Some time ago I wrote a post describing 5 best ways to backup your files. But today I came  across a file backup and synchronization tool that is really worth mentioning – PureSync Personal. It’s reliable, very easy to use, and free.

Unlike some other similar tools, PureSync mainly focuses on local backups. For example, it’s great if you use an external hard drive to backup your files and you want to back up only files that have changed and not the whole thing. Yes, I know Vista and 7 have their own backup and sync tools, but PureSync is a lot easier to use, saves you lots of time and lets you use one program instead of two. Let’s have a closer look at it!

Features

1. Synchronization – PureSync supports local drives, server volumes such as \\MyServer\folder, some MTP devices. It also offers WebDAV support. PureSync can compare files by date, name, and by contents. It can synchronize several folders at once and supports files larger than 4GB. Another handy thing about it is that it detects conflict, e.g. if a file has been modified on both sides since the last backup. You can use a filter to sort through files and there is a restore option to undo any changes.

2. Backup – the tool can backup several files or folders at once, including subfolders. You can also choose to exclude some folders. Backed up files can be encrypted and compressed too. You can use either normal or mirror mode. If you don’t fancy doing manual backups, you can either schedule automatic backups, or choose to backup a certain file or folder whenever it gets modified.

3. FotoSync for digital cameras – this is a handy little option that allows you to download only new photos from the camera rather than the whole lot over and over again.

4. Windows Explorer integration – PureSync provides a quick and easy way to synchronize or backup by integrating into Windows Explorer context menu:

How to Use It

The interface is very clear, which make the tool very easy to use even for novice users. All the settings are available in the wizard and are very easy to understand. Here’s how to use PureSync:

1. Set up a profile
2. Select a mode – Synchronization, Backup, or Foto-Sync mode
3. 
4. Select files and folders you wish to backup and select a destination
5. 
6. Set up synchronization type – schedule, when a file is modified, when a connection is found, or manual.

PureSync runs on Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7 including the 64 bit versions. The latest version was release on the 17th of June, 2009. The software (and the website) are originally in German, so don’t freak out if you encounter spelling errors in the English version!