Backing Up a Macbook Air

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Level 1

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Backing Up a Macbook Air

Right now my Macbook Air is almost out of storage space. I have over 100 gig available on iCloud. I can't seem to be able to move over all my photos (10,000+). That's one problem. The other is this: I have an external hard drive also. If I back up all my photos on the external, can I then go ahead and delete the photos on my Mac? Or does the external drive just mirror the Mac, meaning if I back up the photos and delete them from the Mac, they'll disappear from the external drive, too? I'm lost. Any help is appreciated, thanks!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Dec 23, 2021 6:21 PM

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Answer 1

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BobTheFisherman

Level 10

81,679 points

Dec 23, 2021 6:24 PM in response to thozzman

iCloud does not provide computer backup or remote storage. An external drive can be used for backup but a copoy remains on your internal drive. You can move files to an external drive thereby freeing up space on your internal drive. You would then need another external drive on which to put your backups.

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Answer 2

Dec 23, 2021 7:59 PM in response to thozzman

iCloud provides file synchronization across logged in devices.

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Answer 3

thozzman Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 23, 2021 7:50 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

Thanks, Bob. Can you explain to me then exactly what purpose iCloud serves? I bought the optional space for $2.99 a month because I was running out of space. What goes on there then? Thanks!

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Backing Up a Macbook Air

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