Using a good backup and synchronization program has been a priority for me since a glitch reformatted my data drive as well as my C drive.
I thought I had all bases covered in this eventuality but the backups I had created on another computer, using windows scheduled backup, did not like my long folder structures and contained no files. Restoring image files I had burned to DVD, created using Acronis True Image software, was successful for the most part but, for reasons unknown, it could not restore around 50 of my photos. Despite over 20 years experience of extensive use of PC’s, I was still caught out.
Having decided that encrypted backups were not reliable enough for my liking, I went in search of a solution that would do straight file backups over a network and to removable media with no encryption or zipping. I also needed a program that would synchronize files between my networked PC’s. My research for software recommendations led me to try two programs that do both backups and syncs. Both are free for moderate usage levels but, having set up multiple different tasks, I was advised that to keep using the program at this level I had to pay for the pro versions. The programs are:
Always Sync Pro Version price reduced to US$19.95 until Oct 31st 2008
GoodSync Pro Version $US29.95 ($23.95 with promo code) Additional versions are only $9.95 which is good value if other family members have their own PC’s or you want to use it at work as well as home).
Both programs do their jobs efficiently but I decided on GoodSync by Siber Systems Inc for two reasons. I already use their Roboform Pro password program and have been pleased with their support. I also found Goodsync easier to set up and use than AlwaysSync.
The only files you cannot synchronize/backup successfully using this type of program, which over write older versions of files, are those where changes that are made on two computers need to be saved. In my case this applies to Thunderbird mail and address files and Firefox files. I access other files across the network so the newest version of a file is always the right one to backup. I will explain how I get around this in another post.
Now I feel much more confident that I have regular and reliable backups of all my data and I was able to take my laptop away with me last week without having to transfer any files across to it before I left.
If you use a backup and or sync program you find to be reliable please let us know.
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Thanks for remind me to backup my data. I just keep forgeting to do that
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I am the same, which is why I like to set up automatic backups, then I do not have to remember
I have been searching a long time for a good backup program or service. I have heard good things about Hewlitt Packard’s online storage. This gives the extra benefit of being able to access your data from anywhere.
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That is handy too but as I sync files with my laptop I would not have a need to access online files.
I agree completely, I’ve lost soooo many images over the years it’s silly, flickr saved the day for me. Still need to find somewhere for my Raws tho
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I’ve been testing SugarSync recently, Sue – and unless I find a strong recommendation for something else, this will probably be the one I go with. It syncs selected files/folders between multiple computers and also online storage, and it just hums along in the background without any noticeable effect on speed/efficiency of my other operations: So far, I’m liking it very much.
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I am in need of a backup. Vista SP1 broke my sound and now I need a repair or maybe a reinstall, but I’m thinking I want to back up first!
Just a little update: I’ve been looking around and did decide to go with paid SugarSync ($2.49/month), on the basis of how well it worked in the free trial. Plus, it does all the work: gotta like that!
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I have been using Microsoft’s SyncToy program for the past two months and are very happy with it’s flexibility.
It is more of a synchronisation tool for folders between computers, as it does not compress or encrypt the backup. But if both computers are secure then it can act like a backup tool.
Cheers, Matt
thanx for the post… this just reminded me i have a bunch of photos i need to backup.
Hi Sue,
I’m a paranoid back-er-up-er-er (you know what I mean!). I use SyncBack which is free and it works fine for me. I sync to my 8GB USB drive and I carry it everywhere!
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I have all my information in DVDs cos you never know when your pc will decide to go to sleep without plans to wake up!!
Sorry but I don’t get the point of synchronisation. What for this method??
aw.. why did i stumbled in this page just now?
i download all our photos in one popular site, unfortunately, site went crazy and can’t retrieve the photos. gone.. gone.. gone.. 
Cobian Backup Is a very good software. And it’s free !
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Yeah, I have tried using Cobian Backup before too and suffice it to say its a very good software to me. Performs well.
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Thanks..
Very good posting.
I was hunting for this kind of posting.
Thank you again.
Nice share Prices are also really cheap US$19.95, $23.95. Its not much bigger according my data.
I think everyone should have backing hardware up as a main priority. I have my own current system that works so, I am really happy about it, as it has saved me in the past =D
Till then,
Jean
I access other files across the network so the newest version of a file is always the right one to backup. I will explain how I get around this in another post.
I am using Acronis True Image and I find it compresses data 2:1, C drive has 52Gig and backup on external drive is near 30Gi.
I am now setting up a new task with no compression for added reliability. Reliability is the main point backups are made in the first place.
With the prices of large large drives there is no point in saving space. I paid $100 for a Western Digital 500Gig hard drive a year ago and I can have 1 terabyte for the same price now. And my backups use only 90Gigs on it.
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Thanks for recommended good sites for synchronize and backup software.
Very nice information. Thanks for this. You really have a very informative site, thank you for sharing!