How does time machine work?

[Sonicrobby]

Currently, I have my time capsule set up as an external hdd/NAS. Got a document folder, videos, music, etc. I know time machine is a backup, but how does it work filesystem-wise? If I go into my time capsule on a finder window, how will I see my backups? As a partition? Folder? Backup file? Will my other files on the time capsule remain intact? Can I still access/move/copy/cut/edit my files? Or does time capsule monopolize the device as a backup-only system?

 

[rocki]

Time machine idea is to backup your current system. I havent tried it with ipad but with mac is shows as mounted device. Basically it takes snapshot from you system and then later checks Is there modified files and backups those files. Not entire system again. Creates one file but you can see content. So dont use it as nas beause it is not! I bought some wd harddrive and use it as time machine. I created 3 partititions - first one is for time machine , second one is for nas. Movies, pictures etc and third one is fat32 for backing up pc for reformatting purposes. I suggest to same. Leave time machine as it is and second partitsion is for docs movies etc

Hope this clears your confusion.

Rocki

 

[Sonicrobby]

That helps, but so if i enable time machine to be on my time capsule, what will happen to my files already on there?

 

[rocki]

Hi,

When i used time machine as backup it created subfolders with contect of your mac to the destination drive. So i guess if your have files in root directory for example those files will be untouched because it dont format drive, just writes files there. Not 100 percent sure of course i cant try also because i dont have macbook anymore.
PS. I found link and hope it helps https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1195924?start=0&tstart=0

Rocki

 

[Sonicrobby]

Hi,

When i used time machine as backup it created subfolders with contect of your mac to the destination drive. So i guess if your have files in root directory for example those files will be untouched because it dont format drive, just writes files there. Not 100 percent sure of course i cant try also because i dont have macbook anymore.
PS. I found link and hope it helps https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1195924?start=0&tstart=0

Rocki

Ok yes, that answers it for me. Thanks for your help

 

[rocki]

You welcome