Time Machine is a backup software application developed by Apple, and it is specifically designed to back up your entire Mac system to an external storage device, such as an external hard drive or a network-attached storage (NAS) device.
iCloud Drive, on the other hand, is Apple’s cloud storage service that allows you to store and sync files and folders across your Apple devices, such as Macs, iPhones, and iPads. While iCloud Drive is great for syncing documents, photos, and other files across devices, it does not have the capability to perform full system backups like Time Machine.
To use Time Machine for backups, you need an external storage device that is connected to your Mac. You can use an external hard drive, an SSD, or a network-attached storage (NAS) device that is compatible with Time Machine.
Here’s how to set up Time Machine with an external storage device:
- Connect the external storage device to your Mac.
- Go to “System Preferences” on your Mac.
- Click on “Time Machine.”
- Turn on Time Machine by toggling the switch to “On.”
- Click on “Select Backup Disk” and choose the external storage device you want to use for Time Machine backups.
Once set up, Time Machine will automatically back up your Mac at regular intervals, providing you with a complete system backup that you can use to restore your Mac in case of data loss or system issues.
Remember that Time Machine backups can take up a significant amount of space on the external storage device, so it’s essential to ensure that the storage capacity of the device is sufficient for your needs. If you prefer cloud-based backups, you may consider using third-party backup services that offer cloud backup options compatible with macOS.
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