How I Sync and Protect the Files I Create on Multiple Computers

I'm a bit more paranoid than most folks.  But maybe it's paid-off - I have kept all my drawings - never lost one.

Soooo... When I make new drawings for the stuff I build @ TechShop San Jose I back them up right away - even before I leave the building.

Check out TechShop!  www.techshop.ws

Step 1: I Use Google Drive...

BUT I do not use their software.  

I had some problems using Google Drive's software alone from my USB drive, a work pc, my personal pc, and from a workstation.

Some of my files range into the 100MB size, so I avoid using Google Drive alone to download my files every time I want  to modify them.

SO...

I use GoodSync2Go which runs on my USB drive (It's in the fob in the picture at the start of this Instructable)

They have a free trial period, so you can download and install to check it out.  They even have a MAC version.

BEFORE YOU USE IT TO PROTECT EVERYTHING, MAKE SURE TO TEST THIS BACKUP PROGRAM.  You might want to run it a few times on directories with data/files you can afford to lose.

With GoodSync2Go, No Software Has To Be Loaded On a Host Workstation or PC - they often require administrator privileges, while a personal USB drive does not.

GoodSync2Go can be configured to recover files from multiple backups if you want to save them.

Step 2: Using GoodSync2Go

So GoodSync2Go lets you set up a variety of Synchronize or Backup jobs - as you need them.  You can set them up to or from Google Drive.

Here's a screenshot of the setup screen where I've chosen Google Drive as the source directory for the backup.

AND...

It automagically renames the Disk Letter for the USB drive so that there's essentially no further configuration needed each time you insert the USB Drive  into a different machine and run a synch or backup

I have a shortcut from the USB Drive's root folder to the folder where I have GoodSync2Go installed.

Step 3: Sync or Backup?

In GoodSync2Go, a Sync is bidirectional, and a backup is in only one direction.

When the Job's analysis is run, you get the option of copying left-to-right, right-to-left, or not copying at all, depending on your needs.

Remember that Deletions will propagate, so be sure you review the Analysis window to make sure the sync/backup will keep your stuff safe.

As an example, I choose Do Not Copy on the folder that has Album Artwork in iTunes when I backup my personal PC - those can easily be recovered through iTunes if they get lost.  No sense in using up more hard drive space when I can avoid it.

Step 4: Here Are the Backup Jobs

You can see the two Jobs I have loaded in this screenshot of GoodSync2Go.

The first job shown syncs the USB drive with Google Drive.

The second job shown backs-up Google Drive to my home NAS machine. (Extreme Paranoia on My Part)

Step 5: Run the Backups...

So I run the backup from my USB drive to Google Drive.

THEN...

I occasionally run the backup from Google Drive to my Home NAS (Network Attached Storage) machine.

AND...

I have lost ZERO drawings in my history...

Step 6: AND It Recently Paid Off Again!

I recently had a USB drive go belly-up when it got bent in a PC's USB port.

Backups are not worth much if you cannot recover from a loss!

I simply downloaded and installed GoodSync2Go on my new USB Drive, then...

I was able to load all my files on the new USB drive, and I'm back in a very safe spot with all my files...

Cheers!