Easy macOS and iOS Tips and Fixes
TLDR: Apple broke Time Machine backups on Tahoe machines using Synology NAS due to unexpected SMB settings changes. The issue was discovered after two months of silent failures. Possible fixes involve editing the nsmb.conf file on macOS and adjusting Synology SMB settings. The author plans to switch to a Docker-based Time Machine solution for better control and addresses other Apple-related frustrations.
Apple's Time Capsule, a blend of router and NAS launched in 2008, was discontinued in 2018 and will lose support with macOS 27's release. Many users need a replacement for its simplicity. Options include adding drives to a Mac, using a NAS compatible with Time Machine, or opting for third-party backup tools. While Time Capsule had its benefits, users now seek alternatives like SSDs or NAS devices for ease and reliability, though no direct successor exists.
https://sixcolors.com/post/2026/01/apple-is-burying-the-time-capsule-but-how-to-replace-it/
Photos Backup Anywhere: Backup and restore entire photo libraries to various storage locations (NAS, external drives). Supports all media types (videos, live photos) while preserving metadata (edits, albums). Seamless iCloud integration ensures automatic backups of new media. Restorations maintain all original metadata.
Arq® is backup software for Mac and Windows offering secure, controlled file backups with strong encryption. Users can back up to cloud accounts, external drives, or multiple destinations without vendor lock-in. Arq retains multiple file versions for easy recovery and protects against ransomware. It features efficient compression, unlimited backup, and customizable settings. With a 30-day free trial, Arq has a strong reputation, backed by positive customer reviews and excellent support. The company has been reliable since 2009, trusted by over 100,000 users.
Parachute Backup automatically syncs your iCloud Photos and Drive to your storage, ensuring data safety without subscriptions. It offers full iCloud backup, scheduling options, and support for various storage solutions. Backup modes include full, mirror, and smart incremental. Designed to keep disk space optimized, it retains originals and edited files without deleting from iCloud. Available for download on Mac App Store.
Bootable backups for Macs faced issues with macOS 15.2, but the recent 15.3 update fixed the replicator bug in SuperDuper. While bootable clones were once crucial, the rise of cloud storage and macOS's recovery features has diminished their necessity for many users. Current backup strategies, like using SuperDuper’s “Erase, then copy” or “Smart Update,” still serve backups effectively, but the need for rapid booting from a backup drive is less prevalent today. Users now rely on Recovery mode for issues, reducing the reliance on bootable clones, especially for those who aren't in high-pressure environments.
https://daringfireball.net/2025/02/bootable_mac_startup_drive_backups_and_another_ode_to_superduper