TABLE OF CONTENTS Backing up can simply mean making a copy of your files onto another storage system. Alternatively, you can buy specialized backup software which will let you organize your files effectively onto the backup medium and will let you schedule automatic backups. The two most common packages used on the Mac are Retrospect and Mezzo. You can use Retrospect to make backups to most types of backup system, including tape drives and CD-R, and you can schedule automatic backup for whenever is most convenient such as overnight. Grey Matter Response Inc. s Mezzo Version 3.7 software (see www.mezzogmr.com) has similar features, but also includes specialized capabilities for dealing with Pro Tools projects, Digital Performer projects, Media 100 projects and other specialized formats. Mezzo s interface is easier to work with than Retrospect s, especially when it comes to the specially supported software. For example, Digital Performer users can simply drop their project folders into Mezzo and Mezzo will do the rest scanning and collecting all of the projects related files (audio files, analysis files, crossfades, clippings, etc.), even if they are spread across multiple storage devices. This process can run as a background operation once initiated, and Performer users can continue to work on their projects throughout Mezzo s backup operations. I can personally recommend Mezzo, although several people have told me that Retrospect works just fine for them.
There are many different types of optical discs, removable hard drives and tape cassette systems that can be used to back up computer data. Let s...
