem through the years, macOS operating system version history evolved too.
In this article, we guide you through the evolution of Apple’s operating system, from the first public release in 2001 to the latest macOS Monterey announced at WWDC 2021 on June 7.
Is there any difference between Mac OS X and macOS?
No, they are essentially the same thing — just named differently. In fact, three terms were used at different times with reference to Apple’s operating system: Mac OS X, OS X, and macOS. Mac OS X was the official naming through version 10.7, from 2001 to 2011. In the next four years, the OS X names were used. Finally, Apple shifted to “macOS” with the release of macOS High Sierra in 2016. The latter helped standardize the naming of Apple’s operating systems — macOS, iOS, tvOS, iPadOS, etc.
List of macOS versions
Brief backstory. In 1996, Apple purchased NeXT, the company Steve Jobs built after he had left Apple. The same year, Jobs returned to Apple and helped build the first Mac OS that could compete with Windows. That’s when it became obvious Apple could grow to become a big player.
The first ancestor of the macOS family was Mac OS X Public Beta released in 2000, followed by a public release of Mac OS X 10.0 in 2001. Let’s recount the stories of all Mac OS X versions, up to the current macOS.
1. Mac OS X 10.0 (Cheetah)
March 24, 2001: Aqua interface is born with Mac OS X Cheetah. It’s a big step in the evolution of graphical interfaces, with 2D and 3D graphics support, granting an all-new visual experience. Cheetah featured a water theme, which, according to Steve Jobs, “one wanted to lick when they saw it.” Beauty comes at a cost, though. Graphics improvements made Cheetah very slow, which prompted Apple to shift focus from visual experience to performance in the next release.
source: Apple Wiki | Fandom
2. Mac OS X 10.1 (Puma)
September 25, 2001: As you might have noticed, the first generation of Apple’s operating systems was named after animals. Puma arrived with a solid performance boost and a few other functional improvements such as simplified CD and DVD burning, new features in Finder, and more extensive printer support.
source: Apple Wiki | Fandom
3. Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar)
August 23, 2002: The third release of Mac OS X added search to Finder (can you imagine it, Finder used to exist without it!) Jaguar also brings MPEG-4 support for QuickTime, a range of privacy features, and, for the first time, Accessibility API called Universal Access. Some of the apps born with this release continue living on Mac even today (for example, Address Book, which is now called Contacts).
source: VTII Technology
4. Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther)
October 24, 2003: Meet Safari! The first official web browser made by Apple replaces Internet Explorer on Mac. In fact, Safari was available on Jaguar but it’s the first release where it becomes a default browser. Other than that, Panther adds 150+ new features, including Font Book, Xcode enhancements, and more.
source: Cult of Mac
5. Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger)
April 29, 2005: Did you think Apple TV is pretty new? Well, guess what, it was born in 2005, with the release of Apple’s fifth operating system! Tiger was a pretty big update. It featured Spotlight search, Automator, VoiceOver, and around 200 other improvements. During this time, Apple also switched to Intel’s processors, which made Tiger the first system operating on Macs with Intel chips.
source: Wikipedia
6. Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
October 26, 2007: Here comes Leopard, one of the most Mac-changing systems. This time, Mac’s desktop changes significantly, with Dock, a new menu bar, and Stacks. Time Machine, Spotlight enhancements, and support for 64-bit apps arrive too. In fact, Leopard featured so much new stuff that Apple even had to delay the initial release date to finish it all in time.
source: Apple Wiki | Fandom
7. Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
August 28, 2009: Leopard’s successor, Snow Leopard, focused on expanding 64-bit architecture. Most of the native applications were rewritten in 64-bit. Back then, experts used to say that was the first step to a full transition, which, as we know today, became true. Also, the App Store was born in the Snow Leopard era.
source: Wikipedia
8. Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)
July 20, 2011: With Lion, Apple brings lots of useful enhancements from iOS to Mac OS. Launchpad, multi-touch gestures, and more. Interestingly, many people criticized Mac OS X 10.7 for the so-called “natural scrolling,” which moved the content up when you scroll down. Back then, it seemed more natural to have the content move down — as Windows did it.
source: iXBT
9. OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
July 25, 2012: Major apps like Notes, Reminders, and Messages arrive from iOS, turning Mac into a more comfortable spot for managing your daily routine. The most significant update in Mountain Lion is Notification Center, with on-screen banners communicating updates.
source: iXBT
10. OS X 10.9 (Mavericks)
October 22, 2013: Operating system number 10 debuts a range of privacy features, majorly focused on password encryption and storage. This is when iCloud Keychain arrives. Also, OS X 10.9 features new Maps, iBooks, and Tags for the first time, as well as upgrades Notification Center by allowing users to reply directly from notifications.
source: Apple Wiki | Fandom
11. OS X 10.10 (Yosemite)
October 16, 2014: Biggest redesign in years. From small things like thin fonts and new color schemes to the big shift towards flat graphic design, which better matches the design of iOS. What’s more, Yosemite introduces Handoff and Continuity. This once again confirms Apple’s intention to craft a better cross-device experience in the future.
source: TechRadar
12. OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)
September 30, 2015: El Capitan is faster, better, stronger than the previous operating system, due to a major performance boost. For example, it allows opening apps 40% faster than old systems. Also, this is the year when Split View’s dual-pane emerges, opening up new possibilities for managing windows on Mac.
source: Softpedia
13. macOS 10.12 (Sierra)
September 20, 2016: With Sierra, Apple shifts to the “macOS” naming. Again, more iOS perks arrive, such as unlocking a Mac with Apple Watch. There’s also a new Storage Optimization feature with a detailed overview of storage and suggestions on how to free up disk space. And, hey Siri!
source: TechRadar
14. macOS 10.13 (High Sierra)
September 25, 2017: macOS High Sierra adds a new video standard called HEIC and a transition to Apple File System (APFS), which is an improved alterantive to its predecessor file system HFS+. Apart from that, there are a few enhancements in Safari, Mail, and Photo — but nothing major.
source: Macworld
15. macOS 10.14 (Mojave)
September 24, 2018: That’s when things go dark. We mean Dark Mode! Mac users can now move through their day-and-night routine, with the colors of the screen moving with them, thanks to Dynamic Desktop feature. There are more and more apps that arrive from iOS, including Stocks, News, and Home.
source: apple.com
16. macOS 10.15 (Catalina)
October 7, 2019: macOS Catalina marks the death of iTunes, splitting Apple’s top-destination for media content into three dedicated apps — Music, Podcasts, and Movies. Apple continues aligning iOS and macOS with Sidecar, a feature that lets your connect an iPad screen to your Mac, and the ability for developers to port iOS apps to macOS.
source: Mobile Review
17. macOS 11 (Big Sur)
November 19, 2020: There’s no macOS 10.16, because Big Sur deserves a more epic version name — 11.0. Bringing a huge design change and transition to Apple’s M1 Macs, macOS Big Sur is the one to remember. This is the first operating system that allows running iOS apps natively on Mac — the so-called Universal apps.
source: apple.com
18. macOS 12 (Monterey)
Fall 2021: Announced on June 7, macOS Monterey brings Shortcuts — the ability to set up quick actions with different apps to automate your flow. Apart from that, there’s Universal Control, a natural transitioning across your Mac and iOS devices (for example, you can move your cursor between Mac and iPad); redesigned Safari with tab groups, and a range of cool FaceTime enhancements. More on macOS 12 Monterey here.
source: apple.com
What’s the latest macOS?
New operating systems for Mac not only bring new features, they bring better performance, enhanced privacy, and better workflow for those working across devices. If you’re wondering whether to upgrade to the newest macOS, we’d say yes, it’s worth it.
How to check the latest macOS on your Mac
Before you upgrade, you should find out what your current macOS is. Some macOS versions can’t be “skipped.” For example, if you want to upgrade to Lion, you should first install Snow Lion. Here’s how to check your operating system version on Mac:
- Go to Apple menu > About This Mac
- See the name of your current macOS in the Overview section
- To check for pending macOS updates, choose Software Update.
Tip: If you don’t want to upgrade, but you feel like “you have to” because your Mac is slowing down or acting weird, don’t rush into it. Check what’s wrong with iStat Menus app, a real-time system monitor that can identify any pitfalls in your system. Maybe some apps are putting pressure on your Mac or you’re low on storage. In this case, macOS update won’t help.
How to update to the latest version of macOS
Older Mac OS X releases or newest macOS, the process of updating operating systems follows the same logic:
- First, you backup your data to make it available on the new macOS
- Second, you make sure you have enough space on Mac to install new macOS
- Third, you download and install the new update.
The first step is essential. Without securely backing up your disk, you might lose access to the images, docs, and whatever essential stuff stored on Mac. We recommend Get Backup Pro or ChronoSync Express to run a backup. The former can back up selected files and the latter does a great job backing up folders. So you don’t have to back up the whole disk, with all the clutter stored on it. Here’s how to create a backup with Get Backup Pro:
- Click on the “+” button in Backups to create a new project
- Choose a destination for your backup
- Click File+ to add files for backup
- Press Start.
Back up folders with ChronoSync Express:
- Choose “Create a new synchronization task” on the right
- Name the project
- Choose folders for backup
- Choose your backup destination
- Hit the arrow button to start backing up.
Once you’ve secured the data, go ahead and clean your Mac with CleanMyMac X. Remove clutter, system files, unused apps and app caches, etc. This way, you’ll free up lots of storage and get your Mac ready for a new macOS installation. We recommend to start with a Smart Scan, but if you want to go for a deeper cleanup, go through dedicated modules, they all work like magic.
Nice work! Now you’re ready to install macOS 12 Monterey or any other macOS version you want to try. For detailed instructions on how to update macOS, read this article.
Free Backup Software For Mac Os X Operating System
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.
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.
Free Backup Software For Mac Os X Os
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
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.
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:
Free Backup Software For Mac Os X
- 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.
Best Mac Backup App
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
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.