Folder Replica

There is no use trying to explain why backup applications can be very useful. Of course, anyone may copy files from one place to another so they can have an insurance policy in case the original data gets lost or damaged. Unfortunately, human error is always a factor and this is why we let special software take care of our backups, especially if they are free and easy to use. One of these applications is Folder Replica. It is simple, lightweight and it can back up your important data according to a schedule or on demand.

Folder Replica is freeware and it doesn't need to be installed. After downloading a 514 Kb package, you just need to extract its contents and run the application. Its system requirements are low and it will not ask for the latest versions of certain services.

The software's main feature is folder synchronization. Its interface consists of two tree menus and a series of controls between them. Once you select two folders, you can use the controls to select a synchronization method. You may copy files in one or both directions, without overwriting existing files. If a file already exists, the software will skip it automatically. Besides the file's name, Folder Replica also uses its size and modified time stamp as criteria for identifying the same files.

Selecting the folder sync method will copy data in both directions, making the folders identical. If your backup folder contains files which you do not want to copy to the source folder, you may select a different method which copies missing files from one place to another. Additionally, Folder Replica is capable of deleting duplicate files. It is like synchronizing one folder with another, but in reverse. If the files from a target folder are identical with the files from a source folder, the software can delete the ones from the target folder immediately.

Synchronization methods are selected with radio buttons and you can execute them with a single click. You may also click an option to add synchronization tasks to a list, which can be saved and loaded at a later date. It is possible to execute all tasks in the list at once and you can schedule the software to run them on certain days of the week or every day, at certain hours.