iBackup 2011 for Mac

Overview

iBackup 2010 is a straightforward backup utility for Mac that offers an alternative to using Time Machine. It provides a Finder-style interface, making it approachable for users who are new to backing up their files. The app focuses on simplicity while letting you create multiple backup sets and automate the process.

Main features

• Create and manage multiple backup sets (called profiles) so you can separate different kinds of data.
• Schedule automated backups to avoid having to run them manually.
• Use smart lists to filter and locate the files you want included in a backup.
• Review a compact, Finder-like interface that shows the contents of each profile.

Strengths

• Gives you fine-grained control over which application preferences and settings are included in each backup.
• Operates quickly in most cases, and the UI makes it easy to see what’s in a given profile.

Limitations

• There is no true incremental backup system; adding new files to an existing backup requires recreating that profile.
• The log file does not clearly indicate which new files were added to a backup.
• Restoration works at the drive level, but the application lacks a convenient way to restore single files or individual items.

Practical tips

• Set up a repeating schedule so backups run automatically and you don’t have to remember to start them.
• Use separate profiles for distinct sets of data (for example, documents, photos, and application preferences) to keep restores organized.
• Rely on the smart lists to reduce the amount of data you include in each profile and speed up backups.

Release notes

• Added: Extended logging for iBackup to provide more diagnostic information.
• Fixed: An issue that prevented backups from starting due to an incorrect variable in the previous build.