I tried several file synchronization applications that work in Panther and File Synchronization was the best. I would agree with everything cron69 wrote and add just a little.

Pros:

- You can easily SEE all the jobs at one time. Some other synch apps keep jobs in separate little windows. It's easy to see the overall setup at a glance.

- It's faster than some other synch apps. I was able to test FoldersSynchronizer thanks to the generosity of the developer, who sent me a 15-day license. (Otherwise, I could synch only 40 files, period.) I did two tests: backing up (one way copy) a copy of my entire iPhoto Library (a bit over 715 MB) and synching (two-way) the iPhoto Library copy. For the latter test, I deleted a different major (year) folder in the iPhoto library folder in the source and target, the same folders for each test. After the synch, the two libraries should be the same. This isn't a definitive test, as I didn't change any files, just deleted them, but it should give some idea of the speed.

I did both tests synching from a 20-inch iMac G4, OS 10.3.9, to a FireWire external HD and to a 12-inch PowerBook G4, also OS 10.3.9, using an Airport Extreme base station about 3 feet from the PowerBook. The PowerBook's HD was mounted on the iMac's desktop. For the backup test, I did a Finder copy as a baseline. In all cases, there were no other applications running other than background stuff that runs all the time. Below are the times for each test in minutes:seconds.

Backup iPhoto Library iMac HD->FireWire HD:

- Finder 3:27
- File Synchronization 1:32
- FoldersSynchronizer 4:26

Backup iPhoto Library iMac HD->PowerBook:

- Finder 4:13
- File Synchronization 7:21
- FoldersSynchronizer 8:20

Synch changes iMac HD->FireWire HD:

- File Synchronization 0:54
- FoldersSynchronizer 2:20

Synch changes iMac HD->PowerBook:

- File Synchronization 2:56
- FoldersSynchronizer 3:54

The PowerBook times are longer because of the wireless connection and the heavy interaction, both ways.

The difference in times is striking and consistent. File Synchronization actually beat the Finder in the backup to FireWire HD test. I wouldn't suggest using either application as a routine way to copy large blocks of files, especially over a wireless connection.


- The trial version is time-limited, rather than with restricted features. Some trials only allow you to synch a small number of files, do only one synch for each time you launch the program, etc.

- File Synchronization is pretty straight-forward to use, especially if you have used a file sync/backup program before. The built-in help system is pretty good--better than most.

Cons:

- Cannot clone a drive or create a bootable disk/image.

Overall, this is a really nice application and you can't beat the price.