App/best way to backup mac before going for service.

[spb3]

-iMac is going for screen replacement at BestBuy under ADH.
-What is the best way/app to back it up?
-Especially I want to be prepared if I will have to go through a complete replacement of the iMac. How can I be sure I will be able to restore?

thanks!

[GGJstudios]

Use Carbon Copy Cloner to make a bootable clone of your drive.

[spb3]

Hmm, $39.95 to purchase.
How is it different from Time Machine?

[simsaladimbamba]

Originally Posted by spb3

Hmm, $39.95 to purchase.
How is it different from Time Machine?

It is bootable thus requires one less step in case you need to restore.
The 30 day trial does also work without buying it, and if you want the free version, go to the Downloads page over at Bombich and download the last free version, which they still offer (3.4.7 or so).

[GGJstudios]

Originally Posted by spb3

Hmm, $39.95 to purchase.

You can use version 3.5.1 ($40) or 3.4.7 (free, and works well on OS X 10.6, 10.7 and 10.8).

[maflynn]

Originally Posted by spb3

Hmm, $39.95 to purchase.
How is it different from Time Machine?

Go with TM if you wish to embrace the ease of use. The restore is a bit slow however. CCC is the way to go however if you want clone the drive quickly and then restore the drive.

As noted the older versions are still floating around on the net, but realistically 40 dollars for a full fledged backup application isn't asking a lot.

[spb3]

Thanks for all responses! Very helpful.