OS X Mavericks: Keep your information safe

You should always back up. That way, if something happens to your computer or you accidentally delete something, you can easily recover your files.

The easiest way to back up is to set up Time Machine, which backs up all the information on your Mac automatically every day.

Time Machine overview

Besides Time Machine, you have several other choices for backing up your important files, including burning CDs and DVDs, or copying files onto an external drive.

Alternatives for backing up your Mac

OS X has a number of features to help keep the information on your Mac safe. If multiple people use your Mac, you should set up a user for each person, so that one person can’t modify the files needed by another. For more information about setting up users, see:

Set up users on your Mac

Use secure passwords to prevent unauthorized access. For more information about passwords, see:

Tips for creating secure passwords

For more information about keeping your Mac safe, see:

Protect your Mac

Your Mac is already set up to automatically check for software updates and to alert you when updates are available for you to download. The best way to avoid viruses and other problems is to promptly download and install these updates, which contain the latest security software.

If you want to check for software updates immediately, choose Apple menu > Software Update.

For more information about updating your software, see:

Keep your Mac up to date

If nothing happens when you check for updates, you may not be connected to the Internet. For more information, see:

Solve problems with connecting to the Internet

You can use Find My Mac to locate a lost Mac from a web browser or iOS device.

About Find My Mac

Malicious software, or malware, is a threat to all computer users, especially those connected to the Internet. For more information about protecting yourself from malware, see:

What is malware?

Protect your Mac from malware