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Managed Mac Backups
Managed Mac OS backup software
As part of our comprehensive desktop strategy, network backups are standard on all managed administrative Macs at SFU.
The backup utility aims to provide the same data resiliency as our managed Windows counterparts, namely some preference data, Desktop and Documents folders. Up to five devices can be maintained per user.
Getting started
For most departments at the University, the Commvault backup client is already available in Jamf Self Service.
1. Open /Applications/Self Service.app and look for the Commvault installer (in the Utils section).
2. Once the install is complete, click the Edge icon on the menu bar (top-right near the clock). Logins at this time must be in format, "ADSFU\sfuid" (as shown)
3. Once the install is complete, you're done. Your Mac will start backing up to a server in the Burnaby data centre.
4. You don't see it available? It's possible your specific department has not come on board yet. Let us know and we'll help liaise!
Restoring files
1. click the Edge icon on the menu bar (top-right near the clock). Logins at this time must be in format, "ADSFU\sfuid"
- The monitor is available in /Applications if you don't see it on the menu - this is normal.
- Simply launch "Edge Monitor.app"
2. To view your backed up computers and/or restore files, click the "options" icon (the vertical three dots)
- Select "Settings" or "Restore Files"
3. To restore files, browse to the computer (you may have more than one) you need to restore from.
- Browse to the file(s) or folder(s) to restore.
- Click "Restore" in the top of the tree.
- You'll be presented with a dialog for where to save the restored file. It is possible to restore in-place, to another computer, or to a network path.
- Be careful with restores! When in doubt, restore files to your Downloads folder or some other location where you may verify the file's contents.
4. To view and restore files without your Mac, log into the web console: at URL: http://bby-perch-ws01.its.sfu.ca/webconsole(again, remember to log in as, "ADSFU\sfuid")
Quick FAQs
WHY A BACKUP CLIENT AND NOT VAULT?
SFU Vault is a sync service and not a backup. If you mess up or delete a file in Vault, that mistake will be synced. Further to this, the ultimate goal of the backup service is to have every Mac come pre-installed. This eliminates the need to install and configure anything else - your data is protected from the time of your first logon.
WHY A BACKUP CLIENT AND NOT A TIME MACHINE HARD DRIVE?
As we mentioned, the ultimate goal of the backup service is to have every Mac come pre-installed. This eliminates the cost of extra hardware, frees up room on your desktop, and in the case of fire or theft, you're still covered.
HOW MUCH MAY BE BACKED UP?
Each license entitles individuals up to 5 devices, and a maximum of 2TB of backed up data.
What data is being backed up?
To maintain parity with redirected desktop and documents on managed Windows, only ~/Desktop and ~/Documents are backed up on managed Macs. Media such as video and music are specifically exempt.
I'M TRAVELING OR WANT TO STOP BACKUPS FOR A WHILE, HOW MAY I DO THAT?
This service was intended to provide backups from off-campus, as many of our staff and faculty need to travel for work. However, we understand the need to conserve bandwidth. The backup utility can be quit at any time!
Please remember that the utility will launch at next startup, so if you need the utility stopped for an indefinite period of time, it may be best to remove it. Simply make a ticket with your computer's information!
If you need to remove or re-configure a client, please email "mac-help@sfu.ca" and ask to have us sort you out (please send your machine's name). That's it!
TROUBLESHOOTING: WHERE ARE THE LOGS?
See: /opt/commvault/Log_Files
TROUBLESHOOTING: HOW CAN I UNINSTALL?
Using the Finder (ie. not a terminal) delete the file (this must be done by an admin, as you'll be prompted for admin credentials): "/Applications/Process Manager.app" .
This begins an internal commvault process to clean up the software and notify the server. An admin can help with this locally or remotely if your Mac is on the network.
NEED TO UNINSTALL REMOTELY?
Commvault provides a command-line tool, "cvpkgrm" that will walk you through the removal.
- SSH into the workstation in question
- $ sudo cvpkgrm
- Choose to remove all instances
- Send a ticket to mac-help@sfu.ca if you need help.