How to save files externally?

[kristinkittyko]

Hi--here I am again.

So with Word-type documents, it's easy to save a copy on a disc, drive, or cloud. But everything I'm doing with Captivate is on my Mac. I was just thinking--I will be working on my master's final project for months. That's a lot of work! What in the world would I do if my computer broke down? So I'm wondering--how does one save a Captivate project--with all the programming intact--somewhere beyond the computer it's being worked on so that it can be accessed if that computer becomes unavailable? I realize that if that happens, I assume I'd need to purchase Captivate again for another computer if it couldn't be fixed. It's not that I'm anticipating anything to happen, but I don't want to lose everything if it should. I think I'd rip out all my hair and go on a hunger strike, lol. Thanks for any ideas.

[RodWard · Accepted solution]

A captivate CPTX file is a self-contained Zip archive renamed as a CPTX. 

All you need to do is back up your CPTX projects to a network location or backup drive external to your computer.  However, never work on those same CPTX files located anywhere other than on your computer hard drive.  The backups are just projecting you in case of disaster.

[kristinkittyko]

I'm not sure what a network location is, but I think by "back up external drive" you mean something that is connected via USB and I drag the files over to save them there, correct? If so, I will run out today and pick up one for Mac. Thanks!

[Lilybiri]

Do you not have a backup work flow? After working on a CPTX or a CPVC file you can copy the files wherever you want: on another drive, on an external device, in the cloud. Only when working on the files, they need to be on your system.

[kristinkittyko]

I'm not familiar with the term "backup work flow," so I'm guessing I'm not doing that...it appears as though it's a simple matter of getting an external storage device and putting the files on that, from what you and Rod have said. Do you know what type of cloud storage will accept Captivate files? Sorry--I am not particularly experienced when it comes to computer-related issues. Thanks for your help.

[kristinkittyko]

Oh--and by "copy files," I assume I simply drag the folder with my project to the external drive? Or is there something else I'd need to do to be able to access them in case of loss of my computer?

[Lilybiri]

All cloud storage accepts cptx files, you can use Drop box, One Drive, .... whatever you want.

Backup work flow means that you store regularly new data on another drive than the HDD, which can be a server, an external drive (to be connected mostly with USB, but other ports are possible) or in the cloud. There ae specific applications to do this automatically for you, even Windows has it on board.

[BDuckWorks]

As a Mac user you have access to 5GB storage on Apple's iCloud service for free!

Here are four options to consider, but step 1 may be all you need for now.

1) If you're anywhere near an Apple store, you can check with them about an appointment to see how to setup the iCloud drive, you can manually copy files to your storage there and be done!

There is some self-support guidance on the "Backing up your Mac Hard Drive" page.

Also, see the "Archive or make copies of your iCloud data" page.

2) If you're thinking of purchasing an external hard drive, you can use that for backup and enable Time Machine to backup the documents folder automatically.

3) Apple has a User Groups page that will help you find a local group. Most groups have websites and Q&A sessions, you could start by finding a local group, checking their website for details of past presentations, and looking for a recording of 'backup' as a topic. But, the local group will have meetings where you will have a chance to ask questions in person, and possibly, see how this is done!

4) If you're a keen reader with a 'do-it-yourself' spirit, a good, very detailed, guide is available for purchase via 'TidBits' as "Backing up your Mac​." There is a free sample available. (Warning, this level of detail may get overwhelming as you're just starting.)

[kristinkittyko]

Thanks, everyone! I wish I could select all answers as the correct answer because you've all been so helpful.

Yesterday I bought an external drive and saved my project on that.

Then I saw the other great responses and saved it to Google Drive; and just now I visited iCloud.com and saved it there, too, for fun.

I plan to check out the links, too. Thanks, BDuckWorks!

I can't believe I've gone so long without backing up my Captivate stuff...I had tried to back up files from a totally different (not Adobe) product once before (it was a music program). I tried to open them on another computer that had the same program, but it didn't work. I just assumed you can't back up anything other than Word-type documents or photos. Yes, I'm living in a previous century, apparently.

Thanks again, everyone!

[BDuckWorks]

Your experience with the music files wasn't uncommon that long ago. 5 - 10 years ago, most applications had trouble opening previous version files from their own applications without a converter. Also, Mac and Windows versions of the same application had different file formats and had to be converted.

Those days aren't completely gone, you may still find issues, but for the most part files can be backed up to external media, stored on an internet drive / cloud / server, and restored to a new computer with some assurance they can be accessed later.

A good place to start is to backup your documents folder; but for this to work -> you must be saving your files to the documents folder.

In the event of a lost computer, or failed hard drive, this would allow you to replace a computer, install replacement software, and restore your files and be back to work in a day.

[kristinkittyko]

I'll have to look into this. I think you mean simply dragging the Documents folder to the drive? But I have my current project saved on my desktop, so perhaps I should change that. So are you saying, then, that the only way to really be sure that everything is safe is to keep everything in the documents folder (like, not desktop) and back up the document folder? Thanks for your response, by the way!

[BDuckWorks]

Not exactly, I just meant it's a simple way to get started with a backup.

Since you say you're in the habit of saving to your desktop, you should start with a backup of your user folder, as this will include files saved to your desktop.

It's good that you copied your files, I don't mean to discourage you.

Also, for a backup to be effective - you should automate it. Either through Time Machine (built in to the Mac) or Carbon Copy Cloner (From the Mac Application store), so that it just happens.

If you just copy file to an external drive, you have created ONE backup, on that day, but each day you work that backup becomes less 'up-to-date' than the files you moved. So, you're on the hook to copy your files again. Then you have to look and see what was copied, what wasn't; what has been updated, what hasn't. etc.

When you get it automated, ALL the files get copied once, then only the files you create or that have changed get copied each day.

This is more efficient, as it saves you from looking for changed files.