SOLO68  This is a great app. The developer is quick to respond to support requests. OS X Leopard 10.5.8 Intel Mac.  
(Version 2.6.2)

PAUL.SEIFER  This morning my OS hard drive died. It seemed to be running fine until a restart. After a couple troubleshooting techniques failed, I decided to try booting with my OS back up [made with SuperDuper]. The start up went fine and I was then able to use two different disc utilities to confirm the worst case: drive failure [well, it’s better than logic board failure…].

I purchased and installed a replacement drive; booted from my OS clone; formatted the new drive; launched SuperDuper and copied the data onto it. I rebooted on completion and was up and running. [NOTE: Selecting "Restart from..." under 'On successful completion' in the General Options pane allows you to walk away and return to the newly copied OS up and running]. The entire process would theoretically have taken less than an hour if I had a spare [internal] drive handy. How's that for minimizing downtime?

Look, THINGS HAPPEN & HARDWARE FAILS; often without warning. MY ADVICE: GET SUPERDUPER, A PORTABLE HARD DRIVE [I prefer OWC's Mercury On-The-Go 2.5" drives], AND GIVE YOURSELF A SAFETY NET FOR A RAINY DAY. If you rely on your Mac for important endeavors, it makes no sense not to have a [current] bootable OS clone. All app updates are free and the support is superb as well. SuperDuper is well worth the $27.95 price tag, especially when you consider the value of your time.  
(Version 2.6.2)

DR. GIRLFRIEND  SuperDuper is the most reliable, consistently updated and easiest to configure backup solution on any platform (imho). I started using it in Tiger and found it indispensable. To this day, I still use it in Snow Leopard and it hasn't failed me once.

I have a MacPro and run multiple O/S versions on several different internal harddrives. I use SuperDuper to clone these drives and keep them up to date. SD works beautifully every single time -- right down to the last file opened and read in my email or the last song rated in iTunes. When Snow Leopard came out, I upgraded right away, knowing that SuperDuper had my back (and my backup of Leopard!) safe on another drive. I did the same during the Tiger/Leopard upgrade and can't tell you how freeing and wonderful it was to be able to go back to the older, more stable O/S with all of my apps and settings intact, while the bugs were being worked out on the new one.

I've given up using TimeMachine and other backup schemes in favor of scheduled SuperDuper backups and my life has never been easier. When one of my internal HDDs died a while ago, I just switched to my SuperDuper clone and kept right on working. I only lost less than an hour of work (the time between my scheduled backups) rather than the contents of an entire harddrive. How cool is that?

Like 1Password, I now can't live without it and only wish it was available for other operating systems. 5 unqualified gold stars!  
(Version 2.6.2)

DONMONTALVO  This is really good stuff. CCC is great too (I didn't hesitate to donate to Mike Bombich so he keeps updating it). But I keep finding myself coming back to SuperDuper!

Don Montalvo  
(Version 2.6.2)

ITTY  The best keeps getting better. I first bought this while waiting for Retrospect to get ''fixed''. Since then, I've dumped Retrospect (after using it and it's progenitors for over 20 years) and now use SuperDuper along with Toast (and it's disk spanning ability) to effectively replace Retrospect altogether.

Runs great under Snow Leopard, and I especially like the new Backup on Connect feature.

But most importantly, unlike Retrospect, SuperDuper is very stable, reliable and consistent.  
(Version 2.6.2)

RRNOWELL  I have been using SuperDuper! for a while now and appreciate the support I have received and the promptness of updates.I wish I could give a more specific review, but for me it just works and ultimately that is what I want as a user.  
(Version 2.6.2)

RONL  This is worth repeating...

For many years I had used Retrospect.

But then metadata was not being properly duped and after having to actually use a backup because of a major problem... modification and creation dates, etc. were listed as the day I had to do the backup. I am talking about thousands of files and folders that I could no longer search via dates!

So when it came time to upgrade Retrospect I started searched for other backup software that would be more reliable.

I came across this URL comparing various backup software (if you do not read the entire article, since it is very detailed, at least read the conclusion... "The only laudable exception is the great SuperDuper application, which performs flawlessly.")

http://blog.plasticsfuture.org/2006/04/23/mac-backup-software-harmful/

Using SuperDuper! has been great and the price is incredible.

The only 'advantage' that I had 'enjoyed' with Retrospect was its rather simple way of coping only specific folders/files by checking boxes... but that was not nearly enough to continue using it and losing so much of important meta data which was necessary for searches, etc. AND SuperDuper! can do something similar though it takes a couple more steps.

I highly recommend it... and their tech support actually gets back to you very quickly when you have a question (unlike Dantz).  
(Version 2.6.2)

SHK747  just perfect as ever !  
(Version 2.6.2)

KOMTOM  This software is a "must have"!!! Wonderful...  
(Version 2.6.2)

ORION MK. V  2.6.2 upgrade continues to be a "super duper" app. Never had an issue with SD for backing up as well as making fully bootable backups and this version is no different.  
(Version 2.6.2)

JUNIPER  I have Mac OS X Snow Leopard and version SD 2.6.2 corrupted my applications' icons, including App folder's own icon. It shows all blank, no icon at all. I switched back to the previous version of SD and relaunched Finder to fix it.

On a side note, the SD icon in the .dmg had corrupted or no icon image at all.  
(Version 2.6.2)

SNOWWHITESICKETTE  SuperDuper! is a gem. I use it on all of my Macs that run Mac OS X. I've tried other backup applications, and SuperDuper! is the best I've used. It's easy, faster than the others, and best of all, free! The developer has links to download older versions of SD for those Mac users that haven't upgraded their OS as long ago as 10.2. (I appreciate that, as a Tiger and Leopard user.)

SD is so easy to use. Hook up the backup drive, open SD, show it where you want it to backup, select backup type and other options (if you have bought a license), and tell it to go. The second time is even easier, as SD remembers where you backed up to the last time. For example, three of my Macs share one external FireWire drive, along with media backups and other data. I have six partitions on that drive, including one apiece for the Macs. SuperDuper! remembers which partition belongs to which Mac every time. Very nice, and saves me from accidentally backing up to the wrong partition. (Not that I'd ever do THAT.)

I bought a license after backing up once with the free version. I wanted to use the feature allowing SD to remember what it's already backed up. That saves a lot of time compared to backing up the entire drive each time it's backed up. The license is not needed to make a full, bootable backup of a Mac. That's a great service to our community, and makes it worthwhile to buy the license without the extra features.

The developer may be the best there is in terms of support. I've never needed any, but have read the SD forum, and noticed how thoroughly and quickly he replies to questions. Sometimes a question is answered in three minutes. Can't beat that!

SuperDuper! is very stabile, and every backup I've made has booted perfectly. I like that I can see and access every file of the backup if I need to. Some backup utilities make large, mysterious files that can't be viewed through the Finder. I don't trust a backup if I can't see what's inside. SD has given me the freedom to take risks with my Macs I'd have been reluctant to try without it. I've successfully installed unsupported software (like iLife 06 on a G3 iMac) because I know if there's a problem, I can restore from my backup.

Every so often, I zero out my internal drive and reinstall the OS. (Archive-install takes up far too much room on a smaller internal hard drive, IMO.) SuperDuper! is superb with this, as my backup can be used with Migration Assistant, or just to drag something over manually. I can make a new backup of the clean OS on a different partition or drive, and keep the old backup for archival purposes. (I always burn photos and other important files to disk. NOTHING is better to archive important files than keeping multiple, burned CDs and DVDs of anything that can't be replaced. SuperDuper! and Time Machine are not substitutes for having precious files burned to disk, kept in a safe place.)

All in all, SuperDuper! is great. Anyone looking for an easy, reliable way to make a backup that can be booted should give it a try.  
(Version 2.6.1)

DANIEL PAGE  I have had two years of flawless and easy backups with this software. I am right in the middle of a problem backing up my drive. I am extremely impressed by how attentive the developer is. I have recieved no less than 5 emails in the past hour (first email occured less than 20 minutes after my initial request). This is what makes great software - flawless performance for two years, and when something is awry (and with my system, not with the software) in less than 20 minutes it is being worked on! I have to give credit where credit is due,  
(Version 2.6.1)

RKAMPER  I am a bit disappointed seeing that SuperDuper 2.6.1 doesn't preserve the compression introduced in Snow Leopard. My "clone" was 3.6 GB larger than the source disk! Will wait for a solution to this problem.  
(Version 2.6.1)

LARRYMCJ  I've been in the software development and marketing business for many years, and I've seen more than my share of software developers who don't really care about anything except the next sale...next upgrade, or next best way they can find to not have to bother answering customer questions or providing decent support.

I'm happy to say that Dave & Co. at Shirt Pocket Software are not cut from that cloth. They care about their product, their customers, and they strive to ensure customer satisfaction. Over the years I've only had to ask them a few questions, but Dave has **ALWAYS** been super-responsive via email and has never failed to answer my questions. I have even sent an email late at night, thinking it would be answered the next day...wrong! It's still answered within an hour or two at the latest.

I know there are free products out there that might do a decent job of backing up your precious content, but I feel ever so much more confident that my data is secure and easily restorable with SuperDuper! Thanks, Dave!  
(Version 2.6.1)

SHK747  the best as ever, thanks dave & co !  
(Version 2.6.1)

RONL  The best!

For many years I had used Retrospect (even though Dantz 'tech support' was non-existent... other than via forums).

But then metadata was not being properly duped and after having to actually use a backup because of a major problem... 'little things' NOT like modification and creation dates, etc. were listed as the day I had to do the backup. I am talking about thousands of files and folders that I could no longer search via dates!

So when it came time to upgrade Retrospect I started comparing my options (i.e. looking for other backup software).

I came across this URL comparing various backup software (if you do not read the entire article, since it is very detailed, at least read the conclusion... "The only laudable exception is the great SuperDuper application, which performs flawlessly.")

http://blog.plasticsfuture.org/2006/04/23/mac-backup-software-harmful/

Using SuperDuper! has been great and I highly recommend it (especially at this price).

The only 'advantage' that I had 'enjoyed' with Retrospect was its rather simple way of coping only specific folders/files by checking boxes... but that was not nearly enough to continue using it and losing so much of important meta data which was necessary for searches, etc. AND SuperDuper! can do something similar though it takes a couple more steps.

I highly recommend it... and their tech support actually gets back to you very quickly when you have a question.  
(Version 2.6.1)

ERIC  I recommend this to all my Mac friends .... they are always grateful. With a western digital 320 gig backup drive (smallest you can get now) ... and SuperDuper ... I never worry about my data anymore.

MY son's laptop drive crashed ... he was studying for an exam at school and needed the internet, programs etc. I ran over with my backup drive with a cloned bootable version of my laptop ... plugged it into his ports and he was up and running. His drive was toast but everything else worked. I couldn't believe it ...

Thank you SuperDuper ...!!  
(Version 2.6)

YALSKEY  SuperDuper is my primary method for backing up over 20 hard drives totally over 15TB in data. I've been using SuperDuper since 2005 and it has saved me from complete data loss about 5 or 6 times. It is hands-down the best backup program I've ever used, and believe me, I've used just about every one of them (search for the perfect one). True, I still use Time Machine with my Time Capsule, but that's for daily / hourly backups. I use SuperDuper for Monthly (sometimes weekly) backups of EVERYTHING... and in a bootable form. I've actually run my iMac for about a week on a external SuperDuper hard drive backup, with NO internal drive in my system.

Not only is it drop-dead simple to use, but if there is ever a problem / question, tech support gets back to you in HOURS (and sometimes MINUTES) with a personalized and friendly email... NOT the standard: "Your request has been received" and 2 days later you get a cut & paste of a paragraph in the owner's manual that doesn't really answer your question at all... I hate when that happens.

BOTTOM LINE: This is what all backup software (especially for the Mac) strives to be. Just plain AWESOME... and SO WORTH EVERY PENNY!  
(Version 2.5)

POIKKEUS  As any work with the working demo indicates, SuperDuper! is extremely intuitive and easy to use - much more so than other products I've worked with, freeware and paid.

The speed depends on the type of backup and specific needs. Working from scratch, or using the software as freeware, you can expect a full backup in a little over two hours. Once you've paid for the application, however, you have access to incremental backup and a core of complementary options. Instead of two hours, incremental backup does the job in just under 15 minutes.

This time is competitive, and SuperDuper! times the transaction for you - nice touch.

SuperDuper! slowed for a few minutes when it had a conflict with scrapbook working at the same time - the only stability issue I noticed. Otherwise, the software works unobtrusively. I don't plan to use the scheduling option, but that feature looks like it would take the guesswork out of doing regular backups.   
(Version 2.5)

DAVID ARTHURS  I'm pretty sure that SOLARIS works for Smart Backup.  
(Version 2.5)

ANDREW SCOTT  I don’t think I’ve touched SuperDuper! since Time Machine was released. Time Machine saved my bacon when our old PowerBook died unexpectedly and it’s great to have however I’ve realised it’s not good to rely on just one backup mechanism. I’ve just re-started using SuperDuper! alongside Time Machine and what a pleasure it is to use. It’s been a reliable safety net in the past and I’m glad to be using it again.  
(Version 2.5)

FHF  SuperDuper! just saved my bacon. After finally deciding to get a little more modern OS, today I spent hours upgrading my G4 PowerBook from 10.4.11 to 10.5.6. After doing the install and then all the updates I finally got ready to use my PB. Opened Safari, realized that it was v.3.2 instead of the v.4 beta I had been using prior to the update. Went to the Apple website, tried to download the v.4 beta. No go. Would not download. Hm, that's strange. Ok, let's try Mail. All right, all my mailboxes are there, but where are the messages? All. Gone. I can see that there are lots of messages in User>Library>Mail>Mailboxes, but damned if Mail can see any of them. 'Rebuild' a mailbox. Nada.

Searched for 'Leopard...upgrade...lost...mailbox', found a few other people who had had the same problem, but no solutions. Crap.

Screw this. A new flashy OS is not worth this kind of headache.

Restarted from my SuperDuper! backup volume, told it to 'restore' and in about ten minutes I was back where I had started this morning. Whew! That's gotta be the best $28 I've spent in a long time.   
(Version 2.5)

AV  Excellent. Does what it says it will do. Ive been using it for what seems like years for near daily smart update backups (bootable) and i fully trust it (touch wood!). It always worked the few times ive needed to recover a file or boot from the clone to fix something on the main hard drive. Very Highly recommended.  
(Version 2.5)

VAGABUNDO  I have been using SuperDuper! for almost two years now on a weekly basis. I could not say it is the best in its class for I haven’t tried its competitors. But I don’t need to. SD has so far performed flawlessly...not a single crash on me. Now, that’s stability.   
(Version 2.5)

SHK747  SD! the best way to clone, backup etc. my hdd & ssd, but maybe only for persons that know what to do ...  
(Version 2.5)

SOLARIS  Junk software. SD made 3 successful backups and then broke down. Can't perform any new backup, because it stucks during copying and/or crashes. Can't even send report, because sending also crashes the program.

I paid but I don't know for what. Unreliable, unstable software. Try something better.  
(Version 2.5)

MISSINGPERSONS  Incredibly responsive support. This is the kind of support that others should strive to emulate. Thank you!  
(Version 2.5)

MONOCLAST  Last time I used SD, I found it has reformatted all my non-SD cron entries with tab characters between each time element, which made editing on the command line a pain because tabs take up so much more space than spaces! I notified the developer and he said he'd look into it.

Does anyone know if SuperDuper still reformats cron job entries that have nothing to do with SuperDuper?   
(Version 2.5)

MAYALISA  I am planning to upgrade to Leopard on my Macbook, but was afraid of losing my existing data. Super Duper is really super duper! It is user-friendly and does what it says it's supposed to do. I ams o glad I found it. Thanks so much to the developers.   
(Version 2.5)

JOI  This is the BEST program to backup your computer to an external drive. It makes a MIRROR copy of your drive which is bootable onto an external drive, and it does so with ease!

I have been using computers for years and when I was on the IBM platform it was impossible to backup my stuff. The programs were either too complex, or the backup images, and files would be no good if you need to reinstall them. It was horrible.

With SuperDuper! I can finally back up my computer!!! This program is the BEST money you will EVER spend. Get a copy...  
(Version 2.5)

BOBP63  SuperDuper is simply the best bootable backup Mac software available for the personal user to date.

The latest Leopard update used in combination with Time Machine affords the end user with unparalleled data redundancy. I personally use a combination of two partitioned external drives to create what affords me full confidence in the security of my data.

SuperDuper and Time Machine are perfect complements for each other; both are fine products in their own right but together they're an unbeatable combination.   
(Version 2.5)

GARY30  I must be missing something: I am not trying to start a controversy here in asking why SuperDuper seems to get so many more "warm fuzzies" than does Carbon Copy Cloner. As near as I can tell, they both have the same features, just implemented a little differently. For me, the procedure for setting up file exclusions seems much simpler on CCC.

Neither of these apps perform incremental backups (which is fine--that is not what they are intended for). I think they are both fairly priced (I donated to Bombich so long ago I can't remember, but I think it was 20 or 30 bucks). Both developers are wonderful.

Maybe its just publicity. I started with CCC way back when so I am going to stick, but if I had started with SuperDuper I imagine I would stick with it. Or maybe there is a preference or option in SuperDuper I am missing that would make me say, "Aha!"  
(Version 2.5)

WOLFEATSWORLD  Best program of its kind-period.

Everything always does what it says it will do-and you don't have to worry about any feature of this fine application.

Also of note: One of the few developers out there for the Mac that is not a greedy %$#@$$!

Buy it. Enjoy it-and best of all, for me, relax.  
(Version 2.5)

•JACK•  Great program. Dead easy to use and understand. And if you even have any questions or problems, the staff at Shirt Pocket are always quick with their helpful reply to your email.

Five stars!  
(Version 2.5)

SOB  This is one of the few programs I recommend to every person I know and have talked about on the radio.

Truly "must-have" software with always top quality updates. Congratulations, Dave. Excellent work.  
(Version 2.5)

WHICH BUTTON IS THE ANY KEY?  SuperDuper! is way cooler than toasters, providing my Mac with Mercedes-Benz security at Ford price range.  
(Version 2.5)

DARYLF2  Another superb and stable update. This is probably my most important Mac utility, and its incredibly reassuring to have it working under Leopard. Kudos to Dave Nanian for taking the time to do it right.

I had a SuperDuper! 2.5 Smart Update failure yesterday (which ended up being because of corrupt files on my system from an failed .Mac sync several months ago), and despite the incredibly busy day Dave was probably having on the first day of the SuperDuper! 2.5 release, he responded quickly with accurate and helpful advice which helped me fix my problem. The SuperDuper! 2.5 Smart Update then worked perfectly. This level of support is rare and deserves to be congratulated. Thanks!!  
(Version 2.5)

LEV  Oops. Forgot to rate it... four stars for features because... because... damn. There *was* something but I forgot. Still, there's always room for more features, right?  
(Version 2.5)

LEV  Even without the new Leopard compatibility, this is a good upgrade with a number of well-implemented and useful improvements. Leopard compatibility has indeed taken a while, but that's not least because of the meticulous high standards of the developer, Mr Nanian, who has been frank and open about the problems on his blog. His attitude (very different to the more "corporate" developers, who basically keep users in the dark) makes it much easier to have confidence in his product. SuperDuper has never let me down and has saved my bacon on a few occasions. SD and Time Machine make a powerful and easy backup strategy; it's as simple to do it as not to do it, which, for an admin schlub like me, is crucial.

As to the previous poster: saying "it doesn't work" is a bit sweeping. "It doesn't work for me" would be more to the point. The number of satisfied users would suggest, perhaps, that the problem may be in his system or his setup. An email to Mr Nanian might be more productive than denouncing his software here.  
(Version 2.5)

TRAY STEEL  This is the last of the apps I use to be made Leopard proof and it was worth the wait. I now use Time Machine to backup my data partitions and SuperDuper! to make a clone of my OS X partition after booting into a USB flash drive. Have been using CCC but much prefer SuperDuper!

Tested and all works fine for me. Kudos to the developer for all his hard work and a free upgrade too!  
(Version 2.5)

GRYPHONENT  Been waiting for months for this update... and I'm sorry to say that it doesn't work. SuperDuper! 2.5 takes hours to repair permissions (a job done by DiskUtility in minutes) and then fails each time I try to copy my hard drive to an external LaCie and WesternDigital drive. As a registered user I'm disappointed that the app is still not working. Cannot recommend and will stick to Carbon Copy Cloner for the time being. It's free and works.  
(Version 2.5)

MD07  This is an extremely reliable piece of software.

The developers are easily accessible, and while I agree that it took a while for the Leopard version to be released, I know they were working on it as fast as humanly possible.

The most important thing on your computer is your data, and for free (or for a VERY low fee) you can make sure that you don't lose it. Time Machine is okay, but SuperDuper! is far superior. Don't wait for a disaster to strike, start using SuperDuper! now.  
(Version 2.5)

DAVE BURBANK  SuperDuper continues to be the very best, most reliable way to backup a Mac OS X System. While a fully Leopard compatible version took some time, the folks at Shirt Pocket worked hard to be absolutely sure they got it right and dealt with all the nuances of 10.5. Thanks for keeping your users apprised on your blog.

Time Machine has its place but on my system it will never replace SuperDuper.

The 2.5 version appears rock-solid.  
(Version 2.5)

BUMBLEB  I'm very glad to see this update. However, I'd like to know what happens when Time Machine starts filling up the volume? I know SuperDuper always needed some spare room available to work.

So, how will the two fight for the empty space left on the drive? And what happens hen the drive is full?  
(Version 2.5)

PATOCHE  Yessss ! me happy again...

I just did a smart update with SD of a clone I did with CCC, waiting for SuperDuper and restarted from it...you guess what ? No problem as usually...

Thanks a lot, worth the wait.

Patrick  
(Version 2.5)

TEKL  > Can store a bootable backup side-by-side

> with a Time Machine backup on a single volume

Does SuperDuper use HardLinks to files Time Machine already has stored or does it just not delete the Time Machine folder?   
(Version 2.5)

PIQUADRAT  One of the best copy programs for OS X. Now that I am able to use it in Leopard, I will (and I can) forget all the other tries to copy a partition fast and sure...  
(Version 2.5)

SHK747  WORLDS BEST is back ...

dave, thank you soo much !  
(Version 2.5)

VIKING_THE  Download site at http://www.shirt-pocket.com/downloads/SuperDuper%21.dmg has been Off-The-Air for at least a week. Safari is unable to reach the server.  
(Version 2.1.4)

JAMACAL  Wouldn't a Leopard compatible version of this great program make a lovely Christmas present ;-)  
(Version 2.1.4)

KOMTOM  This program is the best backup utility available. And we are desperately waiting fpr Leopard compatibility!!  
(Version 2.1.4)

PAULNOJUSTPAUL  Awesome app that does exactly what it claims to and with no hassle at all.

Just used this last night to clone my gaming G4 (Mac OS X 10.4 & Mac OS 9 dual boot) to a bigger disk and it went perfectly.  
(Version 2.1.4)

PATOCHE  What about Léopard compatibility ? I miss my clones hardly ;-)  
(Version 2.1.4)

STUWD  Use Crashplan and SuperDuper together and your data will be bullet-proof!

I am paperlight and use my mac for just about everything. I never submit reviews but I have just done one for Crashplan and Superduper because they've totally saved the day.

My macbook hard drive died without warning a few weeks ago but I lost nothing - not even the documents I was working on that afternoon! I was up and running again minutes later thanks to this easy routine:

1) I make weekly bootable images with SuperDuper onto an external firewire drive. It doesn't take long as SuperDuper only looks for differences in the images. The most recent was four days before the drive died.

2) Crashplan watches for any changes in my Home folder and uploads these to my windows computer and Crashplan Central - I think it does this every 15 minutes. This is invisible - I'm not even aware of it happening but I can always bring up Crashplan and check.

So... when my hard drive died all I had to do was:

a) Boot up from the external firewire drive made in SuperDuper;

b) Tell Crashplan to download anything new or changed from the last four days until present.

c) Work off the external hard drive while I figure out what the hell happened to my macbook's internal drive!

It turns out that my drive did indeed die from mechanical failure. Disk Warrior (another good app to look into) couldn't save it.

I'm only giving SuperDuper 4/5 for features as I still have to buy a copy of Crashplan for this particular bullett-proof technique.

There's over a decade of photos, med school studies and financial information kept safely inside file vault on this thing. Needless to say I was quite pleased with my backup plan! I didn't even break a sweat.  
(Version 2.1.4)

NICMART  My first experience with SuperDuper! was with 2.1.4, and I'm afraid it didn't match the many positive reviews. I wanted to "erase and copy" about 550 GB from a two-drive 1 TB 0 RAID to a 1 TB single drive. This copy method is quite slow, taking more than 10 hours, so I let it work overnight. During the transfer of the 54,000 files, SuperDuper found one it didn't like after copying about 40,000 and I woke up to an error message. Rather than stopping the entire operation, SD! should be able to skip problem files and allow the user to decide later what to do with them. After some contacts with tech support, I resolved to delete the problem file and continue to copy. It finished fine. BUT! When the copying finished my 1 TB target drive reported a capacity of just 429 GB, and I had only 22 GB free. Half of my new drive's capacity has become invisible. Tech support has no explanation, but it would appear that SD! may have a problem copying from a striped RAID. But why, since, according to the publisher, it merely copies files? I've never had a problem copying from the same RAID before using other copy utilities (e.g., Deja Vu), even to a target RAID. Tech support was quick and cordial, but without solutions.  
(Version 2.1.4)

NOWAY  Awesome app. the way to go. The "free" version of the shareware is actually quite impressive. But the smart update is worth the money if your backup gets pretty big. The app works great with OS X 10.4.10 and is very stable. One thing that I loved about this app compared to others is that it tells you everything before it does it so that you know what's going on.

Plus there's a awesome user guide that let you know all the possibilities of the program and the support email is answered within 1 hour in my case... (on a sunday afternoon)

A must have app in my book...  
(Version 2.1.4)

BILL CLINTON  First of all, I believe that this is a very good backup program. But here is some constructive criticism, some things which bother me a lot. Mostly my complaints are about the scheduling (I haven't used any of the stored scripts yet, but see below.)

Let's say you want to examine your backup schedule, so you click on Schedule.... The program doesn't actually open the schedule window itself, directly, but rather drops down a sheet asking you to actually set up a new schedule. Very confusing the first few times, and annoying thereafter.

Second complaint about schedules. Once a backup has been scheduled, there is _no_way_ to examine its parameters. Say, you want to see if you have specified that permissions should be repaired--sorry, can't do that. Let's say you want to see what scripts are being used, or if there are shell scripts that you have specified to run before and/or after--again, you're out of luck. Your only option is to delete the entire backup scheme and build a new one from scratch. But let's say, you have been backing up to a disk image. Once you delete the backup schedule, the program forgets that it ever saw that disk image. I think that you have to mount the disk image and then select it from the list of disks--very unintuitive.

What I'm saying is that the program has a fundamental flaw(s) in its interface and that the developer seriously needs to consider a do-over. There needs to be a _clear_way_ to set up multiple backup schemes (as he so correctly recommends doing) and associated with each backup scheme a set of one or more schedules. The schedules should be editable separately and without upsetting the backup scheme. Try doing this--back up daily to a partitioned volume without repairing permissions, back up every other week on weeks 1 and 3 to a disk image and repair permissions, and back up every other week on weeks 2 and 4 and repair permissions. If you can figure that out you are a SuperDuper! master, but your blood pressure will be higher. A woe to you if you want to change one of those backups to include a script or change permission repair.

Sorry for the rant but I only do this if I think a product is worth the effort, and SuperDuper! certainly is that.

On other notes, I was annoyed with the backup turning up results when I did Spotlight searches--since it is a clone of my main disk, I would get double hits for everything. The developer sent me (some time back) a shell script to fix this. There were other problems with backing up certain obscure files, so I got a script from the developer called "No Hotfiles Backup - All Files." I have no idea what this does but it works.

And the developer is about the most responsive I have seen when responding to e-mails.  
(Version 2.1.4)

MAC ADAM  Need Update:

•Leopard Ready (Privileges)

•Progress Bar not Work on Large File Copy

•Some copy to ImageDisk made "error, not enought space left"

Thank for tour Great/Nice Soft  
(Version 2.1.4)

GAMMO  Excllent. I have to run two platforms (PeeCee and Mac) and find that this software is the easiest and most effective on either.

I do full disk back-ups and want each to be bootable. The only way I can do this on the "dark" side (PeeCee) is with a program that restarts the computer and does a complete clone of the HD.

SD not only does its incremental back-ups effectively, but it does it quickly.

Top stuff - small price!  
(Version 2.1.4)

MAC ADAM  I love this App too :)

But I so sad is not a freeware :(

please,

Fix the Permissions Copy in Leopard

Fix the Disk Format Destination when Erase

Allow .dmg to .dmg

Error When I Erase and Copy, SomeTime Disk unMount a Fraction of Time and SuperDuper do not Find it to Copy (maybe)

fast & nice App !  
(Version 2.1.4)

LUKE1322  I love this program!

One (small) issue though...after a successful backup, the program will not quit. It doesn't freeze up, it just seems to require a force quit to get out of it. The backup definitely proceeds successfully though. Not a big deal but thought it was worth mentioning to make sure there isn't some stability issue lurking. Running 10.4.9 on a powerbook G4.

Again, this program is awesome.  
(Version 2.1.4)

NJRONBO  I have been a long-time PC user that recently switched over to Mac.

One of the first things I sought out for my new computer was a reliable backup software. After a lot of online and print research there seemed to be a lot of fanfare for SuperDuper. In fact, MacWorld rated it very highly as one of the best choices in backing up Mac.

One of the things that first surprised me about SuperDuper was its overall ease of use. When you start the software, you are actually walked through the backup process step-by-step. Every task choice comes complete with an explanation of what the software is going to do. Even a complete novice would have no difficulty performing their first backup.

Something happened along the way in using this software that made me feel compelled to write this review...

I had some problems recently backing up my Mac to my external drives. Once the software completed the backup, I was presented with a LOG FILE that I simply submitted to Shirt Pocket support.

Within an hour, Dave from Shirt Pocket was emailing me, willing to assist. You see, any time there is a problem the LOG FILE records that problem which Shirt Pocket then examines.

There must have been a dozen emails that were exchanged between Dave and I. Dave was more than happy to help me run diagnostics as well as answer numerous questions I had about his company's software. When all was said and done, it was finally determined that the problems were related to my external backup hard drive running out of storage space.

I am very impressed with the amount of personal attention that Dave gave me. It is one of those rare times that I felt that my software investment was rewarded with reliable customer support.

I would not hesitate to recommend this software for anyone looking for the best method of backing up their Mac.  
(Version 2.1.4)

RIDOGI  This is *the* disk cloning app. A few years ago it surpassed CCC and it just keeps getting better. Under the hood it's the only one that copies everything such as meta data and ACLs correctly. It's got a beautiful interface that explains exactly what you're doing so it's idiot proof. I would like the ability to choose to exclude certain files instead of just all files or all user files (for backing up purposes). The smart update and copy different options are great -- they make this function as a backup app as well as a cloning app. I have this set on a schedule to do a smart update every day to back up my hard drive.  
(Version 2.1.4)

TOMEM  One of the best pieces of software ever! Put me over the hump of doing a full automated backup daily, because it is just so easy and foolproof.

And it finds corrupted files that Disk Utility can't find.

THE solution to backup onto external hard drives...   
(Version 2.1.4)

ASTROBRUCE  good, quick support. had a problem with several corrupt files inside iPhoto. SD provides a smooth way to send logs through to support, and the help people responded quickly and effectively. now my bootable back-up is, well, back up. thanks  
(Version 2.1.4)

MACSTERDAM  I need to quote this as I totally agree: "

My biggest comment is "unbridled support anytime I need it. Always very professional and courteous."

Outstanding software that just works, and works great too.   
(Version 2.1.4)

NPJVETTE  My biggest comment is "unbridled support anytime I need it." Always very professional and courteous.

More software developers should try to clone SUPERDUPER's style.

I do have a little problem with the Manual, but I blame that on my limited abilities for understanding the workings of "computerese".

Great program and it already saved my a-S once. I wouldn't be with out it. I trust it to do its job every nite.  
(Version 2.1.4)

PENNYHEAD1  To make a long story short, I manually would back up thousands of files almost everyday: over 20,000 for websites alone, preferences, software etc... SuperDuper! did it for me. After reading the reviews I tried it. Worked like a charm. Once you clone your computer for the first time and purchase the software, you can do a "Smart" update which only migrates updated files. I tested the Smart Update by changing a few .jpg files and everything worked out fine. I have had a few computer crashes where I wished I had something like this. Only problem was that a few times the clone would not mount quick enough and the software could not find it. I highly recommend this for anyone who manages thousands of files and for people who just want a piece of mind that their information is protected from a disk failure.  
(Version 2.1.4)

ORION MK. V  Sleep during copy... YEAH!!!!  
(Version 2.1.4)

RON HAMELIN  This is perhaps the most practical and user-friendly program that I've ever run--EVER! And the online support staff respond with useful help within hours. I highly recommend this program.   
(Version 2.1.3)

CLINTO  The recommended use of SuperDuper! is to create bootable clones of your Mac's hard drive on an external FireWire drive. If you use SuperCuper! for this purpose, it is excellent. I tried several other back-up utilities for the Mac, and was disappointed with all of them - awkward user interface or lack of features or too slow or unreliable, etc.

I finally tried SuperDuper! and I'm kicking myself for not trying it earlier. It has exactly what I need: very easy to use; creates a bootable clone on an external drive; does incremental back-ups; supports scheduling; and it's priced very reasonably.

This is the first software I"ve ever used that has inspired me to write a review. My experience with SuperDuper! thus far has been 100% positive.  
(Version 2.1.3)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  I've used this in the demo mode a few times in the past few months, only to clone my MacBook's HD to my FWHD. It has always worked, fast and with no issues whatsoever, creates a bootable clone that I can depend on. I like using this software.

I finally broke down today and coughed up the cash for this software. It is straightforward, easy to use and it works. I gave it only four stars in the 'features' category because something can/should always be added. What that might be I am presently at a loss to say.  
(Version 2.1.3)

CUBITUS  This is a great software, don't mind that last review. The docmentation is crystal clear, the program performs perfectly, with a precise interface. I used to not really understand what to do for backups, but with SuperDuper I feel safe for the first time in a long while. I tried to boot from the clone and it worked perfectly. Everything was there as expected.

D.  
(Version 2.1.3)

DRAD  I've had nothing but problems and disappointment with this software. It is all hype from my experience. It creates frequent errors -- when you try to restore or mount it's often corrupted; or it won't complete the back up.

Documentation is not very straightforward (it must be written for people that know programming all the codewords for OS X because they make alot of assumptions about what people already know. Therefore the terminology and explanations in the user guide and the online discussions are confusing and fuzzy -- lots of gaps. Not user friendly for novices that just want a straightforward easy, dependable back up system).

And this is the slowest backup I have ever seen. 2MB/s is considered acceptable? that is total crap.

AVOID unless you have a gazillion hours to wait for something to be backed up or if don't care if it's undependable and full of write/read errors.

All hype, no substance.  
(Version 2.1.3)

RON HAMELIN  This software is fantastic. I never thought backing up and restoring could be so easy. Highly recommended.   
(Version 2.1.3)

E_COMMERCE  Overall excellent software. Makes perfect copies, maintaining all volume information including metadata, file attributes, icons, ACL's, etc. Smart updating (usually known as incremental backups) works well. Excellent for quick one-click whole-drive backups of a main hard drive,

However, it still has some weak areas. Because it is very firmly based on a whole drive backup, it is relatively difficult to tell it to back up only a single folder (such as a home directory). Even if you do, it will still scan the entire disk, which makes it VERY slow for such backups.

Specifying custom backup sets is also a tad difficult, and the interface is very rudimentary. It feels like grep - lots of power, but pretty ugly and best avoided by most users.

Fairly weak handling of multiple backup sets. While you can schedule several backup scripts to run at a given time, if something goes wrong (source or destination is not available, for instance because it isn't connected), then it obviously fails. What is annoying about this is that there is no simple way to tell it to "run all" or "run those that failed" - you have to open each one indvidually and run it, babysitting it the whole way through.

Finally, SuperDuper exposes too much of the implementation to the user. The user shouldn't be dealing with opening script files and backup set files; SuperDuper should be managing that and just presenting a list (as does every other program). Utilities don't generally have "documents"., and users don't associate creating and opening documents with backing up their hard drives.

So, for the simple case of backing up a single drive to a single backup drive, dead simple and effective. For more complex cases it works and is very complete and thorough, but much more cumbersome than it needs to be.  
(Version 2.1.3)

MACUPDATE ADMIN  I just now gave this software a try on a 900 MHz G3 iBook running OS X 10.4.8, copied an external Firewire HD to the iBook's internal HD. It took 57 minutes flat to copy 25 GB at a reported speed of 6.93 MB/sec.

This is faster than others that I have used, such as CCC and Clone X. Best of all you can use it for free, without its bells and whistles which must be paid for, fair enough, my needs don't require them. This is now my default cloner software.  
(Version 2.1.3)

STEVE4656  I can see from the reviews that this software is well-liked. So, as a CarbonCopyCloner user I thought I would give SuperDuper a try to compare it. While CCC makes a clone in less than an hour to copy my system to an external hard drive, SuperDuper took over 3 and half hours.

It may work, be stable, be easy to use etc and therefore get high marks using this grading system, but it is very slooooooooow.  
(Version 2.1.3)

KOMANDER  DO NOT USE THIS SOFTWARE FOR BACKUPS

I was in the middle of a backup and my mac crashed.

Because SuperDuper was halfway through the backup it left my Users home folder in the backup destination TOTALLY EMPTY!!!

Also because of the crash my computer's hard drive bit the dust.

SO EVEN THOUGH I WAS BACKING UP EVERY DAY, I HAVE LOST ALL MY DATA!!!!!

I do not blame SuperDuper for the crash (it was caused by something else).

I blame SuperDuper for being so STUPID as to DELETE everything in the destination before it starts to copy new files. (Even though I was using the "Smart Update" setting).

Obviously I will not use this software any more for any type of backup...  
(Version 2.1.3)

DRKILMER  I recently switched to Super Duper after having used Carbon Copy Cloner for quite a while. I find Super Duper to be very easy to use and it seems to do a great job for me on the 4 computers I tend to at my home. The only disappointment I have with it is that I am now unable to schedule automatic backups. Yes, I know it supposedly can be done by scheduling the computer to come on, through Energy Saver, but that does not LOG you on, and you must be logged on for it to work. I am not willing to leave my account logged on indefinitely. With CCC I was able to schedule these back ups and they worked without my having to be logged on. Oh well ... I can do manual backups I suppose.  
(Version 2.1.3)

MRBLAH  SuperDuper has never ever worked for me. If there's any problem with any file whatsoever, the entire backup fails without any option to continue or skip that file. Unfortunately, a backup is most critical when a drive is just beginning to malfunction, which means this software is useless when it's most needed. I've emailed the author, and he says it's this way by design because he believes giving users an option to skip a bad file would be too confusing.

So unless you are positive that every single file on your system is in pristine condition--and you'll never have any desire to do a backup if your drive starts to act up--you may want to save yourself some time and aggravation and try other software.  
(Version 2.1.3)

RONL  Just purchased SD a few days ago. EXCELLENT tech support! Thanks Dave for the firewire/USB external drive info!  
(Version 2.1.3)

SIDETRACKED  Couldn't be easier, faster. more reliable. Perfect bootable back-ups every time, with no fuss, and lots of warnings to prevent accidental mistakes. No the cheapest cloner. But for my money the best.  
(Version 2.1.3)

NEURALGIA  I have repaired permissions multiple times but even running under root login this program freezes out when it encounters files with permissions issues it says it cannot copy.  
(Version 2.1.2)

TEZLA  Awsome!

For the ease of use: 5 stars for full copies, and 1 star if you need to setup filters.

A feature that is not there, but that I would request is backup over SFTP/SSH. Backup over AFP is insecure, and if you are doing full disk duplication you are likely backup confidential data.  
(Version 2.1.2)

MACGRUDER  SuperDuper! is the only 'non-expert' application that makes an exact duplicate including all the meta-data. So unless you are prepared to do some heavy duty lifting in the command line or pay a lot more SuperDuper is your best bet.

They're very friendly too, and the software just does its job. A must have.  
(Version 2.1.1)

SHK747  best programm out there ....

does exactly what i want and need.

thanks to the developer !

best regards

sascha, vienna  
(Version 2.1.1)

TEKL  Is it possible to archive deleted files with Super Duper or does it only offer creating an exact copy. In the demo there is no localization. Is the full version localized to german or is that planned?  
(Version 2.1.1)

BOB_WEINER  For my money, SuperDuper 2.1 is hands-down the BEST Mac back-up program on the market, bar none. Version 2 adds a nice feature to schedule your back-ups - mine are set to occur every evening. To quote the Ronco infommercial: "Set it and Forget it!" My questions to the developer have been answered promptly, courteously, and correctly - usually less than 20 minutes after I've sent an e-mail. Now that's service!  
(Version 2.1)

BADGERB.  I used SuperDuper 2.1 once to backup/clone my harddisk to a diskimage on an external harddisk, but it will be the last time I tried. Backup took 3 hours that I couldn't use productive, and after I returned, it turned out that SuperDuper successfully performed its operation (as indicated in the log by the lines

"Evaluated 457618 items occupying 66.29 GB (75089 directories, 377223 files, 5306 symlinks)

| 05:08:11 PM | Info | Copied 532543 items totaling 65.88 GB (75065 directories, 377112 files, 80366 symlinks)

| 05:08:11 PM | Info | Cloned 65.88 GB of data in 7496 seconds at an effective transfer rate of 9.00 MB/s"

), but then it encountered a minor error (it wasn't able to convert the resulting image to a read-only image), and so it subsequently deleted the whole backup. The log didn't even mention it, just this error apeared:

"| 05:20:16 PM | Error | hdiutil: convert failed - Auf dem Gerät ist kein Platz verfügbar (no space left on device)"

This is an outrage. A software that takes away so many hours should be programmed safe enough to not commit suicide and take its data with it. Furthermore, it looks like this app will need double the space on my already big main harddisc for the external backup harddisc (which is why the error was raised), and it needs this huge space just to perform one minor conversion at the end. I will move back to CCC now, which is awkward, but at least it fulfills its duty.  
(Version 2.1)

SJJ_PUBLIC  SuperDuper is fantastic and well worth the shareware fee. It would be even better, though, if it had the option to archive files that are removed/updated, perhaps even on a different volume than the backup is going to, with options for how much to archive, removing older stuff that is beyond the limit. Anyway, the advent of a universal binary version is a good thing. I don't have an Intel Mac yet, but expect to be getting one sometime this year. SuperDuper was one of the missing links and now that is resolved. Yeah!  
(Version 2.1)

SJK  In response to some of Anonymous's recent Carbon Copy Cloner vs. SuperDuper! comments:

As a "geeky" (and non-anonymous) ex-CCC user I find it hard to imagine anyone who's *seriously* evaluated SD! not to consider it the superior product, with excellent and responsive pre/post-sales support.

SD! is arguably "just (as) plain simple" to use as CCC. Plus it's thoroughly documented.

SD! is generally more resource-friendly than CCC. Run and compare their activity on freshly-booted systems. It's very likely CCC (actually ditto) will have trigged dynamic_pager to create at least one additional swapfile in /var/vm. And SD's UI is more interactively responsive -- you can move its main window and quickly open (and move) its log window while it's running. Try doing that with CCC.

I've used SD!'s Smart Update feature for over a year and it's been 100% reliable. It's a basic unidirectional source-to-destination synchronization, not a trickier two-way sync that might be less trustworthy. And I wouldn't trust CCC's psync to be as accurate or reliable as Smart Update.

Just SD!'s responsive and knowledgeable support is enough for me to recommend it to less technical and novice users. And I personally appreciate that, too, rather than wondering if I'd be "stuck" waiting and hoping for help on CCC's support forum if it ever failed in ways I couldn't resolve on my own.

For me, SD!'s strengths are greater, and its weaknesses less, than CCC's. YMMV.  
(Version 2.0.1)

DAVE129  SuperDuper! ist simply the best Backup-Applikation i know. I get always the smallest images, very important to be happy with NetRestore and/or NetBoot. And, when I want a SECURE backup-solution, I apologize SuperDuper!

It would be nice if some more backup-specific features would be includet, like archiving old / deleted files.  
(Version 2.0.1)

HAROLD ROETH,  As a long-time and well-satisfied user of SuperDuper, I have been waiting for the schedule option and it is here and easy to use as is the rest of this great program. Highly recommended!  
(Version 2.0)

DARYLF2  I'm really pleased with this (FREE for owners of version 1.x) upgrade! SuperDuper is still extremely easy to use, and the new scheduling feature is working wonderfully. I find it clones faster than Carbon Copy Cloner (also an excellent product), but to be even more reliable (CCC would sometimes fail cloning to a Firewire drive, but SuperDuper has never failed me). In the year or so I've been using SuperDuper, it has been 100% reliable (I use it to clone 4-5 volumes, ranging in size from 80GB to 225GB, weekly). I mainly use its "smart update" copy/clone feature, and this has always worked perfectly for me.  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  "How does this compare to Carbon Copy Cloner? Good question.

First, notice in the press release they invoke the term "carbon copy". That tells you something right there. They are quite aware of the free competition.

As for what they both do, exact clones are done from either, but CCC is just plain simple to use.

My opinion of trusting any application to sync is that I would never trust one to do it cacurately time after time, so I never use that feature. I prefer minimalistic features in my backup software.  
(Version 2.0)

PEDRO SCHAEFFER  WOW!!!! They did it again! This new version is a big stepup from the previous, which, BTW, was already SUPERDUPER.

Congratulations guys!

Now we know what's going on while backing up.

A very elegant solution.  
(Version 2.0)

BRIAN KENDIG  How's this compare to CarbonCopyCloner?  
(Version 2.0)

JEEPEE  Wow, this new version is a real beauty!  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  3.x words: It's SUPER DUPER!  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  Apparently, someone has jumped the gun slightly - It will be available from around 10am ET today.  
(Version 2.0)

A NONY MOUSE  It seems like it isn't really out yet...  
(Version 2.0)

ANONYMOUS  Download still points to vs 1.5.5(74)???  
(Version 2.0)

KEN HOYLE  I have used this product for years and recently it stopped working.

I contacted support, and the developer Dave was back to me within 1 hour!

He then constantly conversed with me with suggestions for a week but I was unable to fix the problem.

The problem was fixed by purchase of a replacement external Firewire HD

which had passed all the tests thrown at it with TechTool, DiskWarrior etc

but then started stalled during Disk Repair.

I cannot speak highly enough of the support for this product

It is by far the best back up utility especially the "Smart" feature which completely backs up my 40 Gig HD in 12 minutes!

A must utility for all Mac users !

DocOn Mac

Australia  
(Version 1.5.5(74))

SABOR  Don't believe the hype, this ain't all that and a bag of chips. I am not saying there are better alternatives out there, but this sure is not a be all solution for all your backup needs. It will ignore rules that are set and just try and backup stuff that is predetermined (maybe because I have my user folder on another partition?). Don't know what the deal is, but quite frankly I am not gonna spend time trying to figure it out.  
(Version 1.5.5(74))

ANONYMOUS  I have tried ALL the competition (i.e. CCCloner, Retrospect, etc.) and let me tell you that SuperDuper is ONLY what I use for backing up to my FW drive. This software is stable, does what it says it does, is at a great price-point. The icing on the cake is the fast and spot-on support from the developer himself.

Can't ask for much more! Thanks!  
(Version 1.5.5(74))

RIX UNTIDT  SuperDuper - Great!!

This program does exactly what it sais it does.Runs under Tiger - no problems. Great value for money.

Thanks a lot!  
(Version 1.5.5(74))

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA  I find it easier to use iCal to schedule incremental backups, you can set an alarm to launch the AppleScript provided and then set the alarm to repeat every day.

Just a tip for those of us who don't know how to run Cron on Unix (I think I got that tip from these reviews, apologies if I'm repeating).

Great app, I use it to clone our Design Studio file server (every two hours smart update). It leaves us only 2 hours behind if the Server fails, much better than rebuilding from backup tape (which we also run daily for backup and archive).

Thanks.  
(Version 1.5.5(74))

A NONY MOUSE  I agree with previous posters. Quite worth the money. Absolutely reliable. Has never let me down a single time. And it's fast - thanks to Smart Update. Only feature I'm missing is some scheduling function. But that's not really important. SuperDuper! is the best cloning app out there. Heavily recommended.  
(Version 1.5.5(74))

IKARI  I've never been able to get a stable clone using this app. Using in conjunction with xpostfacto to install 10.3.4 on an old mac and then back it up. Back-up works but then when trying to start-up off the backup version it crashes on startup. Checking the disk with disk utilities say that keys are out of order, and this can't be fixed. The original drive is in perfect condtition with no errors and perfect permissions. However i always have problems with the copied version.  
(Version 1.5.5(74))

ANONYMOUS  I just emailed the developer with a question and received a response in less than 15minutes. It is about 8:30 in the evening. Wow! Talk about response time...and he informatively answered my question!

He's definitely got a pocket-protector in his Shirt Pocket. Thanks Dave.  
(Version 1.5.5(74))

SJK  After using CCC successfully for a couple years I switched to SuperSuper! for several reasons, like its data/metadata copying integrity, Smart Update capability, and responsive GUI while cloning. Support is friendly, humble, and excellent. While not "perfect" or as featureful as some other backup apps (but only at version 1.x), it's the current gold standard which all other OS X cloning utilities can be compared with, IMO. About the only thing I don't care for is the exclamation point appended to its name. :-) More seriously, there's room for improvement in the interface for writing Copy Scripts and maybe adding some built-in support for managing disk/sparse images. Those are two reasons I rate Features and Ease of Use only four-stars, but I still consider this is a generously priced (don't pirate it!) five-star utility.  
(Version 1.5.4(73))

ROBERT MCCULLOUGH  I was a satisfied CCC user. Now I use SuperDuper!, which IMHO, is the best $20 investment I have made in years. SuperDuper! has run error free of my 31 GB OS X 10.3.7 B&W G4/600MHz System, with 2 internal 160/8GB Seagate Baracuda PATA's connected via a SIIG ATA133 PCI card.

SuperDuper! provides a Bootable (all files) Full Backup in 42 minutes and lives in a 60GB partition. The Secure Safety Clone (users & applications) takes 13 minutes to create and lives in a 15GB partition. These times include Repair Permissions before running the SuperDuper! scripts. Smart Updates are < than 8 mintues to the Safety Clone & Full Backup partitions. In addition, SuperDuper!, which writes all files in a sequential manner, eliminates the need for ever De-Fragging my HD's again. It is wonderful to have a system that is always "Snappy", just like after a Clean Install.

Thank You SuperDuper! I am now prepared for any new OS X update that does not work right, using the Secure Clone partition approach. Roll back is only 90 seconds away, plus 13 mintues to create a fresh Secure Clone. Life is wonderful again, thanks to SuperDuper! The support from Dave Nanian is also 1st Class. Try the Registered version of SuperDuper! You won't be disappointed! .   
(Version 1.5.4(73))

DAVE NANIAN  "Anonymous" -- please get in touch with support! There must be something unusual about your machine that's causing these problems, and we'd like to help you get a handle on what that is.

We do not modify the source drive in any way, so I don't think we could possibly have corrupted your preferences... but if you'll get in touch at support -at- shirt-pocket -dot- com, we'll help you out!  
(Version 1.5.4(73))

ANONYMOUS  i guess i'm stupid because i ran it again, i wrote the review below, but i backed up everything manually and ran it again, this time it corrupted default folder x preferences. whenever i try to open the corrupted file i get a KERNAL PANIC. explain that.

all these corrupt files are on my original hd, not the clone  
(Version 1.5.4(73))

ANONYMOUS  corrupted my itunes library, which then decided to rearrange my whole library so now i have to manually redo it. corrupted my thunderbird preferences so i have to rebuild my 13 email accounts and hope that i don't lose the email.

have no idea yet what else is corrupt, meh

i am an advanced user, and i NEVER have any problems like this with ANYTHING, i can't believe the reviews here are all so good.  
(Version 1.5.4(73))

ANONYMOUS  No doubt this is a great product. Unfortunately, I need a dedicated drive (or at least a large enough partition) to do a complete bootable backup. I just don't have a dedicated external drive for this. I dislike the fact that it takes twice the space to do an ASR image but I know there is nothing the developer can do about it. Even CCC has the same cons.  
(Version 1.5.3(72))

OLDPOCKET  Outstanding product; and the support unparalleled.

The developer could not have been more helpful, short of leaning over this senior's shoulder and clicking the mouse where required. A few clicks produced a bootable clone perfect to the last fingernail. In fact, it appeared snappier than the original, possibly due to the defragmentation by transfer to another drive.

A must-have utility that I wish I'd had on board sooner!  
(Version 1.5.3(72))

RICHO  wow what a day! Dragthing update and now this - two of the best utilities you can get. Ditto Justin's remarks.  
(Version 1.5.3(72))

DAVE NANIAN  Just a quick note: this is a really bad place to post what are, in essence, support questions.

If you're having problems with SuperDuper!, please send email to support@shirt-pocket.com, rather than cut-n-pasting a giant log into a MacUpdate comment!

We're here, waiting to help...  
(Version 1.5.2(71))

JUSTIN  I have used Carbon Copy Cloner in the past and found it very useful. I then stumbled upon this little gem.

OK, it costs four-times the amount of CCC but you get an awful lot more for your money. Plenty of options, a clear and appealing GUI, scriptable, easy to understand on a basic level, enough features for the advanced user, and the support is excellent.

I found SuperDuper! worked flawlessly; taking 25 minutes to clone my main drive (30 GB of data) and 3 minutes to Smart Update a week later.

I have yet to explore all the features of SuperDuper! and have a feeling of excitement about doing so. Cool but weird huh?  
(Version 1.5.2(71))

CABBAGE  I'm having problems with the 1.5.2 v71. I've tried on 4 different Macs now. I'm booting a silver G4 into FireWire mode and using SuperDuper! to create a disk image with high compression It creates the .dmg.sparseimage but then I get an error that it can't unmount it in /tmp.

SuperDuper! Log (Created Friday, November 12, 2004 12:14:45 PM America/New_York)

[***] Friday, November 12, 2004 12:15:25 PM America/New_York

|12:15:25 PM|Info| SuperDuper!, version 71, path: /Applications/Utilities/SuperDuper!.app, OS: 10.3.6 (7R28)

|12:15:25 PM|Info| Source Drive: /Volumes/MAC 08, name: MAC 08, device: /dev/disk1s5 type: hfs, OS: N/A, capacity: 74.52 GB, used: 2.99 GB, directories: 1554, files: 16809

|12:15:25 PM|Info| Target Image: /Users/Shared/G4-MAC08.dmg, name: G4-MAC08.dmg

|12:15:25 PM|Info| Copy Mode : Copy all files.

|12:15:25 PM|Info| Copy Script : Backup - all files.dset

|12:15:25 PM|Info| Transcript : ImageTranscript.plist

|12:15:25 PM|Info| PHASE: Prepare Volumes

|12:15:25 PM|Info| ...ACTION: Enable Permissions

|12:15:25 PM|Info| ......COMMAND => Enabling permissions on MAC 08

|12:15:25 PM|Info| Refreshing Disk Arbitration ...

|12:15:25 PM|Info| ......COMMAND => Verifying that permissions are enabled for MAC 08

|12:15:25 PM|Info| Permissions on '/Volumes/MAC 08' are enabled.

|12:15:25 PM|Info| ...ACTION: Prepare ASR image "G4-MAC08.dmg"

|12:15:25 PM|Info| ......COMMAND => Creating disk image /Users/Shared/G4-MAC08.dmg

|12:15:26 PM|Info| Initializing...

|12:15:27 PM|Info| Creating...

|12:15:28 PM|Info| Formatting...

|12:15:28 PM|Info| Finishing...

|12:15:28 PM|Info| created: /Users/Shared/G4-MAC08.dmg.sparseimage

|12:15:28 PM|Info| ......COMMAND => Mounting /Users/Shared/G4-MAC08.dmg on /tmp/SVUmount

|12:15:30 PM|Info| ......COMMAND => Enabling permissions on /Users/Shared/G4-MAC08.dmg mounted on /tmp/SVUmount

|12:15:30 PM|Info| Refreshing Disk Arbitration ...

|12:15:30 PM|Info| ......COMMAND => Verifying that permissions are enabled for /Users/Shared/G4-MAC08.dmg mounted on /tmp/SVUmount

|12:15:30 PM|Info| Permissions on '/tmp/SVUmount' are enabled.

|12:15:30 PM|Info| PHASE: Clone from Source to Target

|12:15:30 PM|Info| ...ACTION: Copy Files from MAC 08 to "G4-MAC08.dmg"

|12:15:30 PM|Info| ......COMMAND => Copying MAC 08 to /Users/Shared/G4-MAC08.dmg

|12:15:30 PM|Info| Copying all files using script: /Applications/Utilities/SuperDuper!.app/Contents/Resources/Copy Scripts/Backup - all files.dset

|12:15:31 PM|Info| Loading 19 commands from copy script /Applications/Utilities/SuperDuper!.app/Contents/Resources/Copy Scripts/Exclude system temporary files.dset

|12:15:31 PM|Info| Loading 1 commands from copy script /Applications/Utilities/SuperDuper!.app/Contents/Resources/Copy Scripts/Exclude Norton FileSaver files.dset

|12:15:31 PM|Info| Loading 2 commands from copy script /Applications/Utilities/SuperDuper!.app/Contents/Resources/Copy Scripts/Backup - all files.dset

|12:15:31 PM|Info| Copy script command hash contains 9 commands

|12:16:04 PM|Info| Ignoring /Volumes/MAC 08/private/var/run

|12:16:04 PM|Info| Ignoring /Volumes/MAC 08/private/var/tmp/mnta

|12:16:04 PM|Info| Ignoring /Volumes/MAC 08/private/var/tmp/mntb

|12:16:04 PM|Info| Ignoring /Volumes/MAC 08/private/var/vm

|12:18:14 PM|Info| Ignoring /Volumes/MAC 08/.Trashes

|12:18:14 PM|Info| Ignoring /Volumes/MAC 08/.vol

|12:24:06 PM|Info| Ignoring /Volumes/MAC 08/mach

|12:24:06 PM|Info| Ignoring /Volumes/MAC 08/Desktop DB

|12:24:06 PM|Info| Ignoring /Volumes/MAC 08/Desktop DF

|12:24:06 PM|Info| Scanned 18338 items occupying 2.98 GB (1554 directories, 16692 files, 92 symlinks)

|12:24:06 PM|Info| Copied 18324 items totaling 2.97 GB (1545 directories, 16688 files, 91 symlinks)

|12:24:06 PM|Info| Cloned 2.97 GB of data in 516 seconds at an effective transfer rate of 5.90 MB/s

|12:24:06 PM|Info| PHASE: Conclude Target Setup

|12:24:06 PM|Info| ...ACTION: Finalizing "G4-MAC08.dmg" session

|12:24:06 PM|Info| ......COMMAND => Unmounting /Users/Shared/G4-MAC08.dmg from /tmp/SVUmount

|12:24:07 PM|Info| "disk2" failed to unmount (0x0000C001)

|12:24:07 PM|Error| rmdir: /tmp/SVUmount: Device busy  
(Version 1.5.2(71))

MIKE H  Having just used Superduper! for the first time and previously used other cloning software, I'm very impressed by the elegance of this work. The application's interface already does a very good job of explaining how it all works, and the help provided on an enclosed .pdf doc is painstakingly and very clearly written.

One slight reservation: if you don't read the help doc you may well miss understanding exactly how a Safety Clone works. Because the Safety Clone becomes in effect your main system, with the original system preserved, as it were, under wraps, it's not a good idea at all to put a Safety Clone on an externaal FireWire drive such as I have!  
(Version 1.5.2(71))

ROBERT N  I recently spent two plus days sending e-mail to the author, wrestling with an issue that turned out to have VERY little to do with this app. It had more to do with the fact that I could still boot completely up in OS 9 than anything else. We both learned something. You will NOT find better support for any software program ever !! And - - the app itself is superb !! Give it a try. You will NOT be sorry.  
(Version 1.5(69))

T  Great tool for making a bootable drive, great tool for making a clone of your hard drive to restore to at a later time. I made a clone of my internal hard drive when I freshly installed my system. Cloning took a while but it was well worth it. When something screwed up my system, I booted off the external drive and put the system back (5-6 GB) in about five minutes.  
(Version 1.3(68.2))

ANONYMOUS  Just moved my entire Macintosh HD to new PB... 45 min 19 sec and my new PowerBook has everything on it ( including Mac OS X 10.3.5 )... Thanx to Developer for answering my questions!!!

I'm not a poweruser and don't know much about Unix probably there is a better way to do all this but i was completely satisfied with the job that SD! has done...

Thanx again!!!  
(Version 1.3(68.2))

STEVEJ  The author contacted me via email and made it clearer to me what the purpose of Safety Clones is. I can certainly see their utility for developers, in particular for having multiple versions of the OS with the same set of files and data to test with. More importantly he sent me a time-limited demonstration key so that I could fully test the program out. Now that I've actually had the chance to try smart update in particular, I see that this program does work very well. Smart Update seems very fast, faster than Carbon Copy Cloner w/psync, and that's a big plus. I was also told that scheduling would be coming in the next major update. Sooner would certainly be better than later for that.  
(Version 1.3(68.2))

ANONYMOUS  SuperDuper sounds like it has some interesting features (though I find the "safety clone" concept dubious - seems to me what you most want to protect are YOUR files, not so much the system- "safety clones" do the exact opposite, protecting the system, but not protecting your files. Hmmm....) In any case you can't try safety clones and a number of other key features with the demo. The demo ought to be time limited and not feature limited. Also there's no sign of a scheduled backups nor of the ability to archive deleted files/applications, both of which are features I want. Having said all that, I also downloaded and tried Data Backup X and in my first test backup with compression, when I tried to restore an application from the backup, it produced a non-functioning generic application icon. Not exactly promising.... I also downloaded Synchronize Pro, but I don't like it's interface. Still I might go back to that and give it a full test because Data Backup X was such a complete bust, and unfortunately SuperDuper is short on key features.  
(Version 1.3(68.2))

ANONYMOUS  Outstanding! easy to handle, even for me. Working for several months without any problem. only reading the detailed manual is emphasized. Even better the friendly and competent support from the DEV. After the last update i thought to have a problem, mailed to the support and got an answer after 10 minutes!!!

( it was my mistake!)

highly recommended ! would like to give ten stars!  
(Version 1.3(68))

NORM COHEN  I've tried a bunch of backup strategies, such as psyncX, Carbon Copy Cloner, and rsync. SuperDuper works extremely well. The smart update feature is very nice; however, the best part is the ability to make a "sandbox" and be able to revert without problems to a previous working system without losing user files. Definitely worth the shareware fee. Thanks!  
(Version 1.2.3(65))

JEEPEE  Great program and great support! This man even works on his program the whole weekend, to solve problems/bugs to help you and make his program even better than it is already! It has some really unique functions, like the Safety Clone, it works perfect, really worth the money!  
(Version 1.2.2(63))

ROBERT N  Downloaded this little app and struggled hard to get it to work. It always hung up on a particular file. After two e-mails to the developer - - he called ME !!! He talked me thru the problem and it finally did exactly what it was supposed to do. The erroneous file was part of Stuffit.

My hat is off to the developer who cares so much about his product and to the ease with which this little app finally was able to complete it's task.  
(Version 1.2.1(62))

CABBAGE  It looks like this will be the replacement for Carbon Copy Cloner/NetRestore but it is not there yet.

Booted off a FireWire HD restoring a volume from a disk image that was on AFP share.

SuperDuper 1.1(56) = 5:25

NetRestore 1.3 = 2:13  
(Version 1.1(56))

DAVE NANIAN  I'm happy to announce that Frank Petrie of MaMUGs has reviewed SuperDuper!

The review is available on our forums at http://www.shirt-pocket.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46

Thanks to the MaMUGs team for their interest!  
(Version 1.0.1(55))

MARY  The best cloning/safebackup/recovery app on the market. Really excedllent piece of software.

--Mary  
(Version 1.0(54))

GOETZ  SuperDuper is awesome. I was used to CCC and some other tools, but SD makes my life so much easier.

I often have to clone a system for testing purpose. With SD I can safe the clone image to disk, and the restore process is much faster then with other tools. Also can I easily revert to a previous state. The best of all are the customisation options.

SuperDuper is also great for backups.  
(Version 1.0(54))

ANONYMOUS  Having trouble running the "Backup - all files" script? Here's a fix!

We've received a few comments from people who are having trouble running SuperDuper! on a clean install, when using the default script "Backup - all files". We're trying to determine exactly what's wrong, and will post an update shortly to correct the problem.

In the meantime, you can work around this bug by choosing a different script -- say, "Backup - user files" -- exiting SuperDuper!, and then re-entering. At this point, re-select "Backup - all files", and things will work fine. You will only have to do this once.

Our sincere apologies to anyone who this has affected: we're working hard to fix this, and will have a "no-workaround-needed" solution soon.

Thanks for your interest and support!  
(Version 1.0)

CORENTIN  I've been testing the app as well and I really recommend it to anyone who wants to clone drives or make backups of an install. The app has a very user friendly user interface that make it very simple to create simple tasks but can also be customized at will to create complex schemes. Really a great app as far as I'm concerned. A huge time saver fro me (I used to do it all through ASR and the terminal :-\).  
(Version 1.0)

RUGBY  This app rocks for Panther. As someone who has to make loads of disk images in Panther I have been disappointed by Disk Utility and CCC both. This app has taken the place of both of them because it not only makes great ASR images but I can also customize the script to allow it to NOT clone certain parts of the drive like the .AppleSetupDone, the local.nidb file and any Users folders I had created. It would get 10 stars if I could give it.

BTW, I'm a beta tester for this app and the developer has responded to every request I have made.  
(Version 1.0)