I agree with putting database stuff in a VM. I have messed my install a few times with things like this. Brewing too much will do the same thing. Especially the newbe mistake of installing both Ports and Brew. Blah.

For backups I recommend Backblaze. Far cheaper than any amazon solution and it is set and forget.

Cool note. You can create an installation DVD from the downloadable updates (mountain lion, etc.) see link at end. So you don't need to first install and update afterwards.

Also, good tip, if you have a macbook, get 16GB of ram for it and be happy for the rest of your life. It speeds things way up. I am usually at about 10GB of RAM in-use, so I am glad I sprang for 16GB rather than the planned 8.

http://lifehacker.com/5928780/how-to-burn-os-x-mountain-lion...