Backing up files and apps without Time Machine

[Parasitic]

So I was just wondering if it'd be at all possible for me to just "back up" my apps and documents by copying them directly onto an USB drive, seeing how that's the way to install them in the first place?

I don't mind having to "reinstall" those apps if my system goes down at all, since that's how I've always done it with Windows.

 

[aphex]

yes, you can just drag them to a USB drive to back them up. One caveat however, when you drag the apps the plist files don't go with it, so if you registered the software, or have specific preferences, they likely will be lost.

 

[Kmax82]

Pick up SuperDuper!, there's a free version and it does backups very well. Not to mention, I know that's how you've done it on Windows, but there's a better way..

 

[TheStu]

CarbonCopyCloner works as well and is also free.

 

[Pabster]

One nice thing with the Mac is that your "App" can easily be moved around and backed up, with the only caveat being your specific preferences as mentioned earlier.

SuperDuper is a great utility and well worth the few bucks if you want a full disk image that can be easily restored.