DRDUL  I've been using ChronoSync for the past 18 months, since I switched to the Mac. In selecting ChronoSync for backups, I tried pretty much every backup app out there. Some were pretty good, but none offered the ease-of-use combined with the flexibility and power of ChronoSync.

The upgrade to OS X 10.5 introduced some instabilities when I used ChronoSync to back up to my iDisk and other WebDAV servers. I have now tested version 4, and it appears that ChronoSync can handle WebDAV connections without difficulty. I also noticed that ChronoSync 4 is way faster when backing up to network volumes and my iDisk. The interface is prettier, too, which is always important with Mac software. :-)

All in all, version 4 is a significant improvement and a worthwhile upgrade. The fact that it's a free upgrade blows my mind!  
(Version 4.0)

ANDREW SCOTT  ChronoSync just gets better and better. It's been a while since the last upgrade but that hasn't stopped this software from being something I rely on constantly in the background. I always recommend it to people who need this kind of function.

The fact that 4.0 is a free upgrade is great value and demonstrates Econ Technologies' support for their customers.

One last, small thing: the menu bar icon has been redesigned so that it is no longer easy to confuse with Sync or Time Machine—thank you!  
(Version 4.0)

GCOGHILL  Here are the actual release notes from the developer site for 4.01:

• Fixes a problem that some users had registering the program.

• Fixes a long stall that occurred when opening documents and launching the application on some user's systems.

• Fixed some problems that occurred when the base language was not represented by a Roman text system. This problem could manifest itself as failure to launch, inability to communicate with agents and possibly random crashes.

• Fixed a bug whereby if you ran a Trial Sync and then hit "Cancel" from the Trial Sync selector window, any file-pair scanned that was in-sync would have their "Last Synchronized" time stamp updated if it was previously set to "never".

• Modified the intelligence behind the "Timestamps" attribute trigger so that it ignores modification dates for files if the user has also enabled the "Modification Date" data trigger.

• Added the ability to disable ChronoSync's attempt to mount file servers asynchronously via a public plist entry.

• Added an "Update all users" custom option to the ChronoSync installer. This was always being done in previous installers, but is now an optional step in the installation process. Users installing ChronoSync on FIle Servers will typically want to turn OFF this step so the installer doesn't try to clean up each and every user's home folder. Users in certain Directory Services controlled environments may also want to consider turning this option off.

• Addressed some permission issues in the installer.  
(Version 4.0.1)

DARYLF2  I've been a very satisfied user of ChronoSync 3 for years now (since February 2006) and am very pleased to see that ChronoSync 4 is a FREE upgrade for ALL previous versions of ChronoSync!  
(Version 4.0)

THOMANJONES  Wow. I had been manually 'syncing' important docs and flash drive packages (I work in IT and keep different malware removal/enterprise/open source software packages on different flash drives). Now I can just update the various folders on my MBP, and as soon as I plug in the flash drive, it automagically updates everything.

Fast. Very fast.

I have backups from my iDisk to my windows network share at work and my local backup drive at home - works perfectly for the most part, and tells me exactly what went wrong when it doesn't.

The 'Trial Sync' feature is indispensable, and the 'Readiness state' clearly lists any problems one might encounter due to different filesystems/permissions, etc.

The UI is excellent - it takes an often complex task (any kind of sync) and makes it visually very simple, with no clutter. The main window only has 2 checkboxes (Synchronize deletions and Archive replaced files).

I have barely scraped the surface of the advanced features, just the basics will be enough for most users, I believe; but rsync veterans will be right at home.

I only wish the developer accepted AmEx so I didn't have to pay out of pocket :P  
(Version 4.0)

GCOGHILL  Just to echo all the other positive reviews here: been using ChronoSync for years without a hitch. With the recent addition of bootable backups in version 4, it really makes this app a steal at the price.

Extensive features to get as geeky as you want to, with plenty of configuration options, including rules. Also nice is the "basic" mode for those who just want to keep things simple.

An extremely well thought out sync and backup utility. If you want to do it, it's probably in there.

Very friendly and responsive developer as well. Highly recommended.  
(Version 4.0.4)

JERM IN AZ  I had been looking for an application that would sync to my NAS or from a USB drive to a server. Though time machine works

pretty well for Beth's iMac I wanted something more dynamic and flexible for my needs. In addition I felt it was important for me

to be able to schedule jobs or specify different jobs and execute them as needed in lieu of automation. After much searching an

demo exercises I plunked down my $40 and bought a license for ChronoSync.

It has everything I needed. Flexibility to specify what I wanted to back up. Manual or scheduled. Easy drag-n-drop

configuration. The GUI is nice and clean. The ability to set a myriad of control options as well as specific rules for each sync job is

a great feature. Of course you can verify and, at any time, see what has changed or been modified at a glance. If it's RED then

the file has changed since the last sync. The options to sync one way, bi-directional, mirror, blind backup or create a bootable

environment provides a lot of flexibility. Also has your typical logging features.

While much can be done from the console (scheduling cron jobs) the ease of use, flexibility and dynamic features are worth the

$40 if it's a function you seek. Especially for non-techies who may want something they can see and understand.

Last thing, the license is forever. You buy it, you own it. Free upgrades. Although you need to submit for a new license for

major upgrades using the email address you registered the original purchase with.  
(Version 4.0.3)

WHOSYOURTATOR  I give Chronosync 4.x four stars up from three in my last 3.3.x review. The agent is a nice addition since it can keep FULL permissions in sync. I'll definitely be purchasing the new Chronosync Agent once my trial expires. The stability and UI performance are much improved of the main Chronosync app.

I've tried running my user home folder from external drives using esata and its just not sufficient for me. Chronosync fills the gap and allows me to avoid having to carry around an external drive to share between my laptop and mac pro. I just use a home-to-home sync before switching machines using chronosync and I have ALL my files with my laptop I am on the road and have no internet access. This is something that MobileMe's back to my mac service cannot do since it requires an internet connection.

A couple of suggestions would be to include some type of listener in both Chronosync and Chronosync agent that actively monitors file changes on each machine. This would reduce scan time and make this app perfect.

Finally, as always, support is excellent in answering questions. If you can't find what you are looking for in the application, just contact support and they are always prompt to reply.  
(Version 4.0)

BIXO  Thank you Joe! Great to see have this free update and I appreciate very much the clarifications made bellow about "the file ownerships and permissions" and especially about "CS4 passing this this suite of tests: "

http://www.n8gray.org/blog/2007/04/27/introducing-backup-bouncer/

I can confirm, that the blog referred to has not been updated since years, but CS4 has. It would only be fair from the autor to remove or update the blog at http://blog.plasticsfuture.org/2006/04/23/mac-backup-software-harmful/.  
(Version 4.0)

JOE JAPES  Responding to GLOBETROTTERDK

He said,

It doesn't even get the file ownerships and permissions correct on what it does copy!!!!!!

The truth is CS3 will be at the mercy of the logged in user when copying to file servers. A file server being any other computer you connect to. This is the case with all backup software and even using Apple's Finder to manually copy files. However ChronoSync 4, coming in December 2008, will allow users to install a remote Agent on a destination Mac that will preserve everything remotely.

CS4 passes this this suite of tests: http://www.n8gray.org/blog/2007/04/27/introducing-backup-bouncer/

Second issue.

The article he refers to was a blog. It has not been updated in years. Some of the shortcomings listed about ChronoSync were false. Furthermore we addressed the other issues. Initially the author responded but never posted our fixes.

I didn't think I have to say this but I guess I do. EVERYTHING YOU READ ON THE INTERNET IS NOT TRUE.

If you have any issues with ChronoSync contact support or drop me a line directly. I will gladly help you.

joe@econtechnologies.com

Thanks,

Joe Japes  
(Version 3.3.6)