MacMost Now 298: Using Firewire Target Disk Mode

You can connect two Macs together by re-booting one into Firewire target disk mode. This allows the first Mac to access the second as a Firewire drive. You can then transfer files between the two computers faster than using a network.

Comments: 9 Responses to “MacMost Now 298: Using Firewire Target Disk Mode”

    lilikindsli
    15 years ago

    81BrrH I want to say - thank you for this!

    Globals
    15 years ago

    all good things

    theneilson
    15 years ago

    Are you able to transfer programs, such as Final Cut Pro, Adobe programs, Office 2004/08, etc. using TDM without reentering the keys?

      15 years ago

      Sometimes. But don't count on it. Have those keys handy just in case.

    RM Secor
    14 years ago

    Hey I actually knew how to place a MAC into Target Disk Mode and have used the method several times, but I enjoyed the video and others will as well. Thanks for sharing.

    Mr Anthony Cotton
    13 years ago

    The video was way over my head,you will have to excuse my ignorance. What is a Firewire Port used for. Just a simple answer
    Thanks Gary

      13 years ago

      The Firewire port is use to connect peripherals, just like a USB port. There are hard drives and video cameras that use Firewire. There are some other things as well, such as scanners. If you buy a Firewire hard drive instead of a USB hard drive, you would use the Firewire port.

    Mr Anthony Cotton
    13 years ago

    Is the Firewire Port faster than the USB Ports. I must apologise that i asked the question before. You have just sent me an email about this topic,and that i already asked the question. I am sorry for wasting your time. Gary

      13 years ago

      In general, yes. Firewire 800 ports (all recent Macs) are faster than USB 2 ports. But that's a simple answer for a complex question. Firewire works better with constant data (like video). USB 3 (not available on Macs) is faster than Firewire 800, but it may not be as good for video.
      It is really not important for most Mac users at this point. Firewire worked great for video, but no one makes cameras with Firewire anymore. So for most Mac users USB 2 is the main option for things like external hard drives.

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