I went paperless about 3 years ago. I use the iPhone 11 Pro for photos, the iPad for my notes and sketches, and the MacBook with Parallels to run the Windows based estimating system we use. I carry a external hard drive, a USB stick, and a hub for the MacBook and iPad.
Allan, @macmostvideo I know this is a broad question (and sorry, a bit lengthy) but any suggestions for a portable USB 3 portable HDD? I'm considering replacing my 10 year+ 2TB WD "My Book Live" NAS (before it croaks). I'm satisfied with WD’s respectable drive performance, email notifications, operational documentation but I’m truly disappointed with the WD's "My Cloud" mobile software. It is supposed to provide remote access to every other stored file format including videos but it NEVER worked! I had the prior app (the name slips me) before it was rebranded as “My Cloud”. The "My Photos" mobile app only allows uploading and viewing of photos. That works okay. Their online support forum was a labyrinth to nowhere. I'm sorry for the rant.
Look at Anker and Satechi for high-quality adapters and cables. Yes, these cost more, but they are worth it. I’ve used Anker for some four years, and they’ve never failed me. I trust them with my top-of-the-line iPhone 13 Max, iPad Pro 11” & 12.9”… (Yeah, my Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, truth be known 😇)
Why? You can just boot into Recovery Mode. Probably never need it either way, and keeping a USB drive up-to-date just for an emergency is going to take some effort.
Although i do keep a USB drive for my windows computers (since the built in recovery in windows isn’t entirely reliable, one time it said that a file it needed was missing, i have no idea how that happened, but i ended up having to use a USB in that case), to the best of my knowledge Macs have a built in network recovery feature, which allows you to reinstall Mac OS from the internet
As a photographer my storage needs are best expressed as TBs in size. I love the Other World Computing Voyager drive enclosures and have two of them. This allows me to choose relatively inexpensive 3.5" internal drives for backing up and archiving my images. For those not familiar with these enclosures they work much like a toaster. You just plug in the USB cable connecting the drive enclosure'sinsert a drive into the enclosure slot, turn on the enclosure, and away you go!
I've used those before too. But currently it doesn't seem to save you any money as a 4TB SATA drive costs about the same, maybe a little less, than a 4TB portable drive. And the portable drives are smaller and independent.
Gary...I'm in the UK but, I'm going to propose that you become the next President of the United States...why?....if the incumbent had only 5 % of your knowledge, clarity, earnestness and devotion to the task, he'd have all the US with him.........I'll put £5 toward your campaign fund!
Hello new sub here, just in the middle of a binge session of your videos as some really remote MAC functions are seeing the light! Problem with TimeMachine, it seems stuck on its initial window and doesn’t move ahead. Tried restarting etc, the HD is 4T and new
All yourstuff is great but I have a ? I use my 2012 Macbook Pro to watch videos on TV a lot via HDMI. Can I close the screen on my Mac just watching the TV?
My NAS makes external drives unnecessary. I can make both Time Machine backups and archive files, photos, music, whatever. Expensive but worth it. Did I mention that I can have multiple users on the NAS? Yep,you can have many other users files to keep irrigate or share. I cannot be without the NAS.
Ethernet cable. Sometimes wi-fi is weak in my house, so I have ethernet cable connected to the router and a converter on my Mac. It worked perfectly during online courses.
Thanks very useful. An Apple 27” monitor costs as much as the low-end MacBook Air - obviously aimed at the commercial market. Any less expensive options?
Plenty. Before my Studio Display I was quite happy with a 32-inch LG 4K screen for $500. Before that, I was fine with a 27-inch LG 4K screen for $300. See macmost.com/recommendations
Ive got MBPro 2012 and 2021, i also have LaCie drive, should i be formatting that as APFS? or As exFat? i always thought Apple only was an extra layer of protection, i dont use any windows device strictly MAC (APFS), however family could access photos or documents with both (ExFat). Also when transferring to Another Lap Top do you use Migration assistant or just hook them up with appropriate Cord and / or Adapter?
If you don't use Windows, there's no reason to use ExFAT and you should not do that. Use APFS. When transitioning to a new Mac, Migration Assistant is a good tool. You can use MA with a cable, yes.
Depends on your needs. An external drive would be local storage and iCloud Drive is cloud-based storage that is available everywhere but with a subscription. Different people need different things.
To be very frank your tips and videos are very useful than shitty vloger's and youtuber's . Keep up the good work. Please improve your video quality though !
Thank you for this, Gary! Question - When I go to Settings > Energy Saver, I don't have a UPS tab/option. Would that only appear after I purchase a UPS? Or is there something else I'm doing wrong? Thank you again.
Sorry, nothing to recommend. Just search for something you like on Amazon. Tons of them, mostly the same thing from different tiny companies. They are cheap so they are easy to try and discard if you hate it.
I have lots of of USB drives, which I use for backups, but several of them are too small now. I have been tempted to buy a NAS, but so far I have resisted. They have lots of interesting capabilities, but I don’t like the idea of paying a lot of money to buy and run another computer that I’m not using most of the time.
my imac came with an apple magic keyboard, its the one thing I can not live without especially on my mac where using the keyboard I hook up to my laptop is too tedius, its very important for me especially as I am visually impaired and rely on voiceover to use my computer independantly
An accessory that I like, is a USB light for late at night which dims. I would also like a CD,DVD drive. For some reason, the medical community only provides a CD of your scans/xrays.
1. I would suggest also doing an occasional bootable backup. (SuperDuper seems like an excellent app.) And because of a threat of fire or burglary, I'd suggest keeping some backup(s) off site (like keeping one at the office and alternating), and/or in a fireproof, waterproof safe if on the premises. It's just not worth the chance of fire & water damage, or the chance of a burglar taking your Mac AND scooping up all the hardware around it, including your Time Machine. I back up my Mac on a wireless Time Machine in the basement directly under me, where it is unlikely to be nabbed by a thief. Also, I wish you had explained how a second monitor is used. I suppose you set them side by side and I suppose (?) they aren't duplicate presentation. Do you drag stuff off one screen and onto the other?
Good morning, I found the Satechi "ALUMINUM TYPE-C CLAMP HUB PRO" of great value. No more trying to connect something in rear of the iMac. And it has the card reader for my dashboard cam as well. Please keep up the good work.
I have about 70k photos in the photos app on my iMac. Is it possible to store that photo library on an external drive so that I could 1. Free up space on my iMac and 2. Be able to access it from my MacBook laptop over the WiFi in home network?
Yes. But you may be better off just using iCloud Photos. That way you can access them on your MacBook when not at home, and also on your iPhone, etc. Plus it is easy to set up and use.
When you say "MacBook" are you talking about MacBook Air as well? I have a MacBook Air and just guess at what kind of USB port I have. I use the lightning port for my monitor.
Not really. The speed of an SSD drive would not be necessary for most external drive uses and over USB 3 it would be hampered by USB 3 speed anyway. Sometimes it is better to get a larger HDD than a faster SSD.
I don't know what the point of a screen protector on a Mac would be. You don't see desktop or laptop screen protectors much. As for keyboard covers, they usually aren't needed, but I suppose if you work in an environment where it is easy to get the keyboard dirty (factory, mechanic, restaurant, etc) then it could be useful. But never close a MacBook with a keyboard cover on as it will press on both the screen and keys and could damage them.
Only a few older models of iMac support that. But those are old standard definition screens, big, bulky, hot and power-hungry. Better to just get a new UHD screen instead.
Hi Gary. Really enjoy your tips and teaching. Thanks. Just curious: you mentioned using an external hard drive as an "archive drive." You've chosen to use the hard drive rather than the cloud? Just wondering if and how you use the cloud. Thanks again. You've been really helpful.
The idea is to get something OFF of iCloud. You have limited space there, and on your internal drive which is syncing to iCloud Drive. No use taking up GBs of space with old projects you won't be coming back to. So you get an external drive, save a copy there just in case you'll need it, and delete it from iCloud Drive (and your Mac). If I didn't do this, I'd need to have something like 10TB of data in iCloud Drive after all of these years. Some video and app developers would have way more than that.
@@macmost I have an unfortunate history of strange events with my Mac that Tech Support don't understand or can't explain. Sort of like a technical Lemony Snicket. I downloaded some malware once after I went to a Mac class, and that was the begin of extreme caution in everything Mac that I ever do.
Hi Gary, thank you for all you do. Can you clarify for me if the external hard drives are SSD that you are recommending? Heard from a friend that those are the way to go. Are there any specific SSD external hard drives that you suggest?
Do you mean #8, hard drives for backups? No. It is a waste to use SSDs for backups. You don't need the speed, but you do need size. Go with HDDs for backups.
@@macmost understood. Is it safe to assume that I don’t want to use a back up drive as an every day drive for storage of pictures, videos, and misc stuff?
@@austinjohns9168 A backup drive should just be for backups. If you want to store other things outside of your internal drive, then put them on another drive, not your backup (and make sure you include that drive in your backup too).
I have an Intel 256GB SSD that came with my laptop. A 512GB Crucial SSD that I briefly used in my laptop. And a 1TB WD SSD which is now in my laptop. All are comparable but the WD is probably my first choice.
Thanks for great, to-the-point instructions as usual! Question: The TM backup external drive be set to also backup the second Archive external drive, as well as the internal drive, right?
I can't live without my CalDigit TS3 Thunderbolt 3 hub - I had been using a different one that was flakey but this TS3 is rock solid and is working pretty good. I had been using it to run 2 24" 4k LG monitors it was great. I've since added an eGUP so now I'm running the monitors through them - and I can also have more than 2. The other must have accessory is an external SSD drive - I use the Samsung T5 1TB drive and that's where I edit all my Final Cut Pro projects from so I keep my mac's drive from filling up. I had that happen a couple times and it's a nightmare when your drive is full and you need to do something NOW and don't have time to move things off!
hey Gary. i just bought the new m1 mbp and having never used mac OS(always used window) i have been watching your videos which have been really helpful. pretty sure i have watched most of them by now! anyway, regarding time machine, is it worth using a thunderbolt3 ssd for time machine or is this a bit overkill? also, if not, would a high capacity usb-c flash drive be suitable or would you reccomend to use a portable drive for time machine? many thanks!
Great video, Gary! I replied to one of your viewers with my question (I believe it included you but just in case...). I know this is a broad question (and sorry, a bit lengthy) but any suggestions for a portable USB 3 portable HDD? I'm considering replacing my 10 year+ 2TB WD "My Book Live" NAS (before it croaks). I'm satisfied with WD’s respectable drive performance, email notifications, operational documentation but I’m truly disappointed with the WD's "My Cloud" mobile software. It is supposed to provide remote access to every other stored file format including videos but it NEVER worked! I had the prior app (the name slips me) before it was rebranded as “My Cloud”. The "My Photos" mobile app only allows uploading and viewing of photos. That works okay. Their online support forum was a labyrinth to nowhere. I'm sorry for the rant.
I've got a Seagate USB3 portable as my archive drive., always connected. No complaints. I've never used any of that kind of software that comes with drives. Usually it is just for PCs anyway. I just reformat the drive for Mac and toss any software aside with the box.
@@macmost Thank you! I was initially on Windows when I got it but switched to Mac in '15. My iMac recognized the drive and performed seamlessly. I've dragged photos over no problem but one their mobile (iOS) apps is where my grief started. Appreciate your suggestion as well as your many viewers' feedback! Keep up the great work!
As a new MacBook Pro user I first want to say "Thank you", Gary, for the wealth of resources you make available. I'm learning so much. This is not an accessory question or comment but curious about your thoughts on keyboard covers. I currently am not eating or drinking near the unit because accidents are never planned. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
The problem is that there isn't enough room between the screen and the keyboard when you close your MacBook. So if you have a keyboard cover, even a super thin one, it will put pressure on both the screen and the keyboard when closed. That's not good. It can lead to all sorts of problems. And carrying one around with you and remembering to put it on right after you open your MacBook is tough -- like you said, accidents are never planned so that one time you forget to put it on is when a spill will happen.
I went paperless about 3 years ago. I use the iPhone 11 Pro for photos, the iPad for my notes and sketches, and the MacBook with Parallels to run the Windows based estimating system we use. I carry a external hard drive, a USB stick, and a hub for the MacBook and iPad.
Allan, @macmostvideo I know this is a broad question (and sorry, a bit lengthy) but any suggestions for a portable USB 3 portable HDD? I'm considering replacing my 10 year+ 2TB WD "My Book Live" NAS (before it croaks). I'm satisfied with WD’s respectable drive performance, email notifications, operational documentation but I’m truly disappointed with the WD's "My Cloud" mobile software. It is supposed to provide remote access to every other stored file format including videos but it NEVER worked! I had the prior app (the name slips me) before it was rebranded as “My Cloud”. The "My Photos" mobile app only allows uploading and viewing of photos. That works okay. Their online support forum was a labyrinth to nowhere. I'm sorry for the rant.
Great video as always! Thank you for posting!
I have one HDD & 1 SSD, couple of Flash drive to transfer small data between my MacBook & Lenovo and a Kingston Nucleum dock.
Great Video! I'm ordering a UPS backup right now!
Look at Anker and Satechi for high-quality adapters and cables.
Yes, these cost more, but they are worth it.
I’ve used Anker for some four years, and they’ve never failed me.
I trust them with my top-of-the-line iPhone 13 Max, iPad Pro 11” & 12.9”…
(Yeah, my Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G, truth be known 😇)
Thanks Gary, great info👍🏾
Boss, you are excellent. One suggestion, also keep 16 gb usb drive loaded with Mac OS version needed for personal Mac in case of emergency.
Why? You can just boot into Recovery Mode. Probably never need it either way, and keeping a USB drive up-to-date just for an emergency is going to take some effort.
Although i do keep a USB drive for my windows computers (since the built in recovery in windows isn’t entirely reliable, one time it said that a file it needed was missing, i have no idea how that happened, but i ended up having to use a USB in that case), to the best of my knowledge Macs have a built in network recovery feature, which allows you to reinstall Mac OS from the internet
A few peripherals I can't live is printer, portable ssd, apple magic keyboard & Magic Trackpad, AirPods
As a photographer my storage needs are best expressed as TBs in size. I love the Other World Computing Voyager drive enclosures and have two of them. This allows me to choose relatively inexpensive 3.5" internal drives for backing up and archiving my images. For those not familiar with these enclosures they work much like a toaster. You just plug in the USB cable connecting the drive enclosure'sinsert a drive into the enclosure slot, turn on the enclosure, and away you go!
I've used those before too. But currently it doesn't seem to save you any money as a 4TB SATA drive costs about the same, maybe a little less, than a 4TB portable drive. And the portable drives are smaller and independent.
Great advice and tips 💯🙌🏻⚡️💻💪🏻💥👏🏻
Gary...I'm in the UK but, I'm going to propose that you become the next President of the United States...why?....if the incumbent had only 5 % of your knowledge, clarity, earnestness and devotion to the task, he'd have all the US with him.........I'll put £5 toward your campaign fund!
Great video bro, bro
Anyone got the list of all the recommendations so I can copy and save it to my notes ?
could you advice for external nvme ssd enclosure to work with 2013 imac with thunderbolt 1 port?
What about an extra webcam for Zoom?
Hello new sub here, just in the middle of a binge session of your videos as some really remote MAC functions are seeing the light! Problem with TimeMachine, it seems stuck on its initial window and doesn’t move ahead. Tried restarting etc, the HD is 4T and new
It will take a long time (hours or days) to perform the initial backup. Depends on how much data you have.
@@macmost Thanks for answering me, TM machine is just stuck and doesn’t respond, backup process can’t even be activated 😧
All yourstuff is great but I have a ?
I use my 2012 Macbook Pro to watch videos on TV a lot via HDMI. Can I close the screen on my Mac just watching the TV?
My NAS makes external drives unnecessary. I can make both Time Machine backups and archive files, photos, music, whatever. Expensive but worth it. Did I mention that I can have multiple users on the NAS? Yep,you can have many other users files to keep irrigate or share. I cannot be without the NAS.
Ethernet cable. Sometimes wi-fi is weak in my house, so I have ethernet cable connected to the router and a converter on my Mac. It worked perfectly during online courses.
I never use WiFi on my Mac.... why risk it??!!!
@@macformeout of necessity I only use Wifi. Never a problem. For years. What risk?
@@mvl6827 Try Google.... I don't have time to explain.
always great tip and knowledge thank you
Thanks very useful.
An Apple 27” monitor costs as much as the low-end MacBook Air - obviously aimed at the commercial market. Any less expensive options?
Plenty. Before my Studio Display I was quite happy with a 32-inch LG 4K screen for $500. Before that, I was fine with a 27-inch LG 4K screen for $300. See macmost.com/recommendations
I am curious what is the best way to ARD on a NAT 3
What would you recommend for headset on USB port, Gary?
Sorry, I don't use one for gaming so I don't have a recommendation.
Ive got MBPro 2012 and 2021, i also have LaCie drive, should i be formatting that as APFS? or As exFat? i always thought Apple only was an extra layer of protection, i dont use any windows device strictly MAC (APFS), however family could access photos or documents with both (ExFat). Also when transferring to Another Lap Top do you use Migration assistant or just hook them up with appropriate Cord and / or Adapter?
If you don't use Windows, there's no reason to use ExFAT and you should not do that. Use APFS. When transitioning to a new Mac, Migration Assistant is a good tool. You can use MA with a cable, yes.
Still good advice!
A mouse!
Agreed! Trackpads are great but I need a quality mouse for more accurate work like Photoshop.
The best… as usual.. answering all my questions without even asking it
Why should I get an external hard drive if I have bought extra iCloud storage?
Depends on your needs. An external drive would be local storage and iCloud Drive is cloud-based storage that is available everywhere but with a subscription. Different people need different things.
To be very frank your tips and videos are very useful than shitty vloger's and youtuber's . Keep up the good work. Please improve your video quality though !
Thank you for this, Gary! Question - When I go to Settings > Energy Saver, I don't have a UPS tab/option. Would that only appear after I purchase a UPS? Or is there something else I'm doing wrong? Thank you again.
That only appears if you have a UPS connected to your Mac via USB.
@@macmost - I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my question, Gary. :)
I replaced my hub with a dock. I’ve found it improved a lot of things.
Then Apple wised up and the 2021 MBP has the slots, ports and mag power cord back.
Hi Gary- Do you have any recommendations for a clear MacBook Pro cover?
Sorry, nothing to recommend. Just search for something you like on Amazon. Tons of them, mostly the same thing from different tiny companies. They are cheap so they are easy to try and discard if you hate it.
@@macmost - Thanks. I just ordered one and will give it a try. I read some reviews and think I should be good. Keep it up with the great content.
I have lots of of USB drives, which I use for backups, but several of them are too small now. I have been tempted to buy a NAS, but so far I have resisted. They have lots of interesting capabilities, but I don’t like the idea of paying a lot of money to buy and run another computer that I’m not using most of the time.
I also recommend an external DVD drive for watching videos or playing music
Richard Fuhr I agree so much. I couldn’t believe my new iMac didn’t have a built-in CD/DVD. I spent ages looking for it before calling the shop!
@@oryb5408 i felt the same way... but with everything online or in the Cloud now... i seldom (if ever) use my external DVD drive
my imac came with an apple magic keyboard, its the one thing I can not live without especially on my mac where using the keyboard I hook up to my laptop is too tedius, its very important for me especially as I am visually impaired and rely on voiceover to use my computer independantly
My vote is for AirPods.
Can I rely on iCloud rather than a usb back up?
Gosh I love this channel... Thank you Garry
I have spent months studying Mac speed ups and discovered a fantastic website at Mels Speed Method (google it if you are interested)
Nope, lots of classrooms still have VGA projectors lol
An accessory that I like, is a USB light for late at night which dims. I would also like a CD,DVD drive. For some reason, the medical community only provides a CD of your scans/xrays.
Yes, I wonder if some old privacy law specifically states distribution by "CD" for X-Rays.
Great info Gary!!! Cheers! I have most of those items on your list!!
Another extremely helpful video, Gary! Many thanks!
Excellent! Many thanks. Subscribed!
Great video. Surprised track pad and ext. speakers not on list.
I bought a new iMac 27” with 8GB of memory and added 32GB for a total of 40GB!!!! Really helps with 4K video editing and even Affinity Photo.
Thanks, Gary, for doing the hard work for us.
Your videos appear to be out of sync: audio v videeo
I just use my 65" LG OLED as an external.
I have an early 2015 MacBook Pro 13”. Can you recommend a docking station to run two 4K monitors with HDMI?
Is that MBP Thunderbolt 3 or the one with all the ports?
1. I would suggest also doing an occasional bootable backup. (SuperDuper seems like an excellent app.) And because of a threat of fire or burglary, I'd suggest keeping some backup(s) off site (like keeping one at the office and alternating), and/or in a fireproof, waterproof safe if on the premises. It's just not worth the chance of fire & water damage, or the chance of a burglar taking your Mac AND scooping up all the hardware around it, including your Time Machine. I back up my Mac on a wireless Time Machine in the basement directly under me, where it is unlikely to be nabbed by a thief.
Also, I wish you had explained how a second monitor is used. I suppose you set them side by side and I suppose (?) they aren't duplicate presentation. Do you drag stuff off one screen and onto the other?
Good morning, I found the Satechi "ALUMINUM TYPE-C CLAMP HUB PRO" of great value. No more trying to connect something in rear of the iMac. And it has the card reader for my dashboard cam as well. Please keep up the good work.
I have about 70k photos in the photos app on my iMac. Is it possible to store that photo library on an external drive so that I could 1. Free up space on my iMac and 2. Be able to access it from my MacBook laptop over the WiFi in home network?
Yes. But you may be better off just using iCloud Photos. That way you can access them on your MacBook when not at home, and also on your iPhone, etc. Plus it is easy to set up and use.
Garry🥰
I have an external drive for TM backups and another one that I use as a clone in case of hard drive failure.
When you say "MacBook" are you talking about MacBook Air as well? I have a MacBook Air and just guess at what kind of USB port I have. I use the lightning port for my monitor.
Both. MacBooks don't have a lightning port (that is the port on iPhones). Maybe you mean Thunderbolt?
@@macmost Thunder and lightning go together. I meant thunderbolt.
Great video! My must item is a big raid storage device.
Thanks Gary foe explain things clearly
You are awesome!
Make sure external drive is ssd
Not really. The speed of an SSD drive would not be necessary for most external drive uses and over USB 3 it would be hampered by USB 3 speed anyway. Sometimes it is better to get a larger HDD than a faster SSD.
Hi. Can you post about using screen protectors, keyboard covers etc? Do we really need those? Thank you.
I don't know what the point of a screen protector on a Mac would be. You don't see desktop or laptop screen protectors much. As for keyboard covers, they usually aren't needed, but I suppose if you work in an environment where it is easy to get the keyboard dirty (factory, mechanic, restaurant, etc) then it could be useful. But never close a MacBook with a keyboard cover on as it will press on both the screen and keys and could damage them.
Thank you for the info. May I add if using cases are advisable to protect your Mac from accidental drop? Will it cause scratches in the corners?
@@Matthew1031 For a MacBook, I assume. It is up to you. If you think you'll drop it or bump it, and you want to protect from that, then sure.
Can I use as a second screen my old mac? And how do I set that up?
Only a few older models of iMac support that. But those are old standard definition screens, big, bulky, hot and power-hungry. Better to just get a new UHD screen instead.
@@macmost thank you!
Hi Gary. Really enjoy your tips and teaching. Thanks. Just curious: you mentioned using an external hard drive as an "archive drive." You've chosen to use the hard drive rather than the cloud? Just wondering if and how you use the cloud. Thanks again. You've been really helpful.
The idea is to get something OFF of iCloud. You have limited space there, and on your internal drive which is syncing to iCloud Drive. No use taking up GBs of space with old projects you won't be coming back to. So you get an external drive, save a copy there just in case you'll need it, and delete it from iCloud Drive (and your Mac). If I didn't do this, I'd need to have something like 10TB of data in iCloud Drive after all of these years. Some video and app developers would have way more than that.
ive been using my old time capsule for my back up, do you think thats ok.💚🍏
That's what Time Capsule was built for.
@@macmost thanks just hooked it up to my 2020 iMac i got yesterday.
That’s what I use. It’s actually the AirPort Extreme 2GB. Still works fine.
Great, thought provoking selection. Thank you Gary.
Good info again. Is it worth considering turning off the wifi when doing a time machine backup?
Why? I don't see any reason why you should turn off Wi-Fi for a backup. With hourly backups, that would be quite an inconvenience!
@@macmost I have an unfortunate history of strange events with my Mac that Tech Support don't understand or can't explain. Sort of like a technical Lemony Snicket. I downloaded some malware once after I went to a Mac class, and that was the begin of extreme caution in everything Mac that I ever do.
Hi Gary, thank you for all you do. Can you clarify for me if the external hard drives are SSD that you are recommending? Heard from a friend that those are the way to go. Are there any specific SSD external hard drives that you suggest?
Do you mean #8, hard drives for backups? No. It is a waste to use SSDs for backups. You don't need the speed, but you do need size. Go with HDDs for backups.
@@macmost understood. Is it safe to assume that I don’t want to use a back up drive as an every day drive for storage of pictures, videos, and misc stuff?
@@austinjohns9168 A backup drive should just be for backups. If you want to store other things outside of your internal drive, then put them on another drive, not your backup (and make sure you include that drive in your backup too).
I have an Intel 256GB SSD that came with my laptop. A 512GB Crucial SSD that I briefly used in my laptop. And a 1TB WD SSD which is now in my laptop. All are comparable but the WD is probably my first choice.
Thanks for great, to-the-point instructions as usual! Question: The TM backup external drive be set to also backup the second Archive external drive, as well as the internal drive, right?
Unless you don't care about the contents of the external drive (like it is a scratch disk for video software) then I think you should back it up, yes.
@@macmost Got it, thank you. (Sorry for the weird wording of my question: seems it got truncated somehow!
I don't have the UPS menu in my energy saver menu. I have a new Mini Mac up to date.
I guess it´s only there if you have a UPS connected.
Yes.
@@ollydecay7851 Oh I have mine connected. I learned years ago...
@@macmost My power cord from my Mac mini is plugged into the back of my UPS
@@macmost it looks like you need a cable to connect UPS to computer to get it to show.
I can't live without my CalDigit TS3 Thunderbolt 3 hub - I had been using a different one that was flakey but this TS3 is rock solid and is working pretty good. I had been using it to run 2 24" 4k LG monitors it was great. I've since added an eGUP so now I'm running the monitors through them - and I can also have more than 2. The other must have accessory is an external SSD drive - I use the Samsung T5 1TB drive and that's where I edit all my Final Cut Pro projects from so I keep my mac's drive from filling up. I had that happen a couple times and it's a nightmare when your drive is full and you need to do something NOW and don't have time to move things off!
hey Gary. i just bought the new m1 mbp and having never used mac OS(always used window) i have been watching your videos which have been really helpful. pretty sure i have watched most of them by now! anyway, regarding time machine, is it worth using a thunderbolt3 ssd for time machine or is this a bit overkill? also, if not, would a high capacity usb-c flash drive be suitable or would you reccomend to use a portable drive for time machine? many thanks!
Great video, Gary! I replied to one of your viewers with my question (I believe it included you but just in case...). I know this is a broad question (and sorry, a bit lengthy) but any suggestions for a portable USB 3 portable HDD? I'm considering replacing my 10 year+ 2TB WD "My Book Live" NAS (before it croaks). I'm satisfied with WD’s respectable drive performance, email notifications, operational documentation but I’m truly disappointed with the WD's "My Cloud" mobile software. It is supposed to provide remote access to every other stored file format including videos but it NEVER worked! I had the prior app (the name slips me) before it was rebranded as “My Cloud”. The "My Photos" mobile app only allows uploading and viewing of photos. That works okay. Their online support forum was a labyrinth to nowhere. I'm sorry for the rant.
I've got a Seagate USB3 portable as my archive drive., always connected. No complaints. I've never used any of that kind of software that comes with drives. Usually it is just for PCs anyway. I just reformat the drive for Mac and toss any software aside with the box.
@@macmost Thank you! I was initially on Windows when I got it but switched to Mac in '15. My iMac recognized the drive and performed seamlessly. I've dragged photos over no problem but one their mobile (iOS) apps is where my grief started. Appreciate your suggestion as well as your many viewers' feedback! Keep up the great work!
*this is MOST definitely _SPAM on MY END*_.
cuz i would>>NEVER WATCH
As a new MacBook Pro user I first want to say "Thank you", Gary, for the wealth of resources you make available. I'm learning so much. This is not an accessory question or comment but curious about your thoughts on keyboard covers. I currently am not eating or drinking near the unit because accidents are never planned. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
The problem is that there isn't enough room between the screen and the keyboard when you close your MacBook. So if you have a keyboard cover, even a super thin one, it will put pressure on both the screen and the keyboard when closed. That's not good. It can lead to all sorts of problems. And carrying one around with you and remembering to put it on right after you open your MacBook is tough -- like you said, accidents are never planned so that one time you forget to put it on is when a spill will happen.
@@macmost Thank you! that is something I would never have thought about. You rock!!