CNET Editors' review
The program provides standard functionality for backing up and synchronizing your data. Like many similar applications, Second Copy is based on profiles that store information about what files to back up, where and when to do so, and so on.
The program can back up 25 versions of the same file, handy for those users who routinely make a lot of changes. All you have to do to create a new profile is modify a similar one. You can group numerous profiles and run backups automatically in the background. For more advanced users, the program offers FTP support, command-line options, and macros.
Its otherwise handy and clear interface would gain from integrating dialog and option windows in the common shell, but what it really lacks is a tree view for profiles. However, Second Copy's functionality and price are adequate for both small-business and home users, especially those comfortable with technology.
Publisher's Description
From Centered Systems:
Copies files and folders from one location to another on the same drive, another drive or across the network. You can setup "profiles" that describe the source location, the destination location, and the frequency at which you want to copy the files. Second Copy monitors the source files for changes or additions and then automatically copies the new or changed files to their designated destination. An easy to use setup profile Wizard, makes configuration job a snap. Advanced options include PKZIP compatible compression, password protection, directory synchronization and background thread priority control. You can also include or exclude specific file or sets of files from the copy and keep up to 25 old versions of files. Once you configure the profiles with your important file locations, the program sits as an icon in Windows "system tray" and unobtrusively copies files in the background. A must have for those who hate backups.
What's new in this version:
- Fixed: Files were recopied during ExactCompress when source is \\UNC name.
- Fixed: Displaying Quick start guide on multi-monitor systems.
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 323 votes
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Current version:
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My rating:
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"Dcent software for the price"
Version: Second Copy 8.0.5.3
Pros
Surprisingly flexable backups
Cons
Tends to choke on hundreds of thousands of files. If you have that many, it will need lots of memory and and time
Summary
Terrific end user backup made simple
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"Version 8 prone to wiping out everything being sync-ed"
Version: Second Copy 8.0.5.3
Pros
Used to be a very good reliable product which I've used since 2003.
Easy to use.Cons
Version 8 is prone to deleting ALL files in the Source folder and then wiping out Destination during Sync operation. Killer for a sync application. Do not use.
Summary
At some point I noticed SecondCopy 8 taking unusually long time to sync my two computers. Turns out it was wiping out my Documents folder on the Destination computer. On the subsequent sync it would've wiped out the Source. I contacted the company. Remarkably they knew that this could happen starting with a Destination folder if you mount it a mapped drive (the usual way). But my case turned out to be different. For some reason SC8 thinks my Source folder is empty, even though it's not and proceeds to make the Destination empty. Support at Second Copy said "That is very strange. Please send us the "profiles.dat" and "log.rtf" files for analysis." I did. Have not heard back from them for more than a week. Pinged them a few days ago. Nothing. I think they are having a major problem. Stay away from Second Copy until they solve this.
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"Easy Backup Tool"
Version: Second Copy 8.0.5.3
Pros
Multiple Profiles
Somewhat Easy to Use
Easy scheduling of backupCons
I can't think of anything.
Summary
I have been using this software for over 20 years. I have tried many different backup programs, but have always depended on Second Copy. Unlike some software companies that use the users to test their software, Second Copy is always well tested. Plus I wish to add that their support is great. Best overall backup software and fairly easy to use. Set it and forget it. When you need it, your backup will be there.
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"V8.0.5.3 Problematic"
Version: Second Copy 8.0.5.3
Pros
Easy to install, intuitive interface for creating/monitoring profiles
Cons
V8.0.5.3 buggy on my W2K8 server - despite the best efforts of SecondCopy support, cannot keep GUI alive for more than a day at a time. Weak open file support, and FTP component doesn't detect changed files (all files, select files, or nothing).
Summary
Will probably roll back to previous version or look elsewhere - average product for the money.
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"Excellent for backup"
Version: Second Copy 8.0.5.2
Pros
Fast, customized scheduling, content, target locations, etc.
Cons
none encountered of significance to me
Summary
I've used second copy for several years, through several updates, and have found it to be the best I've used for backups. It allows me to customize my backups, creating different profiles for different files, directories, to different target computers or drives, etc. It archives several backups according to my preferences for # and location. It provides a wonderful sense of security regarding important files and materials which represent a huge number of hours of work over time.
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"Excellent, reliable, quick backup"
Version: Second Copy 8.0.4.1
Pros
Easy to set up backup profiles, times, etc.
Cons
None that I can think of.
Summary
I've use this software for backup for years, through several iterations. It has always worked well, and continues to be improved.
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"Best personal backup software for Windows."
Version: Second Copy 8.0.4.1
Pros
Set it and forget it. You have complete control over which files get backed up, and how often. With the new ability to copy in use files on Windows 7, it is even better.
Cons
I have been using Second Copy since 1999 and have found nothing to dislike.
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"Great program"
Version: Second Copy 8.0.4.1
Pros
easy use, reliable
Cons
non amy found
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"Second Copy is the BEST!!"
Version: Second Copy 8.0.3
Pros
Easy and Basic and GREAT customer service
Cons
None whatsover in my opinion
Summary
I'm a non-tech person and this program was easy to install and works flawlessly. However during the very basic installation process, I still had questions and the support staff always responded to my questions promptly, professionally and patiently =). Second Copy is simply the BEST!!
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"Great product, simple interface, yet customizable!"
Version: Second Copy 8.0.3
Pros
Very customizable, Allows for variable names (ie date /time, etc) can be pushed out with a "template" set of profiles to all users, as well as installed as a service, now with version 8, it can copy files that are in use.Very easy to use interface.
Cons
Would like to see a Windows 64 bit version. and maybe a Linux version too.
Summary
For what it does it cannot be beat. I have tried alot of programs (since 2000/2001, so far this one is the best, especially for the price.
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