Hi, Normally you only need to back up your data and settings, (the OS and applications can be reinstalled) if you have the installer CD's and serial numbers. Free utilities exist like, RSyncX and rdiff-backup but you need command line skills. Cheaper (and in some cases better) Synchronise Pro or SuperDuper. A full bootable backup can be made with the excellent and free "Carbon Copy Cloner" There are many many choices for backup software, but it is best to first decide what you NEED to backup and base your choices on this. Some software requires a "blank" volume to copy to. cheers, Bart Hanson. On 15/11/2006, at 1:16 PM, ibook- request at listserver.themacintoshguy.com wrote: > Okay, I finally broke down and bought a Simple Tech 160 GB external > drive. Until now, I've done all backups on CD's, but now I have the > room to backup my iBook, my TiBook and my iMac all on the same drive. > But, how to do it as they all run different systems. > > HELP! > Pat -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://listserver.themacintoshguy.com/pipermail/ibook/attachments/20061115/0e962eda/attachment.html