The encryption feature is quite nice as it encrypts at the file level. Toucan has an uglier and less intuitive user interface and experience and only runs on Windows, but it is a portable program, and unlike FreeFileSync, it can do sync, backup and encryption, so you don’t need to use different tools for each of those needs. Third, the file comparison results are more straightforward. Second, it offers a versioning feature, which lets you preserve files that have been deleted or overwritten. First, it can include multiple folder pairs in one sync job, which can be very convenient, especially if you want to sync nested folders separately but at the same time. There are a few reasons you might wish to choose FreeFileSync over Toucan. Finally, you can install FreeFileSync either locally or as a portable installation (donation required for the latter).ĭepending upon your computer abilities, you might be intimidated by the interface, but FreeFileSync is easier to use than it looks at first and the built-in help files are good as well. FreeFileSync also lets you decide how to handle any necessary file deletions, deleting them permanently, moving them to the recycle bin, or keeping a user-defined number of versions in a dedicated directory. It can copy locked files, detect conflicts and propagate deletions, support symbolic links, create batch files which you can schedule to run via the built in Windows Task Scheduler (or cron for Linux), process multiple folder pairs, copy extended attributes and security permissions, access variable drive letters by volume name, and use basic filters to include/exclude file types. If you don’t want to investigate them all, my top two recommendations are FreeFileSync (my personal choice) and Toucan.įreeFileSync is a popular free program for Windows, Mac, or Linux that supports four synchronization methods: Two way (identify and propagate changes on both sides), Mirror (make right match left), Update (copy new and updated files from left to right) and Custom (configure your own rules). Thankfully, not quite as many as online cloud syncing services, but still quite a few. There are some good local sync programs available. Because of poor support across the different operating systems that you may use. Because you are not allowed to use such services at work or campus due to IT restrictions.To avoid bandwidth related issues (e.g., poor connection speeds, data plan, or other usage limits).To sync files that are too large for individual upload limits or that would put you over your account storage limits.To sync files that you aren’t comfortable keeping in the cloud (for security or other reasons).Windows File History and Backup and RestoreĬloud syncing services like Dropbox are great, but there are some legitimate reasons to seek out alternatives for local and network backup and syncing, including:.
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