Backuping other computers to HD connected to iMac?

[Qwerty11]

I have a 3 tb external HD connected to my iMac. I would like to be able to backup my other macs & pcs to this HD. Is this possible and what is the best way to do it? Thanks so much.

 

[priitv8]

Would be as easy as having a TimeCapsule, if you installed OS X Server on it. Available in Mac App Store.
In my own experience, this setup is much more reliable, than having the USB drive connected to AirPort Extreme.

 

[opinio]

I have a 3 tb external HD connected to my iMac. I would like to be able to backup my other macs & pcs to this HD. Is this possible and what is the best way to do it? Thanks so much.

With respect to Time Machine as a backup:

You need to make sure the drive is mounted on the network connected (not local) Mac when you do the initial 'choice' of a drive in the Time Machine settings. Once it is chosen then the network connected Mac should mount and unmount the networked drive automatically.

CCC is similar.