Using Time Machine, or general backup question

Hello, I have a question about how Time Machine works and if I can use it in the way I'm thinking. I have gone through the process of formatting my computer, installing all Apple software updates, and configuring user preferences like view options, controls etc.

What I want to do is take a snapshot of this system as it is now, before I've installed any programs or anything, and I want to be able to revert to this state after a format easily. I do not want the backup to maintain any files, documents or programs or anything after this date.

Is Time Machine the right tool for this? Is there another Apple utility to achieve this? Thanks

 

Ok I'm looking at Carbon Copy Cloner. My system is setup like this: 250 gig hard drive with 3 partitions; a 64 gig partition (that I want to use as the backup/restore point) another Mac partition (don't care about backing up), and a 32 gig Windows XP partition (also don't care).

I want to use my external 500 gig usb 2.0 hard drive to store the backup. At the time I choose I want to be able to do a complete format of the 64 gig partition (not affecting the other partitions of course) and then restore from the backup image.

For the "target disk" in CCC should I just select the select the external hard drive? Or should I choose "New disk image..."

How will I go about restoring the image, since I plan on formatting the 64 gig partition, it won't have the system installed, will I use CCC on my other Mac partition to perform the restore? Thanks for the help ya'll

 

Ahhh so I start trying to backup the partition to a disk image CCC seems to be hanging at the "The image creation procedure has completed successfully." it says no Data copied or time elasped. What am I doing wrong, I guess I'll have to try again.

edit: I think the encrypt with password option was making it take longer (or hang)

 

Ok, what I sort of didn't like was the warning about files being overwritten that are on the same path, as the external drive has files already on it, but I think the paths are different so its ok. I'll try it both ways and see what works best later, I think I'll like the disc image better though to keep the external drive more tidy (single file instead of showing all files and folders) The other way sounds good too though, thanks a lot I think this will work good

Edit: I gotta say after using both Carbon Copy Cloner and SuperDuper! I found SuperDuper! to be far superior for my use, CCC seems to have a more cluttered and unappealing interface, while SuperDuper! was nice clean and simple. The banners CCC displays is kind of absurd, although CCC has a prettier website for what that is worth hahah