MacBook malfunction resulted in loss of a month's hard work, possibly preventable.
New and Improved: Saving Your Data - The Mac Way
I've been a Mac enthusiast for quite some time now. From learning on Macs to teaching and video editing, my trusty MacBook Pro has been a companion. But one fateful day, it betrayed me.
The incident occurred about a week ago when my MacBook Pro, which I was using on battery power, suddenly died without warning. Despite checking the power cable and the power brick, nothing seemed amiss. It turned out that the GPU's RAM bit the dust. Since everything's integrated these days - even on the latest M1-based MacBooks - the internal storage also needed replacing.
Now, I bet you're wondering, "Aren't you a tech guru? Didn't you backup your work?" Well, yes, I did backup my work. But here's the catch - I used Apple's own Time Machine for that purpose. Unfortunately, the backups were slowing down dramatically, taking anywhere between 12 to 24 hours to complete, which was totally unacceptable. I tried everything from wiping the backup drive to configuring Time Machine again, but to no avail.
With a busy month ahead, my backup ended up being a month old. Not only did I lose a month's worth of work, but the integrated system meant that I couldn't access the internal SSD without contacting a data retrieval company, who might demand a fortune for their services.
As a video editor and teacher, I relied heavily on my MacBook to access my data whenever I wanted. However, one small issue was enough to bring everything crashing down, like a house of cards. This is the absurdity of integrating everything in a computer. It's akin to having your car's dashboard circuitry fail, causing you to replace the entire engine to fix the problem.
Fortunately, I've learned my lesson. Moving forward, I will be using external SSD drives instead of integrating the storage system. High-density portable SSD drives have become incredibly affordable, making them a great alternative. Plus, they're much cheaper than Apple's internal storage options.
To ensure the speed and reliability of my Time Machine backups, I plan to exclude unnecessary files and folders, use a faster backup drive, ensure a consistent power supply, check and regularly update Time Machine, and prevent my Mac from sleeping during the backup process.
If you're facing the same issues and are looking for alternatives, consider cloud-based solutions like iCloud or third-party backup tools. Services like Backblaze or CrashPlan offer faster upload speeds and robust security measures. Network-Attached Storage (NAS) can also be a viable option if you have large data sets or multiple devices to manage.
Remember, your data is precious. Don't let it slip away due to an unrelated system failure. Upgrade your backup methods today!
- In my new setup, I'll be using high-density portable SSD drives instead of integrating the storage system, making it easier to access and manage my data like an art exhibit in a home-and-garden lifestyle.
- As I delve into the future, I'm planning to employ creative UX and UI design principles to organize my layout, ensuring a smoother workflow and enhancing my overall productivity, much like the deft manipulation of elements in a 3D artist's digital canvas.
- I'm also exploring advanced technology like cloud-based solutions for storing my data, hoping to avoid future accidents and maintain a lifestyle of connectivity and convenience, much like the seamless integration of digital devices in our daily lives.
- Furthermore, I'm planning to explore innovative alternatives in the realm of workspaces, looking to incorporate the benefits of both traditional desk setups and ergonomic designs, aspiring to create a workspace that aligns with contemporary lifestyle ideals and fosters creativity and productivity.
