Simple Backup is an easy to use backup utility. You can get it at http://www.acts.org/roland/thanks/. To set up you create a folder named “backup aliases”, place a copy of “Simple Backup” in that folder, create aliases of the files and folders to backup and place them in that folder. I keep this folder on my desktop as a reminder that I need to back up often.

Double click on SimpleBackup to start the application. SimpleBackup will next ask for a destination folder. This folder must be on a different volume than the folder/files represented by the aliases. This can be a removable disk, another drive or partition.

Once you have made the selection click “backup” and the aliases will be resolved and the files copied to the chosen destination.

You have a number of options you can choose.

Remember settings - This will have Simple Backup remember the location of your back up and if the volume is not mounted (disk isn’t in the drive) it will prompt you to insert the proper disk. You will also be prompted that a folder by that name exists and would you like to replace it.

Next time don’t ask - This will back up with no other prompts if the proper disk is mounted. To get the dialog boxes back hold the option key while starting “Simple Backup”. Don’t use this until you are familiar with “Simple Backup”.

Skip unchanged files - This will skip over files which have not been changed since the last backup and can save you time.

Delete destination file - This will delete the old back up folder and replace it with an exact copy of the files as they exist on your hard drive. This is useful if you have deleted some files that are no longer useful. It renders “Skip unchanged files” useless as all the files are deleted and all files need to be copied.

Progress Bar - This will show you the progress of “Simple Backup” as it copies your files.

The settings I have chosen in the previous screen shot work well for a backup procedure which uses a single backup file which you update. You will be able to see when you last updated by looking at the “modified date” of the folder either in the list view or in the “Get Info” window.

If you would like to have progressive backups, that is a new backup each time you save the files, just rename the file with a date each time. When a disk fills up just change the destination disk or name the new disk the same as the original and rename the original with sequential suffix (backup.1, backup.2 etc.).

Tips:

Keep a folder in which you keep documents you would like to save. Your Appleworks documents, Quicken files and the like. The “Documents” folder that was installed by the OS is a good choice. That way you can just back up that folder and be assured that everything in it is backed up.

Make a back up schedule. Depending on how vital your information is will determine how often you should back up. I suggest a weekly back up as a minimum.

Some programs store their files in places on your drive where they need to stay. Browsers and e-mail programs in particular. You will need to find them and make aliases to those files also.
I can help with some:
Netscape - HD:System Folder:Prefrences:Netscape Users
Internet Explorer - HD:System Folder:Prefrences:Explorer
Outlook Express 4.5 - HD:Internet:Outlook Express Folder:User
Outlook Express 5.0 - HD:Documents:Microsoft User Data:Identities
or - HD:...:Outlook Express 5 Folder:Identities