KEVINSMITH  I was using Synk Standard and recently updated to Synk Pro. The interface on both products is clear and has extensive options. I use it on my clients' servers and over the years I have built up confidence in the reliability of it's operations.

Recently I had a need to contact technical support. I got an email reply within a few hours. Problem solved.

Thanks for a great product and excellent support.  
(Version 6.4.4)

BACKPACKER  While testing Synk Standard and Pro on exact backups, neither current version seems to backup app-icons always. Synk Standard v6.4.1, however, did exact-backups with app-icons intact.  
(Version 6.4.2)

DOC8  I have used Synk to back up my file servers since version 3. I have found it fast, extremely reliable, and easy to set up and upgrade. It is a "fire and forget" app that does my periodic and nightly backups and one I prefer to Time Machine (probably because all my data lives on my servers rather than my hard drives).  
(Version 6.4.2)

MATTLY  I want to like Synk, but after using it a bit, synkd, the helper process that manages automatic backups and this "zeroscan" thing that hooks into the Kernel knowing about file updates, is using 700MB of REAL MEMORY. This process is supposed to be resident ALL THE TIME. When the Synk.app process is running, between the two they're using over a gig of memory. That's just not acceptable.

Thanks, but I'll stick to SuperDuper, despite its problems.  
(Version 6.1.1)

ME2  Been using Synk for years...developer is very open to suggestions and responds to queries fast. This Pro edition is a real 'machine' and does a superb job of backing up to multiple areas while you sit back and relax knowing the job is done.  
(Version 6.1.1)

MADMACMAD  forget the rest .... this is the best!!!!!  
(Version 6.1.1)

FFASS  I never wanted to be a collector of backup programs but I that's what I've become -- I must have about 8 programs that I've tried or used over the years. Synk (standard, or middle, version) is finally what I've been seeking: an intuitive, stable, fast, easy-to-use backup program with a fantastic archiving feature. My prior program of choice was Tri-Backup 4, and that has a decent archiving feature and worked OK, though it seemed to not backup all of my updated data files, and it's not a Universal app (proud owner of a Mac Pro). The developers of Synk clearly put their minds and passion into this app and I think it shows: it looks great and functions great.  
(Version 6.0.2)

ESQUARE  Warning for users of 5.x version: the standard version of Synk 6 doesn't provide alias resolving and is, in this respect, actually a downgrade.   
(Version 6.0)

GPROVAN  I've tried many backup solutions over the years but Synk works very well.

There are many options to backups and synchronising which include giving you the option of saving changed files to a separate folder.

I synchronise about 15Gb of regularly changing work between 3 computers and this makes it a cinch. I've had no problems in the many weeks I've been using it.

The one thing that swung it for me was the support. The author runs a forum in which he tries to answer every query quickly and comprehensively. I've asked a few questions and have received answers the same day and to my satisfaction. You don't often get many authors actually caring about their customers.

The trial lasts 30 days and should be enough time to try it out. Once paid, you are eligible to any upgrade in the next 12 months for free.

What more could you want?  
(Version 5.2.3)

D20BOOKS  Wow. I've been looking for a really good backup and file synchronization application for a good while. I've tested just about everything on MacUpdate.com and Synk was by far the best of the bunch.

Not only will it do a quick sync between folders (even over the network), but it has the added features of scheduled functions. This will allow me to simply set it up and forget about it, with confidence that things will be synk'ed.

Lastly, the interface is very easy to understand and use.

Synk got my $20 and I'm very happy.  
(Version 5.2.2)

WHOBE  Great, in time for my new MacBook. I've been using this for backup since it was freeware. User friendly and worry free. What else could anyone want.  
(Version 5.2b4)

ANONYMOUS  Powerful but easy to use with lots of self-explanatory options.  
(Version 5.1.4)

CHARLY  - Simple to use

- Have a lot of features

- stable

A very good synchronisation and backup software!

- charly -  
(Version 5.1.3)

THEBRIX  Clear UI, making it blatantly obvious what is being copied, moved or synchronised where, with the vital Preview button to perform a dry run of a complex sync without copying or moving any files to catch any mistakes: it "just works". Also less expensive than some solutions which are a bit grand for a home user.

I back up my iTunes library to two external drives. Time using Finder copy = 45 minutes per drive, time using Synk = 1 or 2 minutes, depending on the number of new and changed files!  
(Version 5.1.3)

ANONYMOUS  One of the most stable and user-friendly synchronization programs for OSX with great support. It managed to help me sync my huge and convoluted Documents folder which other programs failed to accomplish. Thumbs up!  
(Version 5.1.2)

WOLFGANG  Synk is absolutely useful and does the job to backup and synchronize my HD on an external drive. The interface is easy to handle and very efficient. Very good product indeed.  
(Version 5.1.2)

ERICH LEU  I needed a back-up-program to move the changed files of my dissertation-project from one mac to the other using a Zip-disk. After I've tried several other programs, all flawed the one or other way, Synk is the first one that does the job - and it does it elegantly, quickly and reliably! Thank you, Ben!  
(Version 5.1.2)

STEVEN PENTON  The preview in 5.1.2 is still seriously flawed, so I will continue to use 4.2. You still cannot compare files in the preview panel to determine WHY the files are different.

The information present in Synk 4 (owner, file size, modified date) goes a long way in allowing the user to determine if the right backup is being performed. Imagine the situation where you deleted all the text from a document. Synk 5.1.2 would take this as a modification and overwrite your backup copy without you ever knowing about it (until it was too late). Until this is changed, I will continue to use Synk 4.  
(Version 5.1.2)

MR_C_RUFF  Thanks, Ben! After many attempts that's the solution. All useful functions in a very well arranged surface (mac-like and supply) to use very simply and the only application (of those, which I tested), which does not have problems with the permissions.

All the best!  
(Version 5.1.1)

JOSHUA DINAPOLI  This is an excellent piece of software that works great for syncing directories in OS X 10.4 tiger. It was intuitive and worked exactly as advertised. I also didn't have any compatibility issues with the synchronized directories on a PC running windows XP. Furthermore, the developer was prompt in his reply to questions.   
(Version 5.1.1)

ASHLEY  Synk is the best program I've found for doing simple (and complex) backups between any folders on any volumes. I've got it backing up to my iPod, between computers of my home network and to external hard drives. I've never had an issue with it, and the startling thing is how it's quite fast, but still gives you confidence that it's not corrupting anything or deleting what you want to keep.

There are many settings you can customise, and you can even setup rules for files to not backup here or there. It's a great backup / syncronisation tool. And the developer is really accessible; the support is great. Well worth the money.  
(Version 5.1.1)

PATRICE FONTAINE  GREAT

Makes exactly what it says :

- backup of folders, even on distant servers of all kinds

- fine synchronization between folders

The advanced features (filters, pre ad post actions) are sufficient for me  
(Version 5.1.1)

MARTIN  I just used SYNK to make a bootable clone on an

external firewire drive--worked great, no complaints. The auther answers emails very quickly.

Great software  
(Version 5.1)

RUSSELL  I've used SYNK for quiet awhile and I really like v5.0.4, the best! But the newer version (v5.1) though, I really have mix feelings about. Even though I can't prove there's anything wrong with it, I can't seem to trust it. Gut feeling more than anything else. I'm going to hang on to my v5.0.4 of Synk yet.  
(Version 5.1)

HYPERSEEKER  For those who back up to an external drive, un-check the option "ignore ownership on this volume" in the Info panel. I had some problems initially but in the forum of developer's website, Ben (the developer) pointed this option. Thanks, Ben.  
(Version 5.1)

BUSTER BLOCKER  Synk just plain rocks. You can, and probably will spend more money on lesser solutions. Do yourself and your computer a favor and download Synk. And hey, the author is a starving student so be generous with fundage, k?  
(Version 5.0.4)

MAVERICK  Dang, this is one sweet app. I have seen it come a long way and it is maturing nicely. I have need of an app that is able to:

1.) Run on a schedule, and without the app having to be running or launched.

2.) Be able to have control over which files and folders to specify, and what to exclude.

3.) Be able to specify whether to Backup (push one way), or synchronize (mirror the contents both ways), and to archive (backup versions of a file or files if I need.

Ben is super responsive, and after searching forever to find an app that meets all these needs, is easy to run, and performs well, I think we have a winner. And at such a low price point as well!!

One thing that I believe could be a super addition to this is a window along with a drawer, where you could organize your synks and settings of them. I really like the interface of IMSafe, and I like the way it works, but IMSafe lacks the Archiving feature, the multiple synching runs and background scheduling features I really want. If you want it to run on a schedule then the app has to be running.

Keep up the good work.  
(Version 5.0.4)

GILLES  The best program for a backup, I've ever had!!!  
(Version 5.0.4)

EPC  After a few disappointments with similar software (e.g., numerous versions of Intego Personal Backup not working, Executive Sync transformed into You Synchronize and costing $29 to "upgrade"), I found a winner with Synk.

Support is wonderful, and the program is fast and efficient. I synchronized a couple of folders from my main hard drive into a Lexar JumpDrive. I compared Synk to You Synchronize when synchronizing one folder. Synk took 2 minutes 38 seconds (without aliases), while You Synchronize took 5 minutes 10 seconds.

I should note that some files are not copied (e.g., the folder's custom icon, some invisible files, etc.). In this sense, You Synchronize copied more files than Synk. Including Files and Folders, the original had 371 items. The Synk folder has 245 items and You Synchronize has 352 items. On the other hand, from what I could see the items that Synk did not copy were aliases that I do not need, and that preference can be changed in the settings (mine was set up to "Skip" those aliases). I ran a synchronize again (add 1 minute 10 seconds) to copy those aliases, and now I have 356 items.

In summary, Synk is fast and effective, gets the job done, and support from Ben is great! I just wish I had found this program sooner.

Note: I use it's synchronization features, and have not used it for backups or used its automatic scheduling functions.  
(Version 5.0.4)

ANONYMOUS  Fine for syncing some folders manually. Totally useless for backup. Schedule does not work reliably.

I ran tests. Nothing hab been done at scheduled time. Schedules settings has been deleted.

I'm not quite sure, if this is worth 20$?  
(Version 5.0.4)

ANONYMOUS  Got a lot of messages in the log which tell me that files could not be copied. I think I won't use this for backups.  
(Version 5.0.4)

GILLY  I really like this app and have just one query which I'm hoping another user may be able to help with. (Ben said he couldn't think why it wasn't working.)

Even though I've got *show in menu bar* ticked for both normal and scheduled synks, it shows for the normal runs but not for scheduled ones.

Any ideas as to why this might be so would be gratefully received.

I'm running OS X 10.3.8  
(Version 5.0.4)

ANONYMOUS  This is the best synchronization program on the market. It is fast, stable, well supported, and easy to use while still providing extensive features. If you are looking for a sync or backup program, this is one you must take a good look at.  
(Version 5.0.4)

POTTER05  Synk is absolutely the best backup application that we have used. Beats Retrospect Express hands down. It has a simple interface, is easy to set up and for educational users is free!!

We have all had problems using Retrospect Express with OS X 10.3.8, BUT not with Synk.

A great piece of software and even if you are not an educational user the licenses are only $20. for non-commercial and $40. for commercial.

Kudos to the developer, Ben Rister.  
(Version 5.0.4)

ANONYMOUS  This is the best inexpensive backup program I found. I like it escpecially for its easy-to-use user interface and its highly customizable features.

I've never experienced any instabilities or errors.

It's quite cheap to buy and there are also free educational licenses for students (proof required of course).

I definitely recommend it!  
(Version 5.0.4)

MARK REID  I tried out Synk because I recently switched to a Mac and needed some way of regularly backing up my PhD thesis to my USB keydrive.

I had previously used the command line tools rsync and unison but thought there must be a neat and well designed application that would let me do this just as well.

I can wholeheartedly say Synk proved me 100% correct - it does fast, incremental, reliable backups through a very slick and easy-to-use GUI front end. Options to include or exclude files through rules, a preview mode and the ability to run arbitrary scripts and applications before and after a synchronisation makes it a very powerful backup tool.

Highly recommended.  
(Version 5.0.4)

ANONYMOUS  Looking for an affordable software to synchronize my documents between two Macs I tried almost every software available. In the end I had to choose between two tools which where well ahead of the rest: RSyncX and Synk (mostly because both could be scheduled as a cronjob). It was a narrow race but finally I decided in favour of Synk because it was easier to use and better suited for the synchronization job (with RSyncX you need two runs to synchronize).  
(Version 5.0.4)

STEVEN PENTON  Love it, however, you still cannot (5.0.4) compare files in the preview panel to determine WHY the files are different. The information present in Synk 4 (owner, file size, modified date) goes a long way in allowing the user to determine if the right backup is being performed. Imagine the situation where you deleted all the text from a document. Synk 5.0.4 would take this as a modification and overwrite your backup copy without you ever knowing about it (until it was too late). Until this is changed, I will continue to use Synk 4.  
(Version 5.0.4)

CHRISTIAN BOGEN  Great backup and synchronization tool. IMHO much better than PsyncX or DejaVu!  
(Version 5.0.4)

TOM PRATUM  Great program - I don't use it for backing up (although it is probably great for that), just for synchronizing files on my desktop and laptop computers, and for that it is perfect. I can choose exactly which folders to synchronize, the interface is very straightforward and intuitive. I give it my highest recommendation.  
(Version 5.0.4)

DGZ  I have been looking for a decent program to backup my Mac. This is by far the best! Extremely friendy and easy to use, loaded with features such as rules to follow during the backup process, will backup to anything, with no problems (in contrast to other programs I tried such as PsycX, psync, etc). Backing up is a breeze, since it can backup - if you wish so - only files that changed, while archiving deleted files! Excellent Application! Recommended to everyone!  
(Version 5.0.4)

JAKE BELL  Excellent back up solution. A the name implies, it esentially syncs data.This application sports a high level of custimazation, allowing users to specifically tailor the program for their own use. The author is friendly and responsive. There are other backup solutions out there, but the cost, customization and user interface have them beat hands down.  
(Version 5.0.3)

ANONYMOUS  Nice and intuitive interface.

Could synchronize easily folders from my laptop and main computer.

Many available options, but default parameters already make a great job.  
(Version 5.0.3)

DOC SWIFT  I have used and loved this program for several years- the rewrite/upgrade done by the current author is excellent- I have found this program stable, reliable, easy to use and an outstanding value and have replaced all my other backup programs with this.  
(Version 5.0.3)

XML  A really nice and useful tool. very fast and run smoothly. The function to save different synchonizations as files makes everyday file backup just a couple of simple clickes.   
(Version 5.0.3)

DAVE  Synk works great and was easy to set up. Highly recommended. Also, prompt reply to inquiries.  
(Version 5.0.3)

THOMAS STRAETEN  Best Sync app on mac. Even sync with folders in a windows network is no problem. Until now, no problems.  
(Version 5.0.3)

PAULO CG COSTA  I've been searching for a sync/backup utility that would keep the accounts we have on different computers in perfect synchronization while also providing means to do flexible backups. After trying many freeware, shareware, and comercial applications I can say my search is over.

This nice piece of work not only provides all of this, but in a way that even the most tricky tasks can be easily done by users with little background on this type of application.

I was able to find some of the Synk 5.0.3 features in other products, but in order to have such a combination of stability, easiness of use, and powerfull features one would have to go for comercial products priced at least five times higher. In short, for all it does, this product is a real bargain.

BTW, support was great too. All of my inquiries were addressed in less than a day, a must when your precious data is at stake.

I strongly recommend Synk 5.0.3.  
(Version 5.0.3)

GLIALGIRL  Very useful! Ease of use and much better than rsync. Installation is straight forward.  
(Version 5.0.2)

JOE STUDENT  Synk was already great, but the latest update is fantastic. Extremely reliable, and easy to use. The new version also seems a lot faster. Definitely worth the shareware fee, and then some!  
(Version 5.0.2)

ANDREA EMILIO RIZZOLI  I ned to keep my two laptops in sync and I have recently evaluated many synchronisation softwares. I think that Synk is the best among them, given its flexibility, ease of use, reasonable price and power.

Sync is a folder synchronnisation software and

the only possible improvement I foresee is to explore the possibility of doing 'context-sensitive' merges on selecteed Mac applications, such as iCal and the addressbook.   
(Version 5.0.2)

GOOD OL' EUROPE  Well - also have a look on DejaVü 2.6.3. Works fine on 10.3.4 and make bootable partitions.... I like it!  
(Version 5.0.2)

ANONYMOUS  Synk is IMHO the best backup/sync utility for the Macintosh.

I have tried many other such utilities (iMSafe, FolderSynchronizer, ChronoSync, Apple Backup etc.) and none of them came close to Synk's performance.

The last was ChronoSync, and it constantly left files/folders to be backed up after I performed backup.

With Synk, nothing is left for backup/synchronization after it is done. Preview button is a saver.  
(Version 5.0.1)

PEPE  I'd been using Synk since version 4. It's been my favourite backup tool (together with Carbon Copy Cloner, for when I need to copy the entire disk in one go). Version 5 is a nice improvement. The new interface with everything in one place is a lot handier. And the whole process is so much faster! I'd been using 4 right up to the latest 10.3.x and it did work nicely but it was so slow, especially with preview actions. Now it really is speedy.

I've never had any problems so far with Synk, in my experience it's been very reliable. The only errors I ever were when permissions didn't allow for copying files. You just went and fixed the permissions and problem gone. I use Synk to keep a backup of most of my stuff on an external Firewire disk and it works beautifully.

Of course everyone prefers not to pay for software, but I think the price is very fair, considering the amount of work that's gone into it - and the far higher costs of the "big" backup tools which I find really bloated, while Synk is small and has every essential backup feature I need. Even if you have experience with Terminal commands in Unix and can write your own backup scripts, this offers a much easier and handier approach, and the support is excellent. It really is worth getting.

The main thing I'd like to see added is, instead of saving documents separately, have them stored in the Synk preferences so they would show up automatically in the main window - sort of like in iMsafe, which is another nice backup tool (not quite as good as Synk in my experience).  
(Version 5.0.1)

CRAIG C.  For any Mac user that runs more than one machine, Synk is an absolute must-have. Most of my work is done on a laptop, and Synk makes it so easy to syncronize key folders with my desktop at home. Saves me hours per week. v5 is a major upgrade, which includes a slew of cool new features. Also, thank you to the developer for prompt and courteous customer service.   
(Version 5.0.1)

QUIIICK  @ adrians

"Did you try Synk 5 before giving it 2 stars?"

Yes, of course I did!

But meanwhile I trashed Synk completely.

Why? I got different errors on the same folder every time I ran the app.

I switched to "Backup" from Apple now: very slow, but at least stable.  
(Version 5.0.1)

ADRIANS  Also, the fact that is a complete re-write means your justification for not wanting to pay for 5 (ie 4 was full of bugs) doesn't really hold a lot of water :)

Did you try Synk 5 before giving it 2 stars?  
(Version 5.0)

ADRIANS  Your right the fact that it has been re-written doesn't guarantee there are less bugs (*) - but it does justify why the new author feels that he should charge for it (just as the original author did before he moved on and released it into the public domain; $15 if I recall correctly :)

What does help from the bug front is:-

1. OS X is a lot more mature - Randall started on Synk 4 when OS X was very, very new and had lots of quirks to work around. Ben has a less of moving target in terms of the OS...

2. The testing process which Synk 5 has undergone. More extensive than Synk 4 IIRC (although of course it hasn't been out in public for nearly as long).

Ben's bug-free guarantee also helps :)

Adrian

(*) Synk 4 was also a complete re-write of Synk 3 for Randall Voth.   
(Version 5.0)

QUIIICK  @ adrians

The fact that Synk has been COMPLETELY rewritten does not guarantee us that there are less bugs now than before in the old version. Au contraire! ;-)

I just wished the autor would have left it freeware until Version 6.0, that's all.

And yes, I have also used version 4 for several years, and Synk did not finish backups very, very often without leaving a clue to what caused the task to stop.  
(Version 5.0)

ADRIANS  In response to Quiiick:-

Please get your facts straight before posting reviews like that.

The current author picked up Synk 4 after the original author released it into the public domain. He tried very hard to fix the bugs and did very well at that (I've been using Synk everyday for almost 5 years with very fews bugs).

The current author has now almost COMPLETELY rewritten Synk. It has lot more features than Synk 4. I've been beta-testing for last few weeks and as far as I can tell it doesn't have any obvious bugs left and it works really well. The "archive" feature is unusual, if not unique, in a utility at this price.

Furthermore, the author offers a money-back "bug-free" guarantee.

I think it is HIGHLY competitive at this price point and well worth a look from anyone considering such a product.  
(Version 5.0)

QUIIICK  The free version 4 od Synk was not only full of bugs; at least 1 out of 10 Backups failed with no feedback given to the user about the reason it did not complete the task.

Now version 5 is no longer for free. The auther wants 20 bucks. I wouldn't mind paying if version 4 had been rock solid. But this way, NO!

There are a lot of other good backup utilities out there for ±$20, and they do there job as adertised.  
(Version 5.0)

CB  Simple, simple, simple to use.

Does not have a flashy front end, but works where it counts and the price is right.

Did I mention it is simple to use?  
(Version 4.2)

NANOTEK  Terrific backup utility, plus it's free (like free sex, and it's better when both are free!)

Just a quick suggestion to the author, i think having a small daemon running in the background that handles the launch of Synk backup documents without having to open up the main app would be cool.

My 0.000000002¢ heh :)  
(Version 4.2)

ALEXMATHEW  I am sorry to say that little has changed since Synk went from Paid to Free (at least for the casual user). I paid for Synk and expected some original bugs to be fixed if the app stayed alive. I see a lot of new features but small bugs always puts me off using Synk now and that should not be how a "Backup" app should work - its too critical.

1) Problems with backup are not ANNOUNCED! If a synk does not complete - just showing it in the log alone does NOT suffice - a pop-up window or something should announce that the synk was not complete - please look in the log.

2) I see this bug now...

A folder cannot replace or be replaced by a file.

(Removed the file/folder descriptions for privacy)

*** Error building action array

Which I take it to mean that if a File is renamed as a folder it cannot be replaced in a backup - but it should be - or an option given to override.

And the backup stops dead at this point! If I had run it as a cron job, I would never know that the Synk was unsuccessful.

I am sorry to sound so harsh - but I have gone from using Synk (paid) everyday to now trying it once a month, getting frustrated and then giving up.

AM  
(Version 4.2)

ANONYMOUS  Tried it twice and both times hanged when I tried to sync a large number of files. Worst is, it also seem to hand my finder and mounted firewire drive I used to backup.

Apart from that the interface looks good and quite simple to use.  
(Version 4.2)

QUIIICK  Synk crashes when the system clock announces the time during a backup.  
(Version 4.2)

BEN RISTER  Automatic Jack, I don't see anything in the documentation for any of the error codes saying that "nothing can be done about it." Why don't you email me so I can try to help you?

Cheers,

br  
(Version 4.1.1)

AUTOMATIC JACK  It's a great application - simple and effective. But I was completely sunk when it refused to back up a large number of files. It produced a cryptic error message which, according to the docs, means that some unexpected error had occured and there was nothing that could be done about it. That, regretably, pretty much rendered the application useless.  
(Version 4.1.1)

ERCOLE OLIVARIO  I use this app at least 5 times per day for incremental disk-to-disk backup, and it never fails in this role. I did experience a simple startup crasher bug with version 4.1, but the developer was very responsive, and it's been fixed in 4.1.1. All in all, a really good utility, one of the rare rocks (e.g. GraphicConverter and DragThing) that you can safely anchor your work methodologies upon.  
(Version 4.1.1)

QUICK  This application is very useful. My only wish: Synk should check if there is enough space on the target disk prior to starting a backup.  
(Version 4.1.1)

ANONYMOUS  Why do you have to be so.. um.. superficial?  
(Version 4.1)

ANONYMOUS  I havent tried it (yet) but why does it have to be so... ummm... not pretty?  
(Version 4.1)

ANONYMOUS  This app is very nice. Simple and extremely fast. I like it better than many of the non-free apps and I was willing to pay.  
(Version 4.0.2)

BEN RISTER  As a happy user, I am considering adopting Synk to keep it alive and up-to-date. Please send email to synk-adoption at decimus dot net if you would like to see this happen, and what improvements you would like to see if I were to do so.  
(Version 4.0.1)

GABRIEL RADIC  It's only missing an EXCLUSION feature. This software is now Open Source. Is there a brave, willing and able developer that could do this?   
(Version 4.0.1)

JOHN NEUMANN  This doesn't seem to resolve aliases as claimed. I deselected "Do not replace symbolic links" in the settings menu.  
(Version 4.0.1)

KEN OF STUDIO CITY  At last a simple, intuitive sync program AND it's free. No glitches.   
(Version 4.0.1)

DMM  Free, easy, works!  
(Version 4.0.1)

G-FORCE  I use Synk to sync my files between my laptop and desktop. Works great, and I'm glad it's free.  
(Version 4.0.1)