Use Time Machine Through the Terminal

In case you didn't know already, it's possible to force Time Machine to backup by right clicking on the application icon in the dock and selecting "Back Up Now". However, there is a simple Terminal command (mentioned at MacWorld.com) that can force the computer to do the same thing:

/System/Library/CoreServices/backupd.bundle/Contents/Resources/backupd-helper &

The "&" at the end of the command tells Terminal to do it in the Background.

This could be very handy if you want to be reminded to plug your laptop up to the backup HD by using an ical event with the following applescript:

display dialog ("You need to plug in your Time Machine Hard Drive." & return & return & "Do not click OK until it is plugged in.")

do shell script "/System/Library/CoreServices/backupd.bundle/Contents/Resources/backupd-helper &"


Once you set up the iCal event to run the applescript, you can be reminded to backup your computer at a time convenient to you.



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