Questions answered
Mac backup without the vague parts.
Short answers about storage, recovery, encryption and what ElseKept deliberately does not do.
Can I back up my Mac to iCloud?
Yes. Choose a folder inside iCloud Drive as the encrypted primary repository. Keep enough local and iCloud capacity available, and wait for iCloud to finish downloading a recovery point before using it on another Mac.
Is iCloud Drive already a backup?
iCloud Drive primarily synchronizes files. ElseKept adds separate encrypted recovery points, verification and selective recovery rather than treating the current synchronized state as history.
Can I restore only one file?
Yes. Browse or search a recovery point, inspect available versions and recover one file or folder to a destination you choose.
Does ElseKept replace Time Machine?
Not completely. Time Machine is excellent for local Mac history. ElseKept adds portable Recovery Kits, selected cloud repositories, encrypted replicas and recovery from providers you control.
Can it protect SSH keys and developer configuration?
Yes, with conservative recovery. The Developer Mac and credentials plans include supported SSH, GPG, dotfile, tool and cloud configuration locations. Sensitive material is recovered for review.
Does ElseKept back up the macOS operating system?
No. ElseKept is not a bootable clone. Reinstall macOS and applications, then recover supported personal data and configuration.
Where are my encryption credentials?
The local repository identity is stored in the device-only macOS Keychain. The portable Recovery Kit must be saved separately from the repository.
Does the app collect telemetry?
No. ElseKept has no product account and no app telemetry. The website uses only the separately disclosed hosting measurement when configured.