[digitaldave]

I haven't used Time Machine yet, I figured it's about time I actually fired it up and did a backup. Before I get stuck in, I was wondering how other laptop users typically use Time Machine - ideally, I'd have the TM drive connected all the time, but that's not always convenient with a laptop . Is it possible to force an update if I connect the drive and it's not at one of it's scheduled backup times, or does it automatically do an update it the drive is connected?

Thanks,

Dave.

[johnny5w]

Most times I connect my laptop to my Time Machine external backup drive Time Machine automatically starts. For the times it doesn't I right-click the Time Machine icon in my dock and start it manually.

[turtle]

Yeah, I have an external HDD I connect at regular intervals and back up then just like johnny5w does.

[Sargasm]

I leave my external HDD plugged in all the time, but I leave Time Machine turned off. Instead, I'll right click on the TM icon in my dock and click "back up now", and do that once or twice a week.

[digitaldave]

Thanks all, very useful .