Backup vs Clone

With the attention Time Machine is getting from all the reviews of Leopard, you might have encounter the terms "backup" and "cloning". Just what is the difference between backing up and cloning? The Mac Observer's Jeff Gamet explains:

When you clone a hard drive, you are making an exact duplicate. Since this new duplicate is like the original in every way, you can use it just like the original.

backing up involves duplicating critical files so that if the originals are lost or damaged, the copies are available to take their place. If you aren't following a regular and reliable backup routine, you will lose important files.

Jeff Gamet offers some advice on making sure you don't lose any of your important data.