Mac HD - External HD - Time Machine (?)

[SuperNova4239]

Hi,

I have successfully transferred 150GB's of data to an External HD in order to have more available space on the Mac HD. I also have 125GB's of Time Machine Backed Up data on this External HD. However, what confuses me is why there is also another direct copy of 125GB's of Back Ups on the Mac HD yet still. Doesn't the concept of a Back Up require another device (i.e. External HD) to duplicate & transfer the contents from the original (Mac HD)?

1. If the Macbook is already Backed Up on the External HD, why does it still contain a Back Up within itself? (Taking 125GB's of space unnecessarily)

2. How can I delete the Back Up on the Mac HD? or should I not?

Would appreciate any help.

 

[MacForScience]

If you are using OS 10.7 or 10.8 Apple implemented a local time machine backup. The idea behind it was to provide a way to recover deleted files no matter where you are.

To disable local backups.

If I recall correctly, then disabling local snapshots will purge the local snapshot files as well.


Cheers

 

[Weaselboy]

2. How can I delete the Back Up on the Mac HD? or should I not?

Would appreciate any help.

Just turn Time Machine off then back on and you should see that space go back down to zero. I would not disable local backups as it can be useful. Just ignore it as OS X manages the space and will shrink it down once the disk used space hits 80% and you need the storage.

 

[SuperNova4239]

If you are using OS 10.7 or 10.8 Apple implemented a local time machine backup. The idea behind it was to provide a way to recover deleted files no matter where you are.

To disable local backups.

If I recall correctly, then disabling local snapshots will purge the local snapshot files as well.

Cheers

Interesting. So all the files I have ever deleted are still contained within local back up? Hence why there is 125GB's of data still available?

Just turn Time Machine off then back on and you should see that space go back down to zero. I would not disable local backups as it can be useful. Just ignore it as OS X manages the space and will shrink it down once the disk used space hits 80% and you need the storage.

I see. I turned off Time Machine & restarted the computer but the space is still occupied by Backups. What is the purpose of local back ups exactly and do I need it if I am backed up externally?

 

[SuperNova4239]

Update:

Did some research and ended up disabling local TM since the feature doesn't benefit me as much as potentially others. The terminal command worked flawlessly with zero KB's of local backups left. Thanks guys.

 

[Weaselboy]

I see. I turned off Time Machine & restarted the computer but the space is still occupied by Backups. What is the purpose of local back ups exactly and do I need it if I am backed up externally?

The idea is it backs up versions of your file when you are away from your TM disk. So if for example you mess up and delete an important document, you could restore it from the local backup even though you were away from home and did not have your TM disk with you. It can be valuable.