[tkmd]

I have attempted to search in vain in these forums for an acceptable back up solution. Perhaps someone has a suggestions that would fit the following needs for me when backing up to an external HD:

1. The software backs up files and folders in their true form, ie not in some proprietary format that contains the files that I have to search for a file by having to press "show package contents"- yes I'm talking about apples Backup program.

2. when backing up a folder the program is able to tell that there are duplicate files (between the original folder and the backup folder on the external HD) and not waste time coping those.

[Macola]

Just about any decent backup program will do #2 for you. As for #1, try Deja Vu ($25) or LaCie Silverkeeper (free), or wait for besson3c to give you the usual lecture about using the Terminal.

[glypht]

I recently went on a quest to find the best backup software for my needs and, after testing a whole bunch, I came to the conclusion that SmartBackup was the best.

You can specify drives or folders to backup, or backup from a Spotlight query. It can keep a version history of changed files or it can simply do a full sync. As an added bonus for besson3c it can even be run from the terminal and therefore added to cron.

Plus it's real purdy, Universal, Leopard-ready, Automator-compatible and less than $20, basically it's a top notch Mac app. Give it a whirl...

[angelmb]

No thread about backup can be took seriously without naming SuperDuper!

SuperDuper!

[tkmd]

Yes but isn't superduper more of a cloning / entire HD backup solution?

[glypht]

Originally Posted by tkmd 

Yes but isn't superduper more of a cloning / entire HD backup solution?

It can do straight cloning or you can create custom backup scripts with a bit of juggling.

*cough* SmartBackup *cough*

Ahem.

[zerostar]

I use Synk Standard ($35) Decimus Software - Makers of Synk and it does exactly what you are looking for and is very easy to setup and later retrieve files. It can even keep weekly/daily/hourly file changes for you if you so desire.

I think the $25 version will do all you need as well. I liked it much better than SuperDuper!

We use the pro version at work (in addition to retrospect) and to retrieve a file it takes seconds and has saved my butt numerous times when I needed an older version of a project. Retrospect takes a few minutes to an hour (depending on tape) to retrieve something! I keep Synk files on an external raid for super-fast back ups & access.

[besson3c]

Originally Posted by Macola 

Just about any decent backup program will do #2 for you. As for #1, try Deja Vu ($25) or LaCie Silverkeeper (free), or wait for besson3c to give you the usual lecture about using the Terminal.

Hey, I'm actually open and receptive to products that will allow me to do network backup syncs and can be scheduled to run based on time interval rather an an absolute time of day (since our laptops are awake at often unpredictable times). Bonus if it doesn't force focus or become intrusive in its operation (e.g. have to launch an app that stays open after operation), and bonus if it is free/open source, or really cheap.

Basically, what I have now is perfect. About the only thing it could stand in form of improvement is a GUI for configuration, but I'm not even sure if I'd be willing to pay $20 or $30 for a GUI.

[peeb]

I use silverkeeper for regular backups, it's not fancy so far as I can see, but it's free and it works.