Network Backup with GoodSync
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I wanted a simple backup plan that would prevent me from manually copying files to an external hard drive once a week, not to mention one that covered much more than once per week.
I had an old HP desktop in storage so I purchased a new 320GB internal hard drive and a KVM switch.
I removed the stock 40GB drive after running Boot and Nuke. Unfortunately, I was doing this right before we moved and I tossed that drive out to save space. Now I wished I had kept it for possible future use.
I installed the new drive, plugged the PC into the router and the KVM switch, which I also hooked to my current desktop PC, and booted up.
I installed a VERY scaled down version of XP. I used an extra copy of Media Center, but didn’t actually install any MC components. The only extra I allowed was installing Firefox (just in case).
The first program I tried using was Microsoft’s SyncToy, which I had heard good things about. It required me using Windows Task Scheduler, which I found required me to set a password for logon. I did this, although I have no need for one on the this desktop PC. Then I encountered further compatability problems and decided to go looking for something less intrusive.
I found GoodSync on a Download.com search. I have to say I was under the impression that it was totally free, but later found that only half true.
The program worked flawlessly though. It gave me the ability to sync 2 folders to match or to sync only left-right or right-left.
I chose left-right and began choosing the folders I wanted backed up - My Documents on the C drive and the My Pictures and My Videos which were housed on an external hard drive that plugged in via USB 2.0 (G Drive). All of these I put on the “left side” in GoodSync.
I created folders on the new “backup PC” with logical names - “documents Backup”, “pictures backup”, etc. These I placed on the “right side” of GoodSync. I chose a backup schedule of every 2 hours and I was done!
Now every 2 hours my desktop PC queries my backup PC to check the files and copies (and deletes) the files on the desktop to the files on the backup. I am protected from hard drive failure - but not from natural disaster. That will be answered by off-site storage, which is a topic for another day.
A few things to watch:
- I originally chose plain old “Sync” but soon realized that every time I deleted something that within 2 hours it would be back because this option makes sure each folder matches by syncing BOTH ways. Left-right may cause me to not get a previously deleted file back, but it is much less of a headache.
- The program is not totally free. It is totally free for 30 days and then resorts to a hobbled version which can be used free forever - providing you stick to the very limited limitations. However, the full version is only $19, which by today’s software standards is close enough to free.
FINAL ANALYSIS
I highly recommend GoodSync as an easy-to-use and very affordable backup solution that works for the technologically advanced as well as the casual user.
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