Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
Users working between multiple workstations may need to access the same file from different computers and back up data between them. ChronoSync for Mac is a welcome program for those users and syncs data quickly and securely.
The program offers a free trial version available with a 500-file transfer limit while the full version requires $40 to unlock. The setup of ChronoSync for Mac went smoothly despite requiring acceptance of a lengthy user agreement. Upon first starting the program up, the user can choose to open a complete user manual, which is a welcome addition to this type of program, as novice users may not understand all of the features. Technical support for updates was also present. Upon starting, the user interface was easy to decipher, with left and right transfer folders similar to FTP programs for server upload. The user can select to back up and sync between folders in the same device, or on a different computer linked via a network. Many options are available to restrict or permit syncing of certain files or criteria. The buttons for operating the program's main features were easy to locate, even if the instructions were not used. Actual syncing completed quickly and without error, as would be expected.
For those users backing up files between networked computers, ChronoSync for Mac performs well and offers all expected features.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of ChronoSync for Mac 4.3.7.
Publisher's Description
From Econ Technologies:
ChronoSync easily synchronizes or backs-up files and folders in a variety of ways. Synchronize files between folders, hard drives, removable media, laptops, file servers, or any computer, not just a Macintosh. ChronoSync offers these capabilities: Fully customizable toolbar. All synchronization settings are stored in separate, self-contained, double-click- able documents that can be run or modified at any time. Synchronize files in any direction or bi-directionally. Establish simple, intermediate, or advanced rules to include or exclude files by name, size, date, extension, plus other more advanced options.
What's new in this version:
- Modified the logic that tests to confirm an SMB volume is still mounted to improve compatibility with certain NAS devices.
- The auto-update check interval has been reduced from 3 days to 1 day.
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All versions:
4.0 starsout of 114 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
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"Clean, simple and fast"
Version: ChronoSync 4.3.5
Pros
Easy to use and good documentation. And, apparently, updates for life---I'm only 82 so we'll see. I've been using it for several years with no problems.
I synch passwords between two computers and home folders between two others, all on a network without a hitch.Cons
I haven't encountered any.
Summary
I like it.
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"Locks up machine FREQUENTLY, bad for Hard Drives"
Version: ChronoSync 4.3.2
Pros
I would say ease of use, but the headaches this has caused far outweigh anything else.
Cons
Been using this for years and the latest version 4.3.2 has again resurrected an old problem where the background scheduler will hang and force quit does not work. Unless you kill the process immediately from the Activity Monitor, the only way to get out of it is to hold down the power button, machines will not restart. Even without any scheduled backups it will launch anyway. (It is not able to recognize saved preference changes.) I do not recommend this software in any way, go with something more reliable. No phone support, when your machine hangs, find another way to send an email and then wait.
Summary
Unreliable, hangs machine frequently forcing hard shut down, this is very bad for hard drives. Forget using this for backups, this is the CAUSE of losing data.
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"Not for me with Mac OS 4.11"
Version: ChronoSync 4.3.1
Pros
Seems to work with later versions of software.
Cons
Running G5 8 gig ram dual 2.7 GHz wit 4.11. Backup drive will not boot.
I reformatted the backup drive again and had the same result.Summary
Only for later mac OS and computers.
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"Did everything it claims"
Version: ChronoSync 4.1.2
Pros
Excellent interface
Cons
Needs too much space when Apple Aperture Library is being backed up
Summary
Would give it 5 stars if it did not need to duplicate files x 2
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"Love this program"
Version: ChronoSync 4.1.0
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
I really love this program for backups and syncing. Have used it for a year or so now and it's been great. Never had a problem with it. I'm also using ChronoAgent and that works great as well. -
"ChronoSync - Mac OS X"
Version: ChronoSync 4.0.5
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
I have been using ChronoSync for several years to back up
all of the files that support my commercial photo gallery and personal
work as a wildlife photographer.
I prefer manual backups because my experience with automatic systems
has been unsatisfactory.
Chronosync is an intuitive, reliable product. It quickly becomes like
a comfortable pair of shoes.
I rely on it daily.
Regards,
David Krughoff
photoartcanada.com Ltd. -
"Excellent product with a few minor issues."
Version: ChronoSync 4.0.5
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
I have used this product with its counterpart ChronoAgent for a while now. I like both products, and they are pretty easy to setup. The explanations for each of the checkable or settable options, seems to be well documented, so you know how to set all those cool little options. I like the hierarchy of documents, and the scheduling is very nice. There are 2 drawbacks that I notice on a very regular basis.
1) First, I go from my home network settings to another location to use their network with my laptop. So, I change my network settings location when I go from one network source to another. When I return home and change back to my first network source, I MUST, go into ChronoAgent preference pane, and turn off ChronoAgent and then back on, or the system will not find and connect to my laptop at night when it goes to do its nightly sycnh. I have no idea if this is the ChronoAgent's fault or the ChronoSynch's fault, but I have brought it to the attention of the developer quite a long time ago. They commented right away (which was nice), but stated that at least I recognized the issue, and have a workaround. They will get to it someday. Of course to this day, no fix has been forthcoming.
2) Almost on a regular basis with Chronosync, I get the error emails, because there is usuallly some .DS_Store file that seems to have a conflict and can't be resolved. So, I think there are errors and the synch has not been done, when usually it is just the folder settings that have not been copied. I wish that would get resolved as well.
There is a feature I would love to see. I have a few documents with a few folders that I synch nightly. If there is an error, I need to go into the Analyze portion of the document window, and click on trial synch to see where the conflicts are. Yes, if I search through all the folders, looking for the error, I will eventually find it, but I then have to open the triangle for each folder, look through the subfolders, open them up etc.. to find the problem, or just do the trial synch which is faster, but should also not be necessary. There should be some sort of Analyze view change button which allows me to change to a filtered list of files with only the conflicts, and allow me to choose which one and then synch them as necessary.
Other than that, this software is worth every penny and I highly recommend it. I am very glad I made the purchase.
Best Regards,
Kevin Shapiro -
"Greatest network backup software for the Mac..."
Version: ChronoSync 4.0.4
Summary
...Replac
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Bravo!! Wonderful!! Excellent!! This program is outstanding!! This program, along with the company's ChronoAgent software, is wonderful for backing up an entire network of Macs!
After 8 months of total hell with unreliable and incomplete backups with Retrospect 8 (see my posts in the EMC Retrospect 8 forum under the name "scotty321" for all of my hell with the product, along with the hundreds of other users who are also having problems with this product), I have FINALLY found my replacement backup software and am now gladly & happily saying goodbye to Retrospect for good!
I am now using ChronoSync and ChronoAgent for my backup software!
I'm using them successfully at multiple different office locations, including one office location that has 17 Macs on their network. ChronoSync and ChronoAgent work absolutely flawlessly on a nightly basis to backup multiple computers onto multiple external hard drives.
In fact, ChronoSync and ChronoAgent do EVERY SINGLE THING that Retrospect 8 does (except backup Windows clients)... but they do it elegantly, they do it with better error reporting, they do it with a much better user interface, and they do it with significantly better pricing as well. You can backup an entire network of 25 Macs for only $190, with no upgrade fees ever!
So, goodbye for life, Retrospect... you have burned way too many bridges with me and have caused me way too much grief for any one person to have in their lifetime.
And hello again, old friends at econtechnologies.com! Thank you for giving us the best backup software in the Mac industry!! -
"FINALLY! A Replacement For Retrospect!"
Version: ChronoSync 4.0.4
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Working in a small graphic design firm, I've found it very hard to manage the back up of large amounts of data from our 10 workstations to our central XServe and RAID. Our only viable solution has been Retrospect... which has always been suited more for tape back-ups, and has become almost impossible to use for disk-to-disk back-ups due to errors, crashes, hang-ups, etc.
The combination of ChronoSync and ChronoAgent was the solution I had been waiting for. The combination of these two programs has allowed me to duplicate the centralized functionality of Retrospect without the constant headaches.
I purchased the ChronoSync program and installed it on the server. Then I installed the Agent programs on each system. The result is like a very slimmed down (and much more reliable) version of Retrospect. All for a fraction of the cost!
It is backing up each system to our RAID MUCH faster than Retrospect and minus all of the hang-ups and errors and it still allows me to maintain centralized control of multiple system back ups.
If you are still saddled with Retrospect and have phased out tape backups... this may be the solution you've been looking for. -
"Great For My Purposes"
Version: ChronoSync 4.0.2
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
I use an iMac at home and a laptop when travelling, so before and after each trip, I need to sync the machines. It works beautifully for this. The instructions can be a bit intimidating, but I haven't need to customize it much. I simply update several main folders (Docs, Desktop, etc.), and it works without a hitch. I haven't used it over a network, so I can't speak to that. But for my purposes, it's a dream.
