A simple way to backup your files to a NAS

[@ian_ong]

Thank you Jerry for the timely tips. Very helpful

[@peterwallace5680]

Thanks Jerry, very well explained and interesting. Do you use Chronosync alongside TimeMachine or instead of?

[@JerrySchulze]

One reason I made this video is that I have had failures or issues with every other backup software, including Time Machine. So, right now I am using Time Machine but definitely not relying on it as my only backup. Also, by using chronosync and moving flat files, I am able to use hyper backup on Synology to send those files to backblaze B2.

[@JoeGibbs]

How is this different or better than Time Machine?

[@Whigu]

They pay him and apple doesn't? That's probably biggest difference

[@JerrySchulze]

@@Whigu no.

[@christianlohmann8577]

On my Mac why not use native rsync ? Works also on my linux boxes. Then ZFS on the NAS for snapshots

[@JerrySchulze]

Yes that’s an option and basically what chronocync does but with a gui and scheduler.

[@mrmartywaring]

I need to set up a NAS at home. Once I set that up, I will use Chronosync

[@ludwi970]

Jerry, thanks for the video!! I'm looking for a way to backup my iCloud files. So I'm glad with your explanation, as I also have a Synology NAS. I have one remaining mystery: I have 2TB iCloud storage, so NOT als my files are on my Mac Mini (with 256SSD). MacOS 'manages' which iCloud files are downloaded on the Mac Mini. Do you know how that works with Chronosync? Will it download all those iCloud files to the Mac Mini first (and thus running out of storage), or will it just use the MacMini as a transferring station (handling the backup, but not downloading the whole heap in one time)? If you know what I mean...

[@JerrySchulze]

Yes, so when you choose the iCloud option it will download the needed files if changes were made and then if you look at the options underneath your left folders, you can tell it to evict those files after backing them up. This will remove the local copy from the Mac.

[@ludwi970]

@@JerrySchulze Great!! Thanks for your quick reply. And thanks for the tip. Had been looking for it for quite a while.... The last thing I'm still missing is an automated backup of my iPhone photos (including edits) to my synology. I don't use iCloud photos because I don't want everything synced (some computers are used by the family, and I don't want to mix up work photos), but even if I would, that will not be backed up, will it (because its not in the iCloud file structure)?

[@JerrySchulze]

Unfortunately, you would need to enable download full library in photos settings. I haven’t found another way to do it.

[@ludwi970]

@@JerrySchulze Good to know, thanks again!! Would be nice if Apple made a ‘download all your iCloud files and photo’s for personal backup’ option. Indeed it would be very wise not to ‘vendor-lock-in’ your photo memories & the backup of all your data to just 1 vendor (in this case Apple). I’m wondering that’s maybe already obliged in the European Union under the GDPR-Act (personal data portability) 🤔

[@ON3S3V3NTHR33]

Thanks!

[@remektekmedia6641]

Is ChronoSync better than Synology Drive Client? Why exactly? I want a robust backup for my iMac. And there is TimeMachine, of course.

[@JerrySchulze]

I don’t like the way it handles file deletions on the synology side. Also, I use iCloud Drive so I don't need another multi-device sync tool.

[@PeteDunes]

Anyone can make these videos.... just pick the most expensive items and you got yourself a top solution... ~yawn~... not helpful for all families struggling with the higher costs of living.