Back-Up Data, Back-Up your Data!

The easiest way is to use Time Machine alternatively you can also use cloning software like Super Duper or Carbon Copy Cloner to make static backup of your computer.

Ideally, you do both, one Time Machine that is continuously backing up that allows you to roll back in time and retrieve files back by the hour - day - week - month. A static backup is stored on a separate drive that is stored in a secure location. You will have to periodically update this static backup.

Super-sensitive data like a book keeping or other important files, should have an additional copy on a USB flash drive.

Verify your backups!!!!!

Nothing is more painful than the need to restore your Mac from a backup only to determine that the backup has not been working.

Verify that Cloud based data storage is working

iCloud:

Log into iCloud.com and see if that you have stored in iCloud Drive - Mail - Contacts - Calendars and Photos is the same as on your Mac. While logged into your iCloud.com account, you can test the synchronization by changing a file and verify that it is updating across all your other Apple devices that are signed in with the same Apple iD.

Gmail (Google Workspace):

Log into google.com and see if that you have stored in Google Drive - Mail - Contacts - Calendars is the same as on your Mac. While logged into your Google account, you can test the synchronization by changing a file and verify that it is updating across all your other Apple devices that are signed in with the same Google account.

DropBox:

Log into DropBox.com and verify that what is showing in Finder is the same as online. While logged into your DropBox account you can test the synchronization by changing a file and verify that it is updating across all your other Apple devices that are signed in with the same DropBox account.

Repeat with all other cloud based storage service using the same methods as above.

Prepare a couple of hours to complete the process of preparing and installing the upgrade to a new macOS

1. Install upDates your Mac

2. Update for all Applications

3. Remove Applications you no longer use

4. Check in System Preferences that you are logged into iCloud

5. Restart the Mac and verify that everything is working

6. Install the upGrade

7. Take a break while your Mac is doing the work

8. Never disconnect power, shut down or close the lid off your Macbook!!!

9. Wait for your mac to reboot

10. Check in System Preferences that you are logged into iCloud

11. Update all applications

12. Reconnect Time Machine

13. Wait a week or so before making a new static back-up.