Synchronize It! 3.3

Overview

Synchronize It! is a data synchronization tool for ensuring that files in one location are mirrored to a secondary location as well.

The software can compare the contents of two folders and indicate where a file has been updated and is newer in one folder than the other folder. The preview between the folders can include access to sub folders as well, or specifically exclude them.

Predefined rules can be used to determine when to update or synchronize. This can simplify matters so not everything needs to be conducted manually.

The software can also compare folder contents with a backed up file archive to see whether there are file changes since the backup archive was created. This can be extremely useful for users who perform regular backups but need certain backups to be updated regularly.

Synchronize It! can also take advantage of command line switches in order to issue different commands to the application. Therefore, scheduled scripts can be run to initiate synchronization actions when away from the computer.

Folder details can be saved as an HTML file.

Installation

The software requires 3.0 MB of available space for the setup. There is also an option to use the Windows registry to store the program settings which is preferred for business environments according to the setup program.

There was no adware, toolbars, malware or spyware included with the software.

Synchronize It! requires Windows 95, 98, ME, XP, NT 4.x, 2000 or 2003.

Interface

The interface is both busy and colorful with ample use of white, orange, green and blue colors.

Two folders are displayed essentially in a dual-pane file manager-type environment.

There is a menu system with top-line menu commands for File, Filters, View, Tools, and Help. Below that are small toolbar command buttons which are well designed and clear what clicking each button will do.

The date, time, file size and file name are shown in each folder pane with an arrow in the center between each pane indicating which folder is more up to date. The “Synchronize” button at the bottom is the main action button to re-manually synchronize between the two folders.

Pros

• Synchronize between two folders
• Set automatic rules to run sync procedures regularly
• Run manual sync procedures
• Compare file archives to existing folder to see what files have changed since the file archive was created
• Command line switches
• Export folder details as an HTML file

Cons

• The columns within the folder interface lack headings and the interface could confuse users inexperienced with using folder/file syncing software

Alternatives

FreeFileSync (free) is an open-source alternative syncing package that is cross-platform too. Other similar software include SyncToy (free) and GoodSync (free).

Conclusion

Synchronize It! offers some good syncing features to ensure the folder contents are matches in two folder locations on a regular basis.