Carbon Copy Cloner 4.0
Bombich Software has released Carbon Copy Cloner 4.0, a major update to the popular backup utility that comes just in time for the imminent release of OS X 10.10 Yosemite. Sporting a redesigned interface and architecture, Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) adds many user-requested features, including a consolidated window that brings together task configuration and scheduled tasks, easier configuration of backup tasks, a menu bar application for quick access to task information, the capability to chain tasks together for more complex backup routines, and more control over when and how scheduled tasks run.
At this time, CCC 4 offers “provisional” support for Yosemite (as noted on this blog post), but a fully qualified update to CCC 4 will be released on or before Yosemite arrives in the App Store, with adjustments for a handful of cosmetic issues. Carbon Copy Cloner 4 now requires 10.8 Mountain Lion or later, but Bombich Software will continue to support 10.6 Snow Leopard and 10.7 Lion users with CCC 3.5.7 (for more on the move to CCC 4, see
this blog post). Carbon Copy Cloner 4 is priced at $39.99, and registered users of version 3.5 and later can upgrade at a 50 percent discount. If you purchased a CCC 3.5 license on or after 2 June 2014, you are eligible for a free upgrade. ($39.99 new, $19.99 upgrade from version 3.5.x, 11.0 MB, release notes, 10.8+)
Having never used a cloning utility, what are some of people's thoughts on whether I should by SuperDuper or Carbon Copy Cloner?
Good question. I've only used CCC and have not used SD, so I'd like to know as well.
Good question. I have only used SD and have not used CCC, so I would like to know as well.
Maybe a TidBITS comparison of disk cloning utilities would be useful.
Joe Kissell talks about both in "Take Control of Backing Up Your Mac," but for most uses, they're essentially comparable. Carbon Copy Cloner can create a bootable duplicate over a network, which SuperDuper can't. Without having gone into a deep look, I'd say that CCC is probably has a few more options, but whether most people would ever need those options is a real question.
I've never used SD, but have been using CCC for many years, long before it ever became a commercial app, at which time I would have laid down my $40.00 without thinking twice had I been asked. It has never failed me, has been regularly updated. It just works, and has saved my bacon numerous times. Why would I even look at anything else? I have TechTool Pro 7 but haven't even thought about exploring their backup/clone feature. TTP 7 upgrade was a waste of money, but I will be getting the CCC upgrade, and I don't doubt it'll be worth the price.
Have to completely agree that TTP 7 was a waste of money, can't even create a rescue disk on my Mac Pro.
CCC on the other hand "just works", and has saved me hours when a drive failed (as compared to having to re-install the OS and restore from a TM backup).
Might be just my setup, but my registered version of SD takes 18 seconds before I can start a backup. I think it's because I keep several flash drives always connected, but whatever the reason, CCC takes less than 1 second to start and be ready. Otherwise, I haven't found a particular reason to use one over the other, and used to use SD exclusively. Now I use CCC exclusively, even though I still maintain my registered SD.