This guide will show you how to set up Time Machine to use more than one drive as a backup destination. The guide also explains how to use Time Machine to create off-site backups. The answer is that individual files and folders in an encrypted FileVault image are locked away and cannot be accessed using Time Machine. But Apple provides another application that can access individual FileVault data; it’s called the Finder. Now, this isn’t some backdoor that allows just anyone to access encrypted files; you still need to know the user account password to gain access to the files These backups app all include either a long term demo capability that allows you to fully test and evaluated the app, or is some cases the app is outright free. Once you clone your startup drive, you can use the clone to boot your Mac at any time, should your original startup drive fail. Carbon Copy Cloner also offers additional backup capabilities that you may find useful. Unlike other cloning tools, SuperDuper provides multiple ways of creating a clone, including the very popular Sandbox method. Sandboxes are clones designed to isolate your system for the purpose of trying out new software or beta software. Sandboxes protect your system from unruly beta applications, plug-ins, or drivers, preventing them from wreaking havoc on your Mac. ‘Back Up Your Startup Disk’ is a step-by-step guide to using the built-in capabilities of Disk Utility to create a bootable backup of your startup drive. You can purchase ready-made external hard drives; just plug them into your Mac and you’re ready to start backing up your data. But if you have a little free time and the inclination (plus a screwdriver), you can build a custom external hard drive, using the Focus on Macs ‘External Hard Drive - Build Your Own External Hard Drive’ step-by-step guide. There are things to consider and decisions to make before you part with your hard-earned cash. ‘Before You Buy an External Hard Drive’ covers many of the options to consider before you make a purchase.