OS 10.12.6

I know this has been posted before, but I just backed up my HD using superduper and it took over 4 hours. (382 gbs) I notice that it said that it would completely erase my external HD and then copy. I don't remember it working that way before. It used to be that if you used the free copy, it did take a long time. What has changed?

I read that CCC is being preferred by some because of the copying time.

jaybass

I’m not sure exactly what your question is, but here follow some general comments about items you list. The time it takes to clone depends (a.o.) on the interface (FireWire 400-800, USB-1-2-3, various Thunderbolt flavors etc.) between the drives used, and the copy function selected. E.g., updates are quicker than full clones. Apart from that, many small files take longer than the same total (in GB) of fewer large files. Etc., etc. Next, the full clone option indeed erases the target drive before copying starts. Finally, SD is free to use but for the ‘advanced features’ like the scheduling option.

Hasn't incremental backup always been one of the advanced features?

Yes. I use incremental backup and mine take 14 or 16 minutes....although I will admit I don't have a giant drive.

For me, incremental backups are brief although, whenever I've had to do a completely new backup (i.e. Erase and copy), it'll take 3 or 4 hours.

I guess I've been using SD all these years and didn't realize about incremental back-ups.

Senility is surely taking over.

jaybass

Your iMac's USB2 interface and HDD are slowing down your backups significantly.

I think jaybass just bought a new Mac, but its SSD & USB3 are wasted if he's running a HDD/USB2 external.

And the nice thing is that, after selecting incremental the first time, it becomes your default. There will still be the odd occasion when the incremental takes longer, such as when there have been major changes - like a new system.

My methodology has always been, with a system change, to 'bite the bullet' and do a completely new backup - including disk erasure. I don't have any authoritative rationale other than it just seems logical. However, before erasing the Super Duper backup, I will be sure to do a fresh Time Machine backup.

What I have now is an iMac retina 5K 27" 2017.

My external HD and hub are USB3s.

When I first used SD with this iMac, it wasn't set to smart update but now as Ryck pointed out it will be the default after being adjusted.

Artie, if there is anything that I should change, please let me know.

jaybass

If you're a demon for speed, and your external drive is NOT a SSD, I suggest that you upgrade it to a SSD.

Otherwise, your setup sounds sufficient.

Artie, I'm in no hurry. Thanks anyway.

jaybass