SyncBackFree is a free file backup and synchronization utility from 2BrightSparks. They also made SyncBackSE and SyncBackPro, both paid versions with more features. SyncBackFree can accomplish many of the same tasks that make this line of software so powerful, and it does it for free.
Pros
- Fast and lightweight
- File backups and synchronization
- Easy and expert modes
Cons
- Can’t copy locked/open files
- No SmartSync
The Bottom Line
SyncBackFree is a nice, lightweight file backup and synchronization program for users that don’t need to copy locked/open files.
Backup Performance
SyncBackFree lets you choose between three different types of profiles:
- Backup
- Synchronization
- Mirroring
Each serves a different purpose, depending on how you want your files to be copied. A backup profile will copy your files in one direction. A synchronization profile will keep two directories the same. And a mirror profile will keep one directory identical to another directory.
SyncBackFree supports internal/external drives, network drives, and FTP. You can also specify compression, to save space.
There are Easy and Expert modes to suit different kinds of users. Easy mode is good for new users or those who want to keep things simple. Expert mode unlocks many advanced features, such as encryption, pre/post commands, logging, and FTP.
Since SyncBackFree doesn’t support incremental backups, I recommend making multiple profiles for daily, weekly, and monthly backups. This ensures you’ll have more than one backup to restore data from.
I did run into some errors about copying locked/open files. This is to be expected, since SyncBackFree doesn’t support copying them.
My backup profiles.
Although SyncBackFree doesn’t support SmartSync like the SE or Pro versions, it’s still good for simple synchronization tasks. SmartSync basically means it can “sense” deletions. Without it, it cannot tell a new file on one side from a deletion on the other.
Recovery Performance
To recover your files, right click on a Backup profile and click “Restore”. SyncBackFree will then copy your files back to your computer. You can also choose a specific directory to restore to.
Support
There’s a help manual, which describes all the features in the program. There’s also a knowledgebase and FAQ.
Since SyncBackFree isn’t paid software, no free technical support is offered. You can browse the forums and ask questions, however. 2BrightSparks has an active community of users on their forums.
| Specifications | |
| Product Name | SyncBackFree |
| Version | 6.2.30 |
| License | Freeware |
| Price | Free |
| Operating Systems | Window |
| Backup Types | |
| Files and Folders | |
| Full Disk Image | |
| Incremental | |
| Differential | |
| Backup Destinations | |
| Hard Drive | |
| Removable Media | |
| Network Shares | |
| Blu-ray | |
| CD/DVD | |
| FTP | |
| SFTP | |
| Online Storage | |
| Features | |
| Compression | |
| Encryption | |
| Email Notifications | |
| Error Handling | |
| File Versioning | |
| Priority Setting | |
| Scheduling | |
| Speed Limiting | |
| Synchronization | |
Geoff Akerlund
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