2 simple questions from a Time-Machine noob

[samuelf92]

Hi guys

I'm an ex-PC user. I've got 2 simple questions regarding Time Machine (don't know anybody else who uses it):
1: If I want stuff from Time Machine, I don't have to go back in time and recover my whole Mac, right? I can always drag and drop files I'd like to have, individually?
2: Confirm this: Backing up with Time Machine is better than first transferring files to an ext. HDD before reinstalling OS X and everything else (like I had to do with my pc when it got slower because of apps etc?)

Thanks

 

[jav6454]

1. Yes, that was one selling point Of Time Machine in Leopard.

2. Oh yes.

 

[samuelf92]

quick reply! thanks! my god, how I've wasted my time so far...

 

[satcomer]

Think of Time Machine like a file backup that can reinstall (with an install disk on older OS X systems or the 10.7 & 10.8 recovery partitions) full re-installs. If you want a 'clone' in OS X (just use a MacUpdate clone list to find a program you want to use) to have a bootable external. OS X can boot from proper cloned externals.