Synchronizing folders - File Synchronizer handles this task quickly and easily. This is one of the simplest and most intuitive tools for free comparison and duplication of changes in Windows directories.
For the program described below to work successfully, the operating system must have such an important component like Microsoft .NET Framework.
Synchronizing folders with File Synchronizer
There is no need to describe the installation of this program in the system - everything is clear there without further ado. Just a few steps without any " useful additions» — remove "tricky" ticks there is nothing.
File Synchronizer starts immediately in full screen mode... If you don't like this view of the program window, no one forbids you to change it for yourself.
Don't be intimidated by the English-language interface - everything is very simple and straightforward in this folder synchronizer. The algorithm of actions is reduced to just a few "typing" on the buttons.
So, first you need to select the folders to be synced in the left section and in the right. I created an empty directory on the disk called "Check" and now I synchronize it with my favorite album of the great Italian singer Adriano Celentano.
Go…
First you need to analyze the contents of the selected folders ...
We got a filled directory in the left section of the window and an empty one in the right. Click on the sync icon (which is in the middle) and we receive a notification about the successful synchronization of the contents of the folders ...
Just don't faint - suddenly empty sections in the program mean that the folders no longer contain different files and are completely the same.
You can make sure that everything is in order and your files are safe and sound by simply opening Windows Explorer. If you have installed a wonderful system extension file manager called Clover, like mine, it will be even more convenient and simpler ...
Let's remove the album picture from the test folder ...
... and let's analyze again - File Synchronizer will immediately show the file that is missing in the "Check" directory ...
Once again, click on the sync icon and restore justice…
By the way, you can choose another option for the contents of the folders - for example, clone it in the specified direction ...
I almost forgot - the direction of folder synchronization can be changed. Notice the little triangles at the top and bottom of the main button ...
They help to "bring together" our folders. to a common denominator in the right direction.
Download File Synchronizer
Folder and file sync programs can help you keep updated copies of files and folders in various locations. These can be different computers, network drives, USB drives, or online storage. While synchronization utilities can be used as a simple means to create backups (called one-way synchronization), their real purpose is to maintain identical sets of files and folders in multiple locations.
An example is maintaining current versions of the same files on several of your computers that you use at different times (two-way sync). Folder sync utilities keep track of which files you've created, modified, or deleted. And, accordingly, they make these changes to other places.
Evaluation criteria for synchronization utilities:
A good sync utility should be able to do most of the following.
- Supports two-way file synchronization.
- Should be able to copy any folder or file, even if they are currently being used by other programs.
- Correct handling of conflicts. An example of a conflict would be changing the same file at two different sync locations.
- Keeping records of file deletion.
- Detection of the fact that the file has been renamed.
- Supports filters and rules for fine-tuning the synchronization scope. An example would be excluding certain file extensions from the synchronization process.
- Preview of all changes made with the ability for the user to override any actions.
- Task scheduler and the ability to automatically detect and start synchronization when the synchronization location becomes available (for example, you inserted a flash drive).
- Maintain synchronization both on the local machine and on the network (for example, network folders).
There are many applicants in this class of programs, but only a couple of them support most of the criteria.
Review of free programs for synchronizing files and folders
FreeFileSync file and folder sync program is the best choice
Allway sync
| Large set of filters and rules. FTP support. | ||
| Monthly copying limit of 40,000 files. No copies locked files. |
Although, of course, it was not without a fly in the ointment. The program is paid, it costs 600 rubles. The free version, after 30 days of use, allows synchronization of only 100 files and 3 tasks.
In general, of course, in the case of good software, 600 rubles is not a pity. On the other hand, I still tried to find something similar for nothing. 🙂
And I found it. - free software for synchronizing files and directories.
Uses innovative algorithms to synchronize your data between personal computers, laptops, USB flash drives, etc. Allway Sync combines iron reliability and an extremely simple user interface.
The interface here is not so pleasant, and the site itself is translated into Russian rather badly. Also, the program cannot synchronize data via FTP, WebDAV or SFTP. But it has the necessary function of synchronization with a USB flash drive. It does it as well as GoodSync and at the same time is completely free.
I didn’t find any instructions on the site. Therefore, I will tell you where and what you need to configure so that automatic synchronization works and you don't have to remember the program.
1. After starting the program, a new task will be created. Accordingly, you need to select the folders for synchronization. In my case, it is "C: \ Workfiles" on the left and "Z:" on the right. Why exactly "Z" will tell you later.
2. You can carry out manual analysis and the first synchronization by clicking the appropriate buttons in order to make sure that everything is working correctly.
- When connecting a removable device
- After a certain period of time
Accordingly, synchronization will occur the moment you insert the USB flash drive into your computer, and Allway Sync will constantly monitor file changes every time the specified time has passed since the last check. If the files are different, synchronization will start.
There are also several more options for synchronization time, choose those that are convenient for you personally. In fact, the "When a removable device is connected" option already enabled will be quite enough.
Click "OK" to save the settings.
4. So that the program is loaded every time you turn on the computer in the top menu, select "View -> Settings ... -> Application" and put a checkmark "Launch the application in the taskbar when you turn on the computer".
Here's the setup and complete. And they brought me a document on another flash drive. So, what do we have here. Oops! All my working top-secret files were synchronized with someone else's flash drive!
To prevent this from happening, you need to change the drive letter of your working flash drive. I have it "Z", although the disc "X" also sounds good. 🙂
To change the drive letter, insert your USB flash drive into your computer, which will be used for synchronization. Then open "Start -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management -> Disk Management". Find a USB flash drive there, right-click, select "Change drive letter or drive path" and select any letter, but better towards the end of the list.
Now Windows will assign this letter to your flash drive every time and synchronization will occur only with the desired device, and not with any one.
After that, through the Allway Sync menu "File -> Export", you can save the settings of the program and tasks in order to import them on other computers with which you want to synchronize.
Now I don't worry about important files. They are duplicated 3 times: on a USB flash drive, on a home computer and on a work laptop. In addition, the data is synchronized and I always have an up-to-date copy. So neither the loss of a flash drive, the death of a hard drive, nor system failures are scary to me! 🙂
Synchronizing folders becomes a necessity when a user has several computers on which he works in different places. A file created on one PC must be exactly transferred to another. In this case, work on it can be continued in a continuous mode. In the presence of the Internet, this task is easily solved by cloud services, when the user gets access to his files from any workplace. In this material, we will consider the options for implementing this task using the operating system, even in the absence of a network connection.
Synchronization of folders in Windows 7 can be implemented in several ways depending on the type of media. You can use the Synchronization Center for networking and Briefcase for removable media.
Briefcase
To create a new Portfolio, use the context menu. This can be done on the desktop or in any user folder.
In the created Portfolio, copy the folder with the documents that need to be worked on at another workplace. Now it can be moved to a USB flash drive and sent to a second computer. Having connected removable media, open the Briefcase and perform the necessary operations with files. After completing the work, we return to the first PC and synchronize the changes.
If at this time someone worked with the initial folder and made changes to the previously created files, this will be reflected in the update menu. The box marked with a box indicates what operations will be performed to synchronize the content. In this case, we have several options:
- The file was created on the first PC and is missing from the Briefcase.
- The existing document was modified on the second computer and now the original needs to be replaced.
- The file was created on the second PC and must be copied to the original directory on the first.
By clicking on the "Refresh" button, we bring the contents of the directories on the computer and removable media to the same state.
For each file, you can call the context menu and view the details of operations performed with it.
The changes made can be synchronized or left on the same computer an old version of the document.
Thus, you can organize work with a USB flash drive or with a removable hard drive that is moved between workstations.
Offline files
The second option involves working with a network resource. For example, it can be a directory located on a NAS or another computer and open for public access. We select the required resource in the explorer and find in it the folder with which we will work. In the context menu, select the item marked with the number "1".
After the computer completes the first synchronization, open the folder properties. As you can see, the files located in it have become available offline. Now you can work with them even when the network resource is unavailable.
The changes you have made can be manually submitted to the parent folder, or you can set up a schedule for this task. The second option is implemented using the Synchronization Center.
In the control panel we find the indicated item.
The Sync Center opens in the Link Management tab. Having selected the section "offline files", we activate the button "Schedule" on the task panel.
We mark the network storage in which the required directory with documents is located.
For example, let's choose event synchronization.
Here you can select multiple values at the same time. Note the execution of the operation when the OS starts and is idle.
We assign a name to the created rule.
As a result, synchronization with the selected network storage will be performed according to the specified schedule. The last item in the navigation area of the Center opens the options for managing offline files on the PC.
After completing work with the network attached storage, on the General tab, you can disable their use.
The next tab shows data on the use of disk space for storing temporary copies. When the need for them is no longer needed, you can clean up the disk from synchronization objects.
A common drawback of the considered tools is their inability to work in a group with documents. If edits are made to work files from two or more PCs at the same time, a change conflict arises. In this case, the user is forced to manually select the required version of the document.
Windows 10
Network syncing of files and folders in Windows 10 is done using similar tools. The limited options for working with folders led to the fact that the Briefcase function was excluded from the set of components. Instead, the user gets the opportunity to use the OneDrive online storage, which supports teamwork. Another available synchronization tool in Windows is the Microsoft SyncToy utility. With its help, you can work with any local and network media.
SyncToy
Work on the utility was abandoned back in 2009, but it copes with the tasks set in modern versions of operating systems.
When you start the program for the first time, the wizard for creating links is activated. Users are prompted to select "left" and "right" folders. This is how the developers "christened" the source and the recipient.
The next step is to choose the type of synchronization. There are three options available:
- Synchronize. Full synchronization of all committed file operations in both directions.
- Echo. Copying changes made in the "left" folder to the "right".
- Contribute. Selective copying. Only new or changed documents are transferred from the source to the recipient. Deletion of files is ignored.
At the final stage, set the name of the created link.
In the main window, we see a given pair of folders. If desired, you can change the selected type of synchronization or set additional rules. Here you can also remove the link or create an additional pair of directories. Pressing the marked button starts synchronization.
The progress of the operation is shown by the indicator bar. Upon completion, the window displays detailed progress statistics.
The utility supports the creation of an unlimited number of links. Operations can be performed for everyone together or by selecting the currently required pair of directories.
Finally
As you can see, folder synchronization in Windows can be organized using built-in tools or using a special utility developed by Microsoft. Additional capabilities required for teamwork can be provided by the OneDrive cloud storage, which is a component of the system.
Many users today have to work not on one, but on two or even more stationary computers (at least on work and home) - in practice, this automatically means the need to synchronize all work materials. In this regard, it is even more difficult for mobile workers, because, among other things, they cannot do without a portable PC such as a laptop, netbook or other kind of mobile computer. This means that they need to ensure the synchronization of their files also on mobile devices in order to avoid endless problems with versions of documents and projects, the resolution of which will take a lot of precious time.
Of course, you can regularly manually copy the updated files to all computers — work, home, and mobile. However, this is not the best solution, since copy and overwrite operations will have to be performed daily. It is much faster and more reliable to resort to data synchronization using a suitable utility or an online file synchronization service. We will consider several similar solutions in this article.
Synchronization Basics
To synchronize data, users can use both specialized utilities and web services. Both of them track the contents of the specified folders located in different places (for example, on two different computers), and synchronize the data in accordance with the chosen method.
There are many options for syncing files. It is most convenient if the computers are connected directly to each other via a local area network, infrared port or the Internet. In this case, data synchronization is carried out in just one step - in fact, by pressing one button in the window of the corresponding program. If there is no direct connection, the data can be synchronized using an intermediary device that is used to transfer information between two computers. A flash drive, an external hard drive, a folder on an FTP server, etc. can act as such a device. In this case, the data is synchronized in several stages: first, the files are packed from one computer and sent to the intermediary device, then this data is received on the other computer, due to which the synchronization is carried out.
All of the above is true when using utilities. As for web services, when synchronizing through them, a direct connection between the synchronized devices is not required, since the selected folders on the computer or laptop are synchronized with user data in the online storage. This implies that documents updated during work are automatically backed up in such a repository.
Since data has to be synchronized regularly (as a rule, daily), it is more convenient to automate this process - for example, analyze and synchronize files according to a set schedule or when certain events occur (for example, when a removable disk is connected, the system starts, or if updates appear in synchronized folders ). If necessary, for example, when processing large amounts of information, it is more reasonable to ignore some of the files during synchronization (it usually makes sense, for example, to exclude system and hidden files), which will reduce the time required for data processing.
File sync programs
There are many utilities for file synchronization on the market - among them there are both paid and free solutions, and a number of free products have enough functionality to meet the needs of an ordinary user. We'll look at ViceVersa, GoodSync, Allway Sync, and FreeFileSync as examples of such utilities.
As a rule, specialized utilities carry out synchronization very quickly and are easy to use, since most often they only need to configure the operation parameters once and automate this process - in the future, the programs will independently monitor the situation and synchronize files in a timely manner.
Synchronization does not cause any difficulties. First, a new task is created, two folders are specified in it - a source and a target, and, if necessary, the conditions for filtering files are determined. Then, the process of analyzing the contents of the folders is started by clicking on the button Analysis... The result of comparing data in the source and target folders is displayed on the screen with the indication of new, changed and deleted files (Fig. 1).
Rice. 1. Result of analysis of tracked folders in GoodSync
After that, you can manually start data synchronization (button Synchronization), however, it is more convenient to configure the program to automatically perform the operation. To this end, open the scheduler built into the utility and determine the time of synchronization or an event upon the occurrence of which the program should start analyzing and synchronizing files (Fig. 2).
Rice. 2. Setting up automatic synchronization in GoodSync
It is worth paying attention to one nuance. When you automatically sync files to a portable storage device (such as a USB flash drive), there may be a problem with recognizing the disk. It is more convenient if the start of file processing starts automatically when a unique device is connected, however, any USB drive will appear under the same letter when connected, which, if another flash drive is inserted, will lead to synchronization errors. In order for the program to correctly recognize the required drive, you need to manually change the path to the device, replacing the drive letter with the volume label (= VolumeName: \ folder1 \ folder2 - Fig. 3). The corresponding volume label for a specific disk can be easily set in the properties using Windows Explorer. Applying these settings ensures that the correct portable storage device is found regardless of the drive letter assigned to it.
Rice. 3. Replacing a drive letter with a volume label
at GoodSync
ViceVersa
Developer: TGRMN Software
Distribution size: Pro - 3.4 MB; Plus - 1.1 MB; Free - 708 KB
Work under control: ViceVersa Pro 2.5 and ViceVersa Plus 2.4.2 - Windows (all versions); ViceVersa Free 1.0.5 - Windows XP / Vista / 7
Price: Pro - $ 59.95 Plus - $ 34.95 Free - free
ViceVersa Pro is a well-known solution for synchronization, backup and replication of files and folders (Figure 4). It can be used to synchronize data between stationary computers, laptops, file servers, external media (hard drives, USB devices, ZIP drives, etc.), NAS, etc. This is done over a local network, over the Internet and using any external storage devices.
During synchronization, parameters such as file size and date / time of file creation, checksums, or a combination of the above parameters are analyzed. It is possible to include / exclude when analyzing subdirectories, as well as individual files, taking into account their attributes (hidden / system / read-only) and masks. You can synchronize and back up files open and locked by applications, including Outlook and Outlook Express mail databases, Word and Excel documents, and SQL databases. Data synchronization is performed manually on demand or automatically - on a schedule (for example, every day at a strictly defined time). In order to save disk space and ensure the safety of data on any medium, the program provides tools for compressing and encrypting files.
The utility is released in three editions: free Free (http://www.tgrmn.com/free/) and two commercial - basic Plus and extended Pro. The free edition is limited to comparing and synchronizing files in folders (including subfolders) between floppy drives, hard drives, network drives, and ZIP and CDs; synchronization is done manually. Plus edition allows you to work with USB-drives, hard and network drives, as well as DVD / CD, provides the ability to synchronize / back up open / locked files and can be configured to work on a schedule. The Pro edition supports all the functionality declared by the developers.
GoodSync 8.8.6
Developer: Siber Systems, Inc.
Distribution size: 7.15 MB
Work under control: Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7
Price: US $ 29.95
GoodSync is a convenient and simple tool for synchronizing and backing up files (Fig. 5). The program allows you to synchronize files between desktop and laptop computers, removable drives and servers, as well as back up important data to various media (including FTP and WebDAV servers). You can also sync files between Windows Mobile Phone or Pocket PC (Windows CE) devices and your desktop computer. Synchronization can be carried out directly between computers (in a local network or via the Internet from FTP-, WebDAV- and Secure FTP-servers) or by connecting any external storage devices (USB-disk, external HDD).
Data analysis is carried out taking into account the date / time of file modification or their size. During the analysis, hidden and system files are automatically ignored; you can configure the inclusion / exclusion of files with names that match a certain mask, as well as files of a certain size or with a certain modification time. It is possible to synchronize locked files using the Volume Shadow Copy service. To automate the synchronization process, tools are included to start synchronization on a schedule, as well as when certain events occur (for example, when a computer is connected to a local network, when a removable disk is connected to a computer, or when the system is started), the Windows scheduler can be used. To improve security, remote data synchronization is supported by file transfer over an encrypted channel (FTP over SSH and WebDAV over SSL), and when backing up, the encrypted file system EFS (Encrypting File System) can be used.
The program has a demo version that is fully functional for 30 days. In the future, it can be used by home users and non-profit organizations completely free of charge, but with restrictions - you are allowed to create up to three synchronization tasks, including no more than a hundred files. There is a special portable edition of the utility - it appears under the name GoodSync2Go and is designed for installation on USB drives.
Allway Sync 11.6.1
Developer: Botkind, Inc.
Distribution size: 6.9 MB
Work under control: Windows 2000 / XP / 2003 / Vista / 2008/7
Price: depending on license: Pro - $ 29.99; Free - free (for non-commercial use only)
Allway Sync is an easy-to-use utility designed to synchronize and back up files in folders (Fig. 6). The program provides data synchronization between desktops, laptops, external hard drives, USB drives, FTP / SFTP servers and various online data storages. Analysis of information and its updating are carried out via the local network, via the Internet and by means of external storage devices (flash drives, external hard drives, etc.).
The latest versions of files are identified based on a combination of file attributes, file size, and creation time. In order to narrow the list of analyzed files, it is allowed to include / exclude synchronization objects, taking into account the location of the file, name and attributes (only include / exclude hidden / system files). Synchronization can be carried out on demand and automatically - after a certain period of time, when a removable device is connected, when the computer is idle, etc.; it is possible to use the Windows Task Scheduler.
The program is offered in two editions: free Free and commercial Pro. Free edition allows you to sync no more than 40 thousand files within 30 days. There is a special portable edition of the utility designed for installation on a flash drive or external HDD.
FreeFileSync 4.2
Developer: ZenJu
Distribution size: 9.27 MB
Work under control: Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / 7
Price: is free
FreeFileSync is a free utility designed to compare and synchronize files between computers and removable drives (Fig. 7). Files are analyzed based on date and size. When comparing data, the directories "\ RECYCLER" and "\ System Volume Information" are ignored by default, there is also the option to include / exclude individual files based on date, size and name. It is possible to copy locked files using the Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service. There is a toolkit for creating batch jobs, the launch of which can be automated through the Windows Scheduler.
The utility is distributed under the GNU GPL license, and its installation is possible in two versions: stationary (on the user's local computer) and portable (for example, on a flash drive).
File sync services
There are a lot of services designed for file synchronization on the Web. Some of them are positioned as online repositories with the ability to synchronize, others are designed specifically for synchronization. We will focus on the two most popular syncing services - SugarSync and Dropbox, which are significantly ahead of their competitors in terms of the capabilities they provide.
Unlike utilities, services take much longer to analyze and synchronize data. The time difference, of course, is relative and is determined by the specific conditions of work on the Internet and the amount of information being synchronized - of course, with a low connection speed, the operation can take a very long time. Therefore, this method is of interest only in the case of a permanent high-speed connection to the Network. But the services have all the necessary functionality to access documents from a variety of devices that have access to the Internet, anywhere (at home, in the office, on a business trip, etc.) and at any time, which is very important for mobile users. Moreover, if necessary, you can access your documents even from someone else's computer, because tracked files are not only synchronized to all devices specified by the user, but are also backed up in the online storage. And that's not all - the use of such services greatly simplifies the exchange of files. This means that you can easily exchange documents with other employees of the company working on the same project, as well as pictures and other materials with family and friends.
In addition, it should be noted that web file synchronization does not require the simultaneous presence of all synchronized devices on the Web at the same time, since servers specially designed for this purpose are used as an intermediary. Everything is much more convenient - synchronization of each of the user-defined computers and mobile devices is carried out when they are connected to the Internet.
From a technical point of view, the use of services does not cause any difficulties. First, you need to create an account on the corresponding resource, then download the client program and install it - the client, of course, is installed on every computer on which you want to synchronize data (with the same username / password). When finished, you need to configure the synchronization parameters; in a number of services this can be done already during the installation of the service client. Setting means specifying folders that will need to be synchronized between devices in the future, you may need to define some other parameters. For example, in SugarSync you need to select a name and an icon to quickly identify your computer and only then specify the necessary folders (Fig. 8). After that, the data is downloaded to a remote server - that is, in fact, they are backed up.
Rice. 8. Configuring the client in SugarSync
Further actions depend on the selected service. So, on SugarSync, you need to additionally specify through the Manage Sync Folders module between which devices the folders should be synchronized (Fig. 9). In Dropbox, there is no need for such an operation, but on this service you will have to regularly copy the synchronized data to a folder My Documents \ Dropbox(this folder on the user's computer is created automatically when the client program is installed). After making the settings, the contents of the folders (specified by the user in the case of the SugarSync service and the Dropbox folder when using the service of the same name) will be automatically synchronized with the corresponding online servers in both directions via the Internet. As a result, all synchronized devices will always have the latest versions of tracked files. If necessary, it will be possible to access these files not only from synchronized devices, but also in the online storage - via the web interface (Fig. 10).
Rice. 9. Defining Synchronized Folders in SugarSync
Rice. 10. Access to the SugarSync online storage via the web interface
Both of these services can be used to automatically synchronize a variety of personal files (documents, pictures, music, etc.) and allow you to synchronize information between two or more computers and a variety of mobile devices. In terms of supported desktop operating systems, SugarSync has clients for Windows and Mac OS X (see table), but Dropbox also supports Linux. SugarSync and Dropbox offer a range of very attractive (especially SugarSync) plans and offer free 5GB and 2GB storage for SugarSync and Dropbox, respectively. For a number of users, a free account will be enough to synchronize documents.
It is worth noting that more free space and broader support for mobile platforms are not the only benefits of SugarSync. In terms of functionality, it is also more interesting - for example, it is more convenient to work with synchronized folders and files, a version control system is better implemented, it is possible to protect shared folders with a password, etc. In addition, the service allows you to edit documents online (edited files are opened on the user's computer in their associated applications, and then saved in the online storage), which means you can start working on a document on your office computer and finish it on your home PC. At the same time, the Dropbox service differs from SugarSync in a noticeably faster download and sync speed, and it is much easier to set up and use.
Conclusion
We have considered two different options for automatic file synchronization - using synchronization utilities and through online data synchronization services. The choice of the most preferable of the options is left to the user, since everything is very individual here. The utilities are more attractive in terms of speed and the ability to fine-tune the synchronization parameters, including processing strictly selected data types. In turn, the services provide access to up-to-date versions of files from almost any device with access to the Internet. By setting up any of the considered solutions, you can easily and simply synchronize working files and completely eliminate confusion with different versions of the same documents, which is very often the case when working on multiple computers.
