Want to switch over to OSX Tiger, questions (backup, encryption, etc.)

I've been using Windows for years, and I'm a fairly proficient Windows user. My first computer about 15 years ago was a Mac of some sort, but I don't remember it much and I'm sure things are completely changed by then, just as they are on windows

I'm planning on switching, and buying a power book or maybe an ibook or something (any advice?) once Tiger comes out. I'll probably wait four or five months before I get it.

Anyway, I'm still not 100% sure about the switch for a few reasons. I currently backup all my key files manually to one of two ftps that I have access to, but I'm not sure they are completely reliable, and I know that Finder doesn't support FTP uploads. So I have a question.

What would be the best way for me to backup my files to a remote location? Would a .mac membership work perfectly for what I need? Also, if I use Mail to read my emails (NOT from .mac, maybe from gmail or a business' mail server) can those be backed up easily (read: automatically) to my iDisk?

Another issue I have is security. I'd like to use that built in feature that I noticed on a friend's mac to "encrypt" all files automatically based on your login password. I'm not sure at all how that works, or what form of encryption it uses, but I like the idea of someone stealing my laptop *not* being able to access my files. My question is, however, will those files "backedup" to my iDisk (and CDs/DVDs occasionally) also be encrypted? And will I be able to "unencrypt" them if I loose my main laptop merely by setting up an account on a new laptop with the same username and password?

Those are my concerns for now, please help! The guys at the apple store I visited didn't know anything, but I'm sure someone here does

http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/filevault/

That's what I'm talking about in regards to encryption, by the way.

Besides the use of password protected Zip Archive you could also use an encrypted Disk image. The downside of this over using a Zip Archive is that it will only work on your Mac, although this itself does improve security . Both can be stored on a remote computer or a CD, in fact burning a Disk image to a CD/DVD is very easy to do.

A .Mac account could be handy for you but the membership might be a little costly. At least you'll be able to sync your files easily, and be as sure as you can be that they're safe up there! In Tiger I believe syncing support has been added to most of Apples programs, this should include Mail but I'm not 100% on that.

Secure FTP access would be a much better idea price wise but as you mentioned the Finder doesn't handle file uploads. This could change in Tiger: if not then you can always use the Unix ftp program or another Mac FTP program if you're not very comfortable with the command line .

I'm also waiting for Tiger to get my next Mac but I'm going for the Mac mini since I already have a portable (a 12" 1Ghz G4 iBook).

Choosing between the an iBook and a Powerbook can be a little tricky however I would go for the 15" Powerbook if you can afford it. If your looking at the 12" machines then there really isn't too much difference between the iBook and PowerBook IMO other than the price.

In the end it's up too you but I would read everything you can find about the machine your choosing before you buy .

Hope this helps,

Mark.

Thanks a lot for the advice. I'm still a bit confused about the various encryption methods though. For example, will the files 'automatically backed up' to my iDisk be encrypted? And, if so, lets say I loose my Power Book and get a new one. Just by using the same account password, will they automatically be unencrypted when I download them? Or will they be lost forever?

Also, I plan on getting the 15 inch Power Book at the moment, since it seems like a good middle ground (I want my laptop to be light/small, but not *too* small a screen). Is that a good choice?

Thanks for help about the encryption and all the advice. Like I said, haven't used a Mac in years, so really don't know much about them, but I'd like to learn. Do you think the switch is a good idea? Tiger seems *soo* much better than xp!

For the size of your Powerbook it all depends on your preferences. Personally, I kinda like the smaller 12".

I think your switch is a great idea. You may feel a little weird at first, but you'll fall in love with it within days.

12 inch because it's smaller/lighter? Is it worth having a smaller screen and perhaps worse specs?

Get a 15. They are nice and they have fair specs.

Something you must remember is that Ghz are different from PPC to x86. Things will run like a faster comp. Like my neighbors 1.5 powerbook runs like a 2.2 p4 when playing games like Doom 3 (if you are into the game stuff).

And Altivec is pretty pimp for speeding things up.

I agree, the 15" new Powerbook really is the notebook to buy! It's small enough to carry around with you easily and the extra screen real-estate really is worth it – speaking from a 12" perspective as I am, I would love the extra room to move around in.

Added to that it has nearly all the features of the 17" module, which is more of a Desktop replacement than a portable .

Anyway, I haven't used .Mac myself because I wouldn't really use it but I would gamble that .Mac will keep your files secure – especially if you encrypt them first . You should be able to retrieve the files from any Mac/PC as long as you have your .Mac account details so you shouldn't have to worry about that . Just in case you might be interested in:

http://www.macobserver.com/news/00/february/000202/shrinkwrap351.shtml

I would also get into Amazon or down to your local book shop and grab some Mac books. Particularly the Mac OS X Bible and * in a Nutshell.

You can also get a 60 day trial of .Mac from the Apple web site. They've been running this for a while so it should be around when you get your Mac .

Take care,

Mark.