As time passes in this era when the internet is in full bloom and the capacity of our harddrives grows more and more impressive, one thing comes to mind when you're looking at all those files that you kept up piling up on your computer: how can I back-up my files in case of anything unexpected should happen? Well, you could always start and copy them file by file or folder by folder to your back-up partition/drive and overwrite the previous backup.
Not much of a problem there, but let's say that the some of the file names have changed. What would you do next? Well, you could always wipe clean the destination folder and then put the back-uped files where they belong. Problem fixed, no stress.
Ok, but let's assume that you have to backup the contents of two(or more) folders from your harddrive with the same content but with files modified at different dates that you wouldn't want to get overwritten by an older version of thae file. Now this is where it starts to get complicated. You could start verifying all the files according to their modification date though you will soon come to realize that it would take you forever to do it right, but your stubbornness drives you forward and you complete the task.
All is fine and dandy. But let’s assume you would need to back-up your data between a network of computers that works with those files on a regular basis and that any computer from that network can modify them at any time, what would you do to keep the newest file on all the computers?
Well, I’m pretty sure that you realize this is above your capabilities so you turn to finding such a program to help you out, a program that can be categorized as File Synchronization Software. Now there are lots of different Sync programs of the market, ranging from freeware to commercial, from simple one click programs to complex programs that feature full sets of file inclusion/exclusion and from manual to automatic syncing of the set folders, so you can choose the one that best caters to your needs.
From all the programs that I have tested so far I would like to recommend AllWay Sync.A really cool freeware program, packed with features that I haven’t seen anywhere else. From these I would like to mention the ability to sync multiple folders/drives at one in both directions, the ability to propagate deletions or not, the ability to turn on autosync at set intervals, a complex include/exclude file system and the ability to sync with a ftp server(haven’t tested it out, though). It may be a bit of a headache to understand how exactly does it work at first, but considering the fact that it’s free, there’s no real reason to make a fuss about it. If you’re interested here’s the download link(versions may change so I won’t post a direct download link).
Also Here’s a quick view I found on Youtube(covering the basics):
On another level if you’re like me and have to synchronize your files on computers that are a long way from one another then you might consider using an online syncing program(in case you’re not using any other ftp server/online service that couldbe combined with AllWay Sync to do just that).
One such cool little service that I found these past few days is called Sugar Sync. While it may not offer you all the options that you see on AllWay Sync, it does its job just fine. The free account offers you 2 GB(2,5GB if you were referred) of online protected sync space with the possibility of receiving some extra storage space through referrals(500mb per user, up to a total of 10GB if I remember correctly). The program doesn't offer any filters to be set on your synced folders, being a straightforward two-way sync though the service offers you the possibility to share your files through a public link and also the possibility to have a shared folder with another person(s) which may come rather usefull in various sittuations.
If anyone’s interested in checking it out you can always help me and yourself in the process and register for an account using this referral link.
A quick look about it’s functionality can be seen in this clip found on YouTube:
That’s all for now. Hopefully I helped some of you out with this little article of mine. I’ll try to post an update blog next time(when I have a little time on my hands) and I would also like to ask you guys about a certain type of program(I could always google it, though I like the users’ opinion on the matter) but, all in due time :D
Until then, Game On!
Its actually good if you are in office or somewhere else. Its a pretty neat feature everyone should consider including me (and yes especially me coz I had several occurances of my back up hard drive to crash down and breaking my heart). Great info blog you put in.
You seem like a good analyzer of software mate. You know why I'm saying this ;) I never do backups for my files. Expect for saved games which I over write when update. I guess I won't need any software atm. But I'll keep this as recommendation if ever needed.
@RON : You're welcome! 
@Koshai : Thanx! Yeah, you can say that it saves you the trouble of always having your memory stick with you(and all the problems relating it). I mostly use Sugar Sync to sync my files on my home computer with the files on the computer I'm using at the uni, so I can work with the same files anywhere I would be at the moment.
@Sleven : Thanx! Well, I'm not saying this is a good idea or not, but you should consider it an option. It's always better to prevent something than to recover once the damage has been done.
Very helpful blog. I could introduce this to my office for backing up our data. Thank you :)
Hey I like the new banner. Just need time to get used to. Hope that you all are doing well. Blessings of March on the way!
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Thanks for this very helpful blog.