Choose your backup option
You can set a profile with “rules” such that the copy happens only if the files are modified or happen irrespective of modified date or just update missing files in either or both folder.
Next, you select the source folders (the folders you want to back up or synchronise) and the destination folder (where the backup will be stored).
Using The Sync Feature
For the task at hand, which is to update the source and destination directories such that work done on two different computers is “in sync,” you’ll need to choose the option “Synchronise source directories files and sub directories with the destination directory”.
Every backup action is clearly explained
Thus, if you have file1 and file2 in the source directory, and your destination directory is empty, the files will be copied to your external hard disk. Now, let’s say you carry this external drive to another machine and add file3 and file4, and modify file2. When you sync again, the contents of the source and destination are different, so file3 and file4 will be copied to the source. As regards file2, you can choose whether or not it is copied to the source by setting the options under “Advanced”. There are many options here, but they are all self-explanatory.
Filtering
If you want only certain file types-or files with a particular name-to be copied, you can set this in the options under the Filters tab. For example, if you only want to copy .doc and .jpg files , you can specify these in “Files to copy”, and if you do not want some file types copied, then set them under “Files NOT to copy”.
Doing A Test Run
If you are unsure of the results that your settings will produce, you can simulate a run wherein the files will not be actually moved, but where you get a report of what would have happened had the task been executed. You can view the results and, if you’re satisfied, “Run” the operation.
The Expert Mode
At the bottom of the SyncBack window is a button called “Expert”. When you click on this, an array of tabs appear, which give you more features to fine-tune your backup process. For example, you can cram your backup into a Zip file to save space, or have SyncBack e-mail you a report after an operation, or even have your backup done on an FTP site. For most people, the “Easy” mode is sufficient.
Restoring Data
In a situation where you’ve backed up something and lose the original, no fear: just click on the Restore button in the SyncBack window to move data from the destination to the source. If files with the same name exist in the two folders, the copying of those files will be in accordance with the setting you chose while backing up.
readersletters@thinkdigit.com