tallon — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 00:45:11 +0000

Never heard of it. I'll go check it out...

Greg K — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 20:53:36 +0000

what ever happened to windows "Breifcase"? wasn't that supposed to be specifically for syncing a portable system with a desktop?

after typing this i decided to go look... Here is info on it, I guess it is still in use: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307885&sd=tech

-Greg

tallon — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 20:23:13 +0000

I think I found a good program for file synching.

Foldershare does (supposedly) great file synching/sharing. Microsoft also bought it last month... and then (for some reason) made the service free. Seems to be the best & cheapest solution! Between this and backing up my data on disks, it's all I need. Thx for the help.

Oh, Foldershare even works between windows/macs. (not sure about linux)

tallon — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 19:07:37 +0000

Thx for the help...
I hadn't even considered using rewritabe DVD's!

I'd still REALLY like to have my desktop and laptop auto-synch with each other (for a specific folder on each, since I'll be using both for graphic design/etc). If I can just find a program that can do that, and then use DVD rewritables for backup... that'd be the best route (and least expensive).

If anyone knows some great programs that could do that, I'm all ears!

compwolf — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 01:40:39 +0000

From experience I have had external HDD fail. especially if you are using in a mobile manner. The only sure way to guarantee your data is to go with rewritable DVD media. Another option is just to invest in a memory stick for the quickie stuff that changes often and use the rewritable discs for a more long term storage.

Personally I have three memory sticks (a Gig stick and two 512 sticks) and enough DVD media to fill a small safe. I have been thankful more than once that I had it backed up on disc when my system failed or I cleaned it up and a month later found I deleted something I needed. As a computer repair technician I have seen many Laptops that have gone years without problems and some that act up constantly. Many of the people that have the problem do not think it will ever happen to them, or they are caught by the "I'll back it up later" syndrome.

To put it simply ... if it is important enough to make a save of it ... BACK IT UP!! The cost of DVD media is so inexpensive (and even CD if the projects are so small that you don't need 4.3 Gigs of space) that it is well worth the time to make the disc.

demonhale — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 14:20:06 +0000

Yes They Do have backup software included, read the box if you are not sure...

tallon — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 03:11:18 +0000

Does an external drive usually come with synching and backup software?

also, if you know, is it possible to have it backup only the contents of a single folder? (ie: so i could have the desktop backup to one folder, the laptop to another... if i so chose)

demonhale — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 02:19:00 +0000

You can do that or get external HDD that are about 250 Gigs to 300 Gigs (would be enough for most) This is where you backup important data, you can also bring it anywhere with you... Thats what I do... Also if you want a cheaper alternative, buy regular internal HDD and buy an USB adaptor which will cost you about 50 USD . . . would function the same way as commercial external HDD but without the synching and backup software...