Best Practices for Scheduling Backups

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Tip:

If you can't find a convenient time to regularly back up your files, you can disable automatic backup of any plan in the Choose a Destination and Schedule sheet. Then you can run your backup manually at any time.

Best Practices for Scheduling Backups

Backing up your data is helpful only if you remember to do it regularly. Backup 3 can automatically back up your files on a regular schedule, so you won't have to remember to do it. When setting up a schedule for backing up your files, remember the following tips:

In order for your backup to take place, your computer must be turned on at the scheduled time.
If you are backing up to your iDisk, your computer must be connected to the Internet and be able to access your .Mac account.
If you are backing up to an external hard disk, that disk must be turned on and attached to your computer.
If you're backing up to a CD or DVD, you need to make sure a blank disc is in the drive, and you will need to be there if the backup requires multiple discs.
If you schedule a shutdown in the Energy Saver pane of System Preferences, make sure you allow enough time for your scheduled backup to complete.
Try to schedule backups at times when you won't be using your computer, such as your lunch hour or after you're done working for the day.
If you find that a backup is scheduled for an inconvenient time, simply edit the backup plan to run at a better time.