Icon from macOS Big Sur
Icon from OS X Yosemite
Time Machine is a graphically-oriented computer backup application included with macOS. First released as part of Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard), the software is designed to sync with storage devices and is commonly used with disk drives.[1]
Overview[]
Time Machine is intended to be used as a storage and backup utility, instead of an archival utility or offline storage. This app creates backups of files and media that can be accessed and restored at a later date, and works seamlessly with several apps, like Mail and iWork programs. This means it's possible to restore individual files (e.g. files, documents, music, media, mail, etc.)
User interface[]
The Time Machine interface in OS X Yosemite
When launched and receiving a file, Time Machine automatically starts using Apple's Core Animation API. It "floats" the active Finder or application window into the background, behind the open Time Machine window(s).
Requirements[]
Time Machine requires the storage volume to use the Apple File System or journaled HFS+ file format or else the user will be prompted to reformat it. Supported configurations include:[2]
- A storage drive connected internally or to an externally, such as a USB or Thunderbolt device.
- A separate folder on a different Mac.
- A shared AirPort Time Capsule drive.
- A drive connected to AirPort Extreme 802.11ac model.
- Local network volumes connected using the Apple Filing Protocol or via an SMB3 share that uses a number of capabilities.[3]
References[]
- ↑ Inside Leopard: Time Machine by Rob Griffiths, Macworld 2007-10-24.
- ↑ Backup disks you can use with Time Machine. Apple Inc..
- ↑ Time Machine over SMB Specification. Apple Inc. (13 September 2016).
External links[]
- Mac OS X Leopard: Time Machine at Apple (archived 2007-10-16)
- Back up your Mac with Time Machine at Apple Support
- How to back up your Mac with Time Machine at iMore
- Time Machine (macOS) at Wikipedia
