Backup of Bookmarks, cache, applications, desktop shortcuts etc.,

[sk25]

Hi All,

We are going do the MacBook refresh. And we would like to our users not to lose the followings,

1. Bookmarks

2. Cache

3. Applications

4. Desktop shortcuts

Do we have any application to backup above listed and restore it in new MacBook. Suggestion are welcome. Thanks.

[jamf-42]

Bookmarks for? What Cache? Apps need to be installed. Shortcuts (Aliases?) can script that.

[sk25]

@jamf-42 May be we can say like clone the old to new MacBook with all data (Bookmark, App configurations, desktop shortcut, etc.,)

[pete_c]

Cloning the entire Mac will result in an unsupported configuration and probably cause weird issues. Cloning the users’ home folders after the users have been created on the new device will work, as long as you’re cautious about ownership/permissions, ACLs, UUIDs, etc.

[AJPinto]

The only data migration tool apple offers is Migration Assistant, with an honorable mention of time machine. Both of these options put the burden of the data migration in the users hands. 

As far as DYIing your own solution:

• Apps - Just make sure the new devices are in the same scopes as the old devices. Users can either selfservice the installs, or you can force the installs.
  • If the users are installing their own software from external sources, let them reinstall applications.
  • You should be doing this even if you are using Migration Assistant or Time Machine
• Cache - Do not attempt to migrate cache.
• Bookmarks - Depending on the web browsers you use this may not even be possible to automate for the user.
  • Chrome - command line - How to export my bookmarks via CLI in Google Chrome? - Super User
  • Safari - Import bookmarks, history, and passwords in Safari on Mac - Apple Support (Apple will not have an easy way to do this with CLI, but it may be possible)
• Desktop Aliases - You can copy a users desktop with CLI simply enough.

[sk25]

@AJPinto Let me try using migration assistant. I guess Browser history is also included in migration assistant?

[GabeShack]

For our students and staff we use managed apple ID's with iCloud Drive to sync their desktop and document files so that if we ever switch their device all their files will follow.  We do not backup or reload any other pieces of their user.  Which would require them to install printers on their new device and install any further apps they might need from self service.

iCloud keeps their calendar, safari bookmarks and history and photos.  (Managed Apple IDs however don't sync keychains or passwords, and dont get me started on this as a really dumb missing feature).

We ask our staff members to use a Firefox or Google account and to confirm syncing is on to keep their bookmarks and then just sign in again on the new device.

We ask the staff to login to iCloud.com to verify their files/photos are showing before we swap them out.

This process seems to work well and saves all involved a ton of time.

[sk25]

@GabeShack Thanks for the response. What's the size of the manage apple id's iCloud account

[GabeShack]

200gb which seems perfect for how we see students and staff usage. 

[sk25]

Oh for education they set it for 200GB which is much sufficient. But for professional?