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File synchronization utilities help you keep updated copies of files or folders in two or more locations, such as different computers, network drives, USB drives, or online storage. While a file sync utility could be used as a simple backup tool (called one-way syncing), its real power lies in keeping an identical set of working files in two or more locations. An example of this would be keeping current versions of the same data files on both your home computer and office computer (two-way syncing). File sync utilities keep track of which files you create or change, or even delete in one location, and can create, change, and delete those same files in the other location.
Criteria for the Evaluating a Synchronization Utility: A good synchronization utility would have most or all the following features.
Should support two-way synchronization of files.
Should be able to replicate any source folder even if the files are in use.
Should detect conflicts or file collisions. These occur when a file has changed in both locations since the last sync operation. This requires that a database or journal be kept by the utility.
Should propagate deletions and detect file renames. This also requires a log file of previous operations.
Should support filters and rules for fine tuning what files are, or are not included in the sync operations.
Should show a preview of what is going to take place during a sync operation, and allow the user to easily over-ride any actions desired.
Should have a job scheduler and the ability to automatically detect and launch sync operations when a destination becomes active. (Such as plugging in a USB drive)
Should support syncing to both local and network locations.
There are are a lot of contenders in this category, but based on the criteria above, three stand out.
Discussion
FreeFileSync is a solid contender here. The thing I like the best with this utility is its very clear and informative interface. The preview is very easy to understand, and file collisions and deletions are more readily recognizable than many other sync programs If you require a sync program that can copy files that are in use or locked, FreeFileSync has you covered there too! Unfortunately it only has very basic filters, no auto sync feature, and no direct support for FTP. My final complaint would be that its help file is a little sparse. Those few flaws aside, I found it to be well designed and easy to use.
Allway Sync is my second recommendation. It is a very well rounded product with loads of features. It has a very robust filter and rule set and definitely has the edge here over the other two previously reviewed products. It also offers support for FTP, scheduling, and auto syncing. It has a very thorough help file which can be of great benefit especially to those who are new to synchronization programs. One draw back I found is that while it does detect file collisions and deletions, it is not very clear how to choose which versions of conflicting files to keep and which to overwrite. You should also be aware that in the free version of Allway Sync there is a file opreration limit of 40,000 files in any 30 day period. So if you have a large amount of files to synchronize on a daily basis you might need to look at a different choice. Also note that it does not support copying locked files as the developers feel it could compromise data integrity.
Honourable Mentions.
SyncBack: Supports file compression, and can verify file integrity after job completion. Synkron: Had a lot of votes for this one in the comments section. File Synchronizer: Is good if you are looking for a minimalistic or simplistic utility.
A portable version of this product is available but not from the developer.
Win XP - Vista, Linux
It now comes bundled with iClaro Toolbar. Please take care while installation. Click on the "Decline" button at the screen for iClaro Toolbar to make sure it does not get installed on your system.
Allway Sync
8
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Very robust set of filters and rules, support for FTP
Monthly file copy limit of 40,000 files, no support for copying locked files
A portable version of this product is available from the developer.
Win XP - 7
Other languages available
Synchredible
7
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Nice looking product with a "wizard" that make sync job creation an easy step by step process. Offers a well rounded set of features that should be sufficient for most users.
Synchronization of files was a bit slower than some of the other products reviewed.
Can any CVS software (kind of Git, Bazaar, CVS...) be used for the same?
I've being trying all the applications you say in the article and I prefer Alway sync, though is not perfect, I don't like the double scrolling system.
They are not intelligent enough.
I would like some app that show everything as a tree and able to detect not only that something exist in the other folder but also able to detect that a whole subtree/branch/folder with subfolders has been moved to a different place.
Instead of that this applications tell you that something is missing from one place and something is new in some other place but you have to figure out the relations.
I just downloaded Free File Sync version 5.10. Read the terms of usage.
It permits the installation of software which scans your system for installed programs so it can make suggestions as to other programs.
Wow... I usually knock these out when I am asked if I can install a program, along with the one I want, but have always been able to decline and install only what I need.
FFS is very nefarious with placing this in the terms of usage, which are relatively standard. It also does not allow installation unless the bot is installed.
I would question the title of "Free", which might be changed to "Free with Bot".
Unfortunately. most individuals will miss this language and download the hitchhiker. I must admit I have not checked in previous versions, as I have never seen this trick before.
I will be removing Free File Sync from my system and will certainly read every line for every program installation in the future.
I would certainly certainly pay for a program rather than have my system jeopardized; unfortunately, FFS, in itself, does an excellent job. I stopped comparison when I got to it, so I now have to go back to that chore.
Gee, people should be required to make an IQ test before installing applications - with a necessary IQ of at least 10! Judging from the comments here, most would fail.
The installer clearly asks if it may install advertizements. If one is dumb enough to click yes on every checkbox, then there is probably no help...
FreeFileSync setup is easily bypassed. Right click the FreeFileSync install program. Extract to its own folder using 7-Zip or similar. Copy just the required files.
Best way to avoid OpenCandy is to block access to their website by adding it to your hosts file [c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts] with an IP of 127.0.0.1 which directs it back to your computer. Ex:
That way your system will not be able to reach the OC server and so the installer behaves as if you are offline and nothing is ever sent to them and no advertisement ever appears. It's easier than going offline every time you install something.
You can also block the website by adding opencandy.com and api.opencandy to your AV and FW blacklists.
I have it blocked in all three places as a triple precaution and when I installed the newest FreeFileSync I was not bothered with any advertisement.
Having said that I agree with your philosophy to avoid software bundled with OpenCandy as a matter of protest against invasive practices (scanning your computer to see what you have installed is totally unacceptable regardless of why they are doing it or what they claim they will or won't do with that data). Unfortunately more and more popular freeware programs are using OC, including old standbys like CCleaner. I am not willing to find all new freeware programs at this point and it's probably a losing battle anyway as OC is not going away and those who make free programs available need to make money off those programs somehow for all the time they spend. So editing the hosts file and adding OC to the AV and FW seemed like a pragmatic compromise, though it doesn't do much for the protest end of things, it does protect you.
I just tried this, with FreeFileSync 5.13. The installer had asked me if I wanted to install Amazon Toolbar (default answer: YES). I cancelled the installation.
Then I added the lines you suggest to my hosts file, and ran the installer again. I was not offered any hitchhiker software at all.
^ Many thanks for the update on FFS. I truly have liked FreeFileSync, but there's no way I'll install a newer version of it now. As a happy long-time user, based mostly on recommendations from a few years ago, I almost blindly installed an update. Thankfully, I'm stuck on an older version of FFS for now, but I'll take a look at syncback and/or synkron. I'm very familiar with syncback because I used it prior to FFS, but I like the idea of a multi-platform product like synkron.
The bundled components are clearly stated in the product details above, although these can be changed by the vendor at any time. Unfortunately this is a growing trend with freeware programs. MC - Site Manager.
don't know if it is just me but since updating to FreeFileSync 5.9 I have loads of problems with multiple copies of deleted and moved items. Been using previous versions of this program without issue for years - anyone else have weird behaviour with both Automatic and Mirror not propagating changes properly?
Sounds like you are using versioning which saves copies of files that are deleted or overwritten into a defined folder. If you select Permanent or Recycle bin in Synchronise Settings, it might solve your problem.
thanks jonricho, my thoughts initially but it is already set to 'recycle bin' not 'versioning' (and I haven't tinkered with that). Did a clean copy of a PC folder to a pen drive tonight and ran FFS to see what happened - it marked nearly every file as needing to overwrite as PC versions were newer, most some showed 1 hour time difference others showed none (but identified as newer). Ran the Sync anyhow. Re ran FFS and now it wants to copy back the other way
There used to be problems in earlier versions with time zone changes and daylight saving. Now it seems to work pretty well, even with time changes of 12 hours. Maybe an issue with FAT partitions. Have a look at Daylight Saving Time in Help. You will see that it says that "an initial full synchronization is required".
If you make a mistake and install iClaro in FreeFileSync (ie, you do not click it off on the install screen), the easiest way to get rid of it is likely to be a system restore to the nearest point in time to when you installed it. I would certainly not avoid the program because of its bundled software.
by SparkyMarcopolo (not verified) on 21. November 2012 - 10:40(102667)
Do any of these tools run in the background while logged off. I require a utility for a server to perform real time sync between two folder while logged off.
by jfjunior (not verified) on 2. December 2012 - 15:05(103212)
Well, if you are careful and read the prompts during the installation you will see that all these annoying toolbars can be avoid when you are installing a legit software. Now if you want to just click, click and move ahead without reading, then you only have yourself to blame I am afraid.
The bundled extras can be easily avoided, if you are careful during the installation. The program still remains an excellent one. Such useless comments which portray false information, and are supposed to post a negative image of a good software will be deleted straight away in future.
The unwanted components are already stated in the review details. Users should take care during the install process of any program to avoid such items from being installed. Using the free version of WinPatrol will provide the opportunity to block most of these even if the options to do so are missed during install.
Following with my previous comment on FreeFileSync, I have to say this is the first time ever that a preferred choice of Gizmo's has been for the wrong software.
I am now trying Create Synchronicity, developed by SourceForge.net http://sourceforge.net/projects/synchronicity/?source=directory
Besides its clean and minimum GUI it misses nothing I need and works at lightening speed as compared with SyncToys or FreeFileSync: 7 minutes 23 seconds to update a 1.2 terabytes hard disk backup.
I'll throw in my vote for the honorably mentioned Synkron. It's powerful but straightforward, user-friendly, and the cross platform capability is a huge plus. I know I haven't stretched it, so I can't speak to suitability for an enterprise sort of environment, but for a small business user like myself it fits the bill handily.
I recently installed the latest version FreeFileSync which doesn't offer the option to not install Claro Search. Claro has since tried to take over everything - home page, search defaults, and probably opening doors for phishing or adware. This is clearly a malware being introduced by the installer.
It is a pitty such a good product contaminated with a possible troyan o malware.
by rjmcgonegal (not verified) on 20. November 2012 - 13:19(102612)
I also installed version 5.9 and, although I am pretty certain I declined to install claro-search, it installed itself anyway. Worst part was that it also stomped on the web pages that I had chrome set up to open automatically upon re-opening - so all of that setup was lost
I uninstalled it immediately as who knows what other stuff was in it. Thank goodness for Revo Uninstaller
I think there should be a separate category for this type of software - freeware should remain what it is, this is closer to adware - perhaps create a category call clickware as that seems to be what it is trying to garner?
by Hugo (not verified) on 15. November 2012 - 0:25(102333)
I use version 5.4 dd. june '12 - no hidden traps like the Claro malware. Older versions can be downloaded from the author's website - so follow the link to 5.8 here.
Could somebody please confirm Mario's claim? And if positive: should this not have serious repercussions for the review on this web site?
I can confirm that FreeFileSync 5.9, now comes bundled with iClaro Toolbar. It is sad, because this software was devoid of any such extras until now.
But, clear option is there to opt-out and decline the extra stuff. When it shows the screen for iClaro Toolbar, simply click on "Decline" button, and the installation will carry on as usual, and no extra stuff will be installed on the system.
I have updated the product info to reflect this change.
I used SyncToy for a few years, but it stopped working on either my Vista or Win7/32 machine, can't remember which. So switched to FreeFileSync which after Zenju sorted out time-zone change problems (moving from eg, UK to Australia) a couple of years ago, hasn't missed a beat.
I use an FFS batch file to sync key data folders to my user folder every day which then syncs automatically to my skydrive folder in the cloud. Also to back up my whole 30 gig data partition twice a week to different external drives (one off-site). I also back-up all current folders once per month, which I store for 12 months, and for (permanent) year-end storage. All back-up files are encrypted in case an external drive gets stolen. The whole process takes about 10 minutes per week and runs mainly automatically or in the background.
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Comments
Hello.
Can any CVS software (kind of Git, Bazaar, CVS...) be used for the same?
I've being trying all the applications you say in the article and I prefer Alway sync, though is not perfect, I don't like the double scrolling system.
They are not intelligent enough.
I would like some app that show everything as a tree and able to detect not only that something exist in the other folder but also able to detect that a whole subtree/branch/folder with subfolders has been moved to a different place.
Instead of that this applications tell you that something is missing from one place and something is new in some other place but you have to figure out the relations.
regards
FreeFileSync does modify file names when copying files, for example '-' and German Umlaute such as 'ä', 'ü', 'ö'.
Which Free Folder Synchronization Utility maintains the original file names?
You could use SyncFolders from http://www.syncfolders.elementfx.com.
I just downloaded Free File Sync version 5.10. Read the terms of usage.
It permits the installation of software which scans your system for installed programs so it can make suggestions as to other programs.
Wow... I usually knock these out when I am asked if I can install a program, along with the one I want, but have always been able to decline and install only what I need.
FFS is very nefarious with placing this in the terms of usage, which are relatively standard. It also does not allow installation unless the bot is installed.
I would question the title of "Free", which might be changed to "Free with Bot".
Unfortunately. most individuals will miss this language and download the hitchhiker. I must admit I have not checked in previous versions, as I have never seen this trick before.
I will be removing Free File Sync from my system and will certainly read every line for every program installation in the future.
I would certainly certainly pay for a program rather than have my system jeopardized; unfortunately, FFS, in itself, does an excellent job. I stopped comparison when I got to it, so I now have to go back to that chore.
Any suggestions will be appreciated.
AZ Wizard
Gee, people should be required to make an IQ test before installing applications - with a necessary IQ of at least 10! Judging from the comments here, most would fail.
The installer clearly asks if it may install advertizements. If one is dumb enough to click yes on every checkbox, then there is probably no help...
FreeFileSync setup is easily bypassed. Right click the FreeFileSync install program. Extract to its own folder using 7-Zip or similar. Copy just the required files.
Best way to avoid OpenCandy is to block access to their website by adding it to your hosts file [c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts] with an IP of 127.0.0.1 which directs it back to your computer. Ex:
127.0.0.1 opencandy.com
127.0.0.1 api.opencandy.com
That way your system will not be able to reach the OC server and so the installer behaves as if you are offline and nothing is ever sent to them and no advertisement ever appears. It's easier than going offline every time you install something.
You can also block the website by adding opencandy.com and api.opencandy to your AV and FW blacklists.
I have it blocked in all three places as a triple precaution and when I installed the newest FreeFileSync I was not bothered with any advertisement.
Having said that I agree with your philosophy to avoid software bundled with OpenCandy as a matter of protest against invasive practices (scanning your computer to see what you have installed is totally unacceptable regardless of why they are doing it or what they claim they will or won't do with that data). Unfortunately more and more popular freeware programs are using OC, including old standbys like CCleaner. I am not willing to find all new freeware programs at this point and it's probably a losing battle anyway as OC is not going away and those who make free programs available need to make money off those programs somehow for all the time they spend. So editing the hosts file and adding OC to the AV and FW seemed like a pragmatic compromise, though it doesn't do much for the protest end of things, it does protect you.
I just tried this, with FreeFileSync 5.13. The installer had asked me if I wanted to install Amazon Toolbar (default answer: YES). I cancelled the installation.
Then I added the lines you suggest to my hosts file, and ran the installer again. I was not offered any hitchhiker software at all.
Thanks for publishing this tip!
You're welcome, glad it helped.
^ Many thanks for the update on FFS. I truly have liked FreeFileSync, but there's no way I'll install a newer version of it now. As a happy long-time user, based mostly on recommendations from a few years ago, I almost blindly installed an update. Thankfully, I'm stuck on an older version of FFS for now, but I'll take a look at syncback and/or synkron. I'm very familiar with syncback because I used it prior to FFS, but I like the idea of a multi-platform product like synkron.
The bundled components are clearly stated in the product details above, although these can be changed by the vendor at any time. Unfortunately this is a growing trend with freeware programs. MC - Site Manager.
It looks like they have now added Open Candy to their install package.
http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Back-Up-and-Recovery/FreeFileSync.shtml
We have a policy here of notifying users of products that come with Open Candy.
http://www.techsupportalert.com/content/controversial-advertising-progra...
Since this was a recent addition, the editor of this page was not aware of this. Thank you for pointing it out.
don't know if it is just me but since updating to FreeFileSync 5.9 I have loads of problems with multiple copies of deleted and moved items. Been using previous versions of this program without issue for years - anyone else have weird behaviour with both Automatic and Mirror not propagating changes properly?
Sounds like you are using versioning which saves copies of files that are deleted or overwritten into a defined folder. If you select Permanent or Recycle bin in Synchronise Settings, it might solve your problem.
thanks jonricho, my thoughts initially but it is already set to 'recycle bin' not 'versioning' (and I haven't tinkered with that). Did a clean copy of a PC folder to a pen drive tonight and ran FFS to see what happened - it marked nearly every file as needing to overwrite as PC versions were newer, most some showed 1 hour time difference others showed none (but identified as newer). Ran the Sync anyhow. Re ran FFS and now it wants to copy back the other way
There used to be problems in earlier versions with time zone changes and daylight saving. Now it seems to work pretty well, even with time changes of 12 hours. Maybe an issue with FAT partitions. Have a look at Daylight Saving Time in Help. You will see that it says that "an initial full synchronization is required".
If you make a mistake and install iClaro in FreeFileSync (ie, you do not click it off on the install screen), the easiest way to get rid of it is likely to be a system restore to the nearest point in time to when you installed it. I would certainly not avoid the program because of its bundled software.
Do any of these tools run in the background while logged off. I require a utility for a server to perform real time sync between two folder while logged off.
I would avoid FreeFolderSync like a plague !
IT will force install a browser hijacker software. Changed all your search options and extremely difficult to remove.
These people that creates this software should be sued !
Well, if you are careful and read the prompts during the installation you will see that all these annoying toolbars can be avoid when you are installing a legit software. Now if you want to just click, click and move ahead without reading, then you only have yourself to blame I am afraid.
The bundled extras can be easily avoided, if you are careful during the installation. The program still remains an excellent one. Such useless comments which portray false information, and are supposed to post a negative image of a good software will be deleted straight away in future.
The unwanted components are already stated in the review details. Users should take care during the install process of any program to avoid such items from being installed. Using the free version of WinPatrol will provide the opportunity to block most of these even if the options to do so are missed during install.
http://www.winpatrol.com/
Following with my previous comment on FreeFileSync, I have to say this is the first time ever that a preferred choice of Gizmo's has been for the wrong software.
I am now trying Create Synchronicity, developed by SourceForge.net http://sourceforge.net/projects/synchronicity/?source=directory
Besides its clean and minimum GUI it misses nothing I need and works at lightening speed as compared with SyncToys or FreeFileSync: 7 minutes 23 seconds to update a 1.2 terabytes hard disk backup.
Thanks! I just got it and it looks a lot like SyncBack used to about 6 years ago, or so. Pretty straightforward GUI - exzcellent in fact.
I'll throw in my vote for the honorably mentioned Synkron. It's powerful but straightforward, user-friendly, and the cross platform capability is a huge plus. I know I haven't stretched it, so I can't speak to suitability for an enterprise sort of environment, but for a small business user like myself it fits the bill handily.
I recently installed the latest version FreeFileSync which doesn't offer the option to not install Claro Search. Claro has since tried to take over everything - home page, search defaults, and probably opening doors for phishing or adware. This is clearly a malware being introduced by the installer.
It is a pitty such a good product contaminated with a possible troyan o malware.
I also installed version 5.9 and, although I am pretty certain I declined to install claro-search, it installed itself anyway. Worst part was that it also stomped on the web pages that I had chrome set up to open automatically upon re-opening - so all of that setup was lost
I uninstalled it immediately as who knows what other stuff was in it. Thank goodness for Revo Uninstaller
I think there should be a separate category for this type of software - freeware should remain what it is, this is closer to adware - perhaps create a category call clickware as that seems to be what it is trying to garner?
I use version 5.4 dd. june '12 - no hidden traps like the Claro malware. Older versions can be downloaded from the author's website - so follow the link to 5.8 here.
Could somebody please confirm Mario's claim? And if positive: should this not have serious repercussions for the review on this web site?
I can confirm that FreeFileSync 5.9, now comes bundled with iClaro Toolbar. It is sad, because this software was devoid of any such extras until now.
But, clear option is there to opt-out and decline the extra stuff. When it shows the screen for iClaro Toolbar, simply click on "Decline" button, and the installation will carry on as usual, and no extra stuff will be installed on the system.
I have updated the product info to reflect this change.
I used SyncToy for a few years, but it stopped working on either my Vista or Win7/32 machine, can't remember which. So switched to FreeFileSync which after Zenju sorted out time-zone change problems (moving from eg, UK to Australia) a couple of years ago, hasn't missed a beat.
I use an FFS batch file to sync key data folders to my user folder every day which then syncs automatically to my skydrive folder in the cloud. Also to back up my whole 30 gig data partition twice a week to different external drives (one off-site). I also back-up all current folders once per month, which I store for 12 months, and for (permanent) year-end storage. All back-up files are encrypted in case an external drive gets stolen. The whole process takes about 10 minutes per week and runs mainly automatically or in the background.