Hi All,
I have a big question and would really appreciate your advice. I'm helping a relative in his 80s transition from a PC to a Mac, and so far, he’s really enjoying the experience.
Now we’re looking into how best to handle file backups. On his PC, he used Carbonite, but I’m not familiar with it and was wondering if it might be better to switch to a different solution. I thought of using iCloud, or perhaps a local backup to avoid ongoing subscription costs.
For local backups, I was considering two hardware options for his 24” iMac (2021/2023/2024):
At the moment, he doesn’t have a lot of data – mostly documents, music, and photos – and he’s planning to keep everything organized in the Mac’s Documents folder (including photos, which won’t be synced with the Photos app).
Would anyone here be kind enough to share advice or experience on:
I have a big question and would really appreciate your advice. I'm helping a relative in his 80s transition from a PC to a Mac, and so far, he’s really enjoying the experience.
Now we’re looking into how best to handle file backups. On his PC, he used Carbonite, but I’m not familiar with it and was wondering if it might be better to switch to a different solution. I thought of using iCloud, or perhaps a local backup to avoid ongoing subscription costs.
For local backups, I was considering two hardware options for his 24” iMac (2021/2023/2024):
- PULWTOP USB-C Hub Adapter for iMac – a neat base-style hub that looks great and integrates well with the iMac's design.
- Satechi USB-C Slim Dock for iMac with Tool-Free Enclosure for M.2 PCIe – a more premium option from a reputable brand, but it’s bulkier and pricier.
At the moment, he doesn’t have a lot of data – mostly documents, music, and photos – and he’s planning to keep everything organized in the Mac’s Documents folder (including photos, which won’t be synced with the Photos app).
Would anyone here be kind enough to share advice or experience on:
- Whether switching from Carbonite to iCloud or Time Machine is a good idea,
- Whether either of the above USB hubs is reliable for backup use,
- Or if there’s a better overall backup strategy for a low-data user who wants something simple and reliable?
