Questions regarding the use of time machine and its capabilities.

[AlexQQQ]

Hi-
Can I restore my mac to a previous set point (before I accidentally deleted application files and such) similar to safe mode restore in windows?

Related question: Can I use time-machine without having an external hard drive. As in I would like to use time-machine features on my notebook so i can restore when I accidentally delete files or freezes.

Can I use the time machine feature for just backing up data without the constant backup (just want to backup my computer once and maybe once a month).

Can I use a toshiba external hard drive hooked up to a cisco router and still use time machine wirelessly or do they all need to be apple products?

Some of the above questions are downright rudimentary I'm sure but please indulge me, as I am unsure of how to proceed. Thank you.

Alex

 

[BlueRevolution]

Hi-
Can I restore my mac to a previous set point (before I accidentally deleted application files and such) similar to safe mode restore in windows?

Yes and no. You can restore files manually, or you can reinstall the OS based on a particular Time Machine backup. Mac OS X doesn't have an analogue to Windows' System Restore.

Related question: Can I use time-machine without having an external hard drive. As in I would like to use time-machine features on my notebook so i can restore when I accidentally delete files or freezes.

No. That sorta defeats the purpose of having a backup. If you need a file, don't delete it. I have never once used Time Machine to restore a deleted file.

Can I use the time machine feature for just backing up data without the constant backup (just want to backup my computer once and maybe once a month).

Yes. I only turn on my Time Machine drive every few days to update my backup. It updates whenever the drive is connected.

Can I use a toshiba external hard drive hooked up to a cisco router and still use time machine wirelessly or do they all need to be apple products?

Yes you can.

 

[emptyCup]

Can I use the time machine feature for just backing up data without the constant backup (just want to backup my computer once and maybe once a month).

Yes. However, since you say you worry about accidentally deleting a file, are you really willing to go back a whole month? Unless you hardly use your computer that is not much of a backup. I like the hourly backups when I am working on an involved project. If you do not need that, think about daily backups.

 

[AlexQQQ]

Thank you for the replies.

Alex