I had the opportunity to buy a very cheap version of the HP MediaSmart Server ($299 at eCost.com refurb 1TB model). Though I could have built my own server with parts, etc., and gone the way of Zmanda to go all geeky. However, I actually went simple. Go figure.

Due to the change in my economy I am selling off a lot of my other machines and equipment and decided to commission a good working backup machine and media server. If I am doing contract work or practicing my [fill in the blank web language] I want to make sure I have the media and backups ready. And I guess that a client would like to know his work in progress is safe from loss.

Though it is touted as a simple home user machine, I can still get geeky with it. Open it, upgrade it… develop with it, within reason. The problem I ran into was “What about backing up the Macs?” (PC guys, take a breath… Mac guys, please stop cheering… it’s embarrassing).

Before buying the machine I did some limited research on IF a Mac is allowed to join the gang… or stand outside looking on as if not being picked for the nerdy kick ball game. Further study revealed all signs point to “yes”. Welcome brother Macs!

So to make sure I don’t lose the reference… and IF someone else out there is reading this… I want to share the great job a few people did by posting their steps regarding backing up a pre-10.5 (SuperDuper) and 10.5+ Mac with Time Machine.

Great job guys!

For OSX 10.5+
Using Mac’s Time Machine with the HP MediaSmart Server EX470/475

For the older, more ornery Macs
Backup MAC – SuperDuper to MSS Tutorial