Common File Locations for both Mac and Windows Users

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To see the size of a specific file or folder, click it once and then press Command-I. To see storage information about your Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left of your screen. Choose About This Mac and click the Storage tab. For Time Machine backups, it's good to use a drive that has at least twice the storage capacity of your Mac.

Windows: Right-click on the desired file or folder and select "Properties". The amount of information will be displayed under "Size".

macOS: To see the size of a specific file or folder, click it once and then press Command-I. To see storage information about your Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left of your screen. Choose About This Mac and click the Storage tab. For Time Machine backups, it's good to use a drive that has at least twice the storage capacity of your Mac.

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General user data is anything that you have put on the computer, including desktop icons, pictures, downloads, documents, music, movies, etc. This is commonly referred to as personal data.   If you back up backup the file locations below, you will backup your personal data.  Note that university-owned computers generally redirect user data to central servers rather than load it on individual computers).

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macOS: It is highly recommended that you use the app Time Machine on your Mac to back up backup your entire computer. This ensure that your programs, passwordpasswords, photos, documents, music, movies, and desktop are all backed up properly.

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Windows and macOS: Microsoft has instructions on how to back up backup your Outlook contacts: Outlook Contacts Backup

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