Dr Logic Backup vs Time Machine

There are significant differences between the two backup solutions. We hope you find the following information helpful when deciding on your backup strategy.

Dr Logic Backup Advantages
Time Machine Advantages
Running both on the same computer
Additional Information

Dr Logic Backup Advantages Over Time Machine

Off-site backup

Off-site protects you from all forms of data loss. Time Machine doesn't do off-site.

Encryption

Your data is encrypted before being stored at destination. Time Machine just makes a copy, including previous versions. Someone else can recover things you thought were deleted.

Compression

Backup files are compressed. Duplicates are also removed. This saves bandwidth and allows for more frequent backups. Time Machine does neither.

Delta Blocking

This is a very powerful form of compression. When a file changes, only the new bits are compressed and stored. Time Machine copies the entire file over again. This is a big deal when you have large files that are changing (i.e. entourage mail database, VMware or Parallels disk images, video files, etc.)

Scheduling

You can schedule when Dr Logic Backup is allowed to do its work. Time Machine lacks scheduling.

Real Time

Dr Logic Backup can back up your changes every minute. Time Machine is once per hour.

Excludes

With Dr Logic Backup, you can say things like, "don't back up files ending in temp". Time Machine cannot.

Includes

Dr Logic Backup allows you to back up only the files and folders you select.

Backup Brains

Dr Logic Backup isn't fooled if nothing has really changed in a file, Time Machine will dutifully make another copy of the same file. Dr Logic Backup knows when you've moved the file or duplicated it, and stores it only once. Time Machine makes copies upon copies.

Data Integrity

Dr Logic Backup repeatedly verifies that your backup archive is in good and working order, even if there is no new data to back up. Time Machine assumes its all fine and good, only at time of restore can you realize the drive had bad data on it.

No Cables

Most of us use laptops these days. As I write this, my changes are quietly being compressed and backed up online. An extra cable is another reason to not be backed up.

Peace and quiet

Do you really want your backup device sitting next to you blinking and clicking while you work on the sofa?

Supports Tiger

We support 10.4 (and 10.5 of course). (We'd support 10.3 too if someone can get Java 1.5 working on it.)

Time Machine Advantages Over Dr Logic Backup

It's free with Leopard

You can't beat free. Unless of course, you need to buy a new USB drive to fit all your backup data. Then we might be less expensive.

Supported on OS Install Disk

It's very useful to be able to back up or restore on the OS install. Great feature.

Dead Simple to Get Started

Hats off to Apple for making it really easy.

Direct to Disk

Time Machine can back up directly to an attached drive.

Dr Logic Backup and Time Machine on the Same Mac

Time Machine & Dr Logic Backup will compliment each other well on your Mac. Just make sure you tell Time Machine to ignore the Dr Logic Backup.app file.

The reason for this exclusion is because as Dr Logic Backup appends new data to the backup archive, Time Machine will copy the entire archive to USB again, and again, and again. You'll be out of space in no time if you fail to exclude the archives.

Did We Miss Anything?

Please let us know at backup@drlogic.co.uk.