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 Synk Standard - 6.5.2Backup & synchronization utility. |
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Featured Reviews
Good choice 
- Version: 6.4.3, 2/18/2009 07:34AM PST
(1 of 1 users found this comment useful)
dsphelps
I find this product to be very reliable. I use it to backup/sync my Users folder from laptop to a desktop, and it has been easy to work with. I started by syncing a few smaller folders until I got the hang of the settings, but it backs up over a network just fine, even mounting the disk on the other Mac.
best of it's kind - Version: 6.4, 5/28/2008 09:19AM PST
(2 of 2 users found this comment useful)
trance
This is the most stragitforward, easy and best backup software I have tried.
It even clones signifigantly faster than both superduper and CCC, and produces error free drives, unlike both SD and CCC which I have to fix with diskwarrior and every run.
The only problem is that it leaves some folders visible on the destination disk which should be invisible.
And it's a little expensive too imo, considering Time Machine is free.
It even clones signifigantly faster than both superduper and CCC, and produces error free drives, unlike both SD and CCC which I have to fix with diskwarrior and every run.
The only problem is that it leaves some folders visible on the destination disk which should be invisible.
And it's a little expensive too imo, considering Time Machine is free.
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- best of it's kind
Stay away from this software! 
- Version: 6.3.3, 3/11/2008 01:58AM PST
(3 of 4 users found this comment useful)
arrakis2
I use to really like this software for it's simplicity and reliability.
But since version 6 I've only had troubles.
I guess it's fine if you have a very simple backup setup.
But I'm backing over a network to different machines every time I check if everything is ok I found out that the backups were running for 2-3 days and then stopped for unknown reason.
I'm having this troubles on different machines and networks.
And now, what made me really give up on this software:
Yesterday my Mac OSX server ran out of space on the system drive! 0kb left on a 350Gb HDD!
I only have the system installed and a couple of extra applications.
After searching for a while, I found out that Synk has created a log file of more than 300Gb hidden in the invisible /var folder.
So I'm switching to Synchronize Pro today hoping to have a better user experience.
Thanks.
But since version 6 I've only had troubles.
I guess it's fine if you have a very simple backup setup.
But I'm backing over a network to different machines every time I check if everything is ok I found out that the backups were running for 2-3 days and then stopped for unknown reason.
I'm having this troubles on different machines and networks.
And now, what made me really give up on this software:
Yesterday my Mac OSX server ran out of space on the system drive! 0kb left on a 350Gb HDD!
I only have the system installed and a couple of extra applications.
After searching for a while, I found out that Synk has created a log file of more than 300Gb hidden in the invisible /var folder.
So I'm switching to Synchronize Pro today hoping to have a better user experience.
Thanks.
Version 6 difficulties - Version: 6.3, 12/14/2007 12:04PM PST
(3 of 3 users found this comment useful)
cordy1
I'm a long time (many years) Synk user and owner of a 5.2.3 license that I use all the time. Last week I bought 6.3 as well. It has a very nice interface and some great new features I like.
Unfortunately, even though I've only been using it for a week, I've had to revert to 5.2.3 for my use due to speed and reliability problems. The speed issue is simply that a null synchronize (one where everything is already up to date) of several thousand files of about 6 Gb total size between my laptop and my desktop is noticeably (i.e. at least two times) faster in 5.2.3 than 6.3. I have no idea why, and I don't have time to experiment. As far as I know, I have the settings set identically.
But worse, after using 6.3 the sixth time or so, it came up the next time with a message saying something about the Synk preferences being corrupted and that it would move them and make new ones. I knew why they were corrupted, since 6.3 crashed on the previous run (which is in itself worrisome), but I didn't worry about it since I figured it would make new prefs and I could start over.
But instead, when it made the new prefs, it went into a a never-ending wait state where the window was only half drawn, and eventually I had to force quit Synk 6.3 to continue working. After retrying a couple of tries I gave up, removed all Synk files and reinstalled 5.2.3, which is working just fine for me now.
In case you're thinking the obvious, there is nothing at all wrong with this machine and it's working reliably in every way. (Trust me, I work on it 10 hours a day, every day, including Parallels and SheepShaver runs, so it's solid.)
So unfortunately I can't continue using 6.3 even though I now own one. I just can't afford the risk of unreliable backups. Synk is a wonderful product, but this version doesn't work well for me, and I'm permanently reverting to the very reliable 5.2.3. Your mileage may of course vary.
Unfortunately, even though I've only been using it for a week, I've had to revert to 5.2.3 for my use due to speed and reliability problems. The speed issue is simply that a null synchronize (one where everything is already up to date) of several thousand files of about 6 Gb total size between my laptop and my desktop is noticeably (i.e. at least two times) faster in 5.2.3 than 6.3. I have no idea why, and I don't have time to experiment. As far as I know, I have the settings set identically.
But worse, after using 6.3 the sixth time or so, it came up the next time with a message saying something about the Synk preferences being corrupted and that it would move them and make new ones. I knew why they were corrupted, since 6.3 crashed on the previous run (which is in itself worrisome), but I didn't worry about it since I figured it would make new prefs and I could start over.
But instead, when it made the new prefs, it went into a a never-ending wait state where the window was only half drawn, and eventually I had to force quit Synk 6.3 to continue working. After retrying a couple of tries I gave up, removed all Synk files and reinstalled 5.2.3, which is working just fine for me now.
In case you're thinking the obvious, there is nothing at all wrong with this machine and it's working reliably in every way. (Trust me, I work on it 10 hours a day, every day, including Parallels and SheepShaver runs, so it's solid.)
So unfortunately I can't continue using 6.3 even though I now own one. I just can't afford the risk of unreliable backups. Synk is a wonderful product, but this version doesn't work well for me, and I'm permanently reverting to the very reliable 5.2.3. Your mileage may of course vary.
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Getting better and better - Version: 6.2, 9/7/2007 10:35PM PST
(1 of 1 users found this comment useful)
Jay
The best backup app out there has finally matured! This version has no bugs that I'm aware of. After my first backup with this new version there were still lots of "conflicts" (most of which made no sense to me), but since my second beckup the conflicts have disappeared. And it's fast too. I think the developer has come into his own. I can finally trash SuperDuper.
Got 6.1 running... - Version: 6.1, 7/18/2007 09:11AM PST
ffass
Follow up to my previous post:
I wrote to the developer and he replied back with some questions. I'm inpatient and didn't want to go back and forth diagnosing this problem so I just trashed the Synk folder located in /Library/Application Support. Note that this deleted my scripts and registration. I re-registered Synk (by opening my registration file that was emailed to me) and rebuilt my scripts and now it seems to be working fine.
I wrote to the developer and he replied back with some questions. I'm inpatient and didn't want to go back and forth diagnosing this problem so I just trashed the Synk folder located in /Library/Application Support. Note that this deleted my scripts and registration. I re-registered Synk (by opening my registration file that was emailed to me) and rebuilt my scripts and now it seems to be working fine.
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Version 6.1 has problems - Version: 6.1, 7/18/2007 08:37AM PST
ffass
It will not install the required "Synk Helper" and my old scripts now fail. Previous version was fine. Others are having the same problems, too, so you may want to wait for an update.
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An Excellent Synchronization Tool - Version: 6.0.3c, 3/31/2007 01:55PM PST
macon.cowles
I have been using Retrospect to backup my Macs for years. I have just gone to a Macbook Pro, and am currently considering other backup software because of Retrospect's purported inability to deal adequately with metadata. See http://blog.plasticsfuture.org/2006/04/23/mac-backup-software-harmful
I have used Synk for more 18 months to synchronize an iMac G5 with the Powerbook Ti that I am just retiring after five good years. It is a very good synching program. By that, I mean that 1) if you look at the preview window, it shows you exactly what it will do, and in the case of ambiguity, the ambiguity is flagged so that YOU can make the choice about which file is used as the master. 2) It provides an option to backup each filed that otherwise would be deleted during a synchronization--a backup that occurs rapidly during synchronization itself. 3) At the conclusion of the synchronization, you can fire up either side of the Synk and all your files will be there--especially the email files which, in this modern day, change very rapidly. 4) It has a pleasing and simple interface. 5) The creator of the software is accessible and responsive for questions from registered users.
I regard this software as effective, pleasant to use, and a great value. And because I have recently read a highly favorable review of the backup capability of Synk, I am going to start using it for backup--in place of Retrospect--since it copies metadata more effectively. See http://mac360.com/index.php/mac360/comments/mac_backups_get_easier_better_faster_with_synk/
I have used Synk for more 18 months to synchronize an iMac G5 with the Powerbook Ti that I am just retiring after five good years. It is a very good synching program. By that, I mean that 1) if you look at the preview window, it shows you exactly what it will do, and in the case of ambiguity, the ambiguity is flagged so that YOU can make the choice about which file is used as the master. 2) It provides an option to backup each filed that otherwise would be deleted during a synchronization--a backup that occurs rapidly during synchronization itself. 3) At the conclusion of the synchronization, you can fire up either side of the Synk and all your files will be there--especially the email files which, in this modern day, change very rapidly. 4) It has a pleasing and simple interface. 5) The creator of the software is accessible and responsive for questions from registered users.
I regard this software as effective, pleasant to use, and a great value. And because I have recently read a highly favorable review of the backup capability of Synk, I am going to start using it for backup--in place of Retrospect--since it copies metadata more effectively. See http://mac360.com/index.php/mac360/comments/mac_backups_get_easier_better_faster_with_synk/
It simply didn't work; kept failing / erroring - Version: 6.0.2, 12/5/2006 07:26PM PST
(0 of 2 users found this comment useful)
Macspudster
Synk Standard simply keeps failing. Alot of errors, such as 'Item Vanished".
The Help states: A file or folder seen during scanning or preview has disappeared during execution of the script.
This error usually occurs because the user changed the contents of a folder while Synk is working on it.
Try the following:
Do not change any of the folders Synk is working on while it is running.
---
Thing is, I ain't doing a darn thing to the 'puter 'cept watching it run/backup.
I've given Synk root access, too.
Glad there is a trial period before I *sinked* any money.
Consider renaming the app to Stynk...
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- It simply didn't work; kept failing / erroring (1 replies)
Fails to backup to network drives - Version: 6.0.2, 12/5/2006 08:01AM PST
(1 of 2 users found this comment useful)
Peregrin Took
Synk will consistently fail with a "disk full" error when attempting to back up to a network volume, even to Apple's own servers. Developer on their support forums blames the server implementations of the AFP protocol, but other backup utilities have no such problems, even with multi-gigabyte files and folders. For now, at least, avoid this utility if you plan to backup to a network volume.
