What is the real utility of this software? - gslusher
"What is the point of backing up slimmed applications?"
You should back up ALL your applications. Period. To do otherwise is to invite disaster. For example: an application is updated, you download and install the update, deleting the old version--and it doesn't work. Now, you're stuck, unless you have an archived copy of the older version (preferably the original installer or disk image file). You might be able to get the older version from the developer--but you might not or you may have to wait several days to months for a reply. Also, some applications can be downloaded only once or for a short time after you pay for them. After that, you'll have to pay to get a replacement.
One caveat: I wouldn't put applications on a regular backup list (e.g., Apple's Backup application). Instead, keep the installer or disk image file you downloaded or the original disk plus any updates that you know work. Store that somewhere OTHER THAN your main/internal hard drive. I put them on an external hard drive, then burn them to CDs/DVDs, for example.
BTW, Time Machine may not help. If you have to go back to an earlier version, you may also need to replace other files (e.g., in Application Support), which Time Machine doesn't know about. Instead, use the installer to un-install, then re-install, if possible.
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What is the real utility of this software? - gslusher
"What is the point of backing up slimmed applications?"You should back up ALL your applications. Period. To do otherwise is to invite disaster. For example: an application is updated, you download and install the update, deleting the old version--and it doesn't work. Now, you're stuck, unless you have an archived copy of the older version (preferably the original installer or disk image file). You might be able to get the older version from the developer--but you might not or you may have to wait several days to months for a reply. Also, some applications can be downloaded only once or for a short time after you pay for them. After that, you'll have to pay to get a replacement.
One caveat: I wouldn't put applications on a regular backup list (e.g., Apple's Backup application). Instead, keep the installer or disk image file you downloaded or the original disk plus any updates that you know work. Store that somewhere OTHER THAN your main/internal hard drive. I put them on an external hard drive, then burn them to CDs/DVDs, for example.
BTW, Time Machine may not help. If you have to go back to an earlier version, you may also need to replace other files (e.g., in Application Support), which Time Machine doesn't know about. Instead, use the installer to un-install, then re-install, if possible.
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Monday, December 03 2007 @ 09:16 PM PST