Quick Start > How SyncBack Works

This topic introduces the key concepts you need to understand to use SyncBackPro effectively. If you are a new user, reading this overview will help you get started quickly.

Profiles

A profile is the core building block in SyncBackPro. Each profile defines a single task: what files to copy, where to copy them from (the source), where to copy them to (the destination), and how the task should be performed. A profile also stores settings such as file filters, scheduling options, and many other configuration details.

There are four core tasks a profile can perform:

•Backup - copies files from the source to the destination

•Synchronize - intelligently keeps files in sync between two locations

•Mirror - makes the destination an exact copy of the source, including deletions

•Restore - recovers files from a previous backup

For help deciding which of these to use, see Choosing the Right Profile Type.

You create a profile using the Profile Setup Wizard, which walks you through the process step by step. You can have as many profiles as you need, e.g. one to backup your documents, another to backup your photos, and so on.

Running Profiles

Once a profile has been created, you run it to perform the backup, synchronization, mirror, or restore task. To run a profile, select it in the main window and click the Run button. By default, profiles run in parallel, meaning you can run multiple profiles at the same time without waiting for one to finish before starting another.

Before running a profile with your actual files, it is strongly recommended that you use a Simulated Run. A simulated run goes through the entire process but does not actually copy, move, or delete any files. This lets you verify that the profile is configured correctly and will do what you expect.

Depending on your settings, when a profile is run a Differences Window may appear after the initial scan. This window shows you exactly what will happen to each file before proceeding, giving you the opportunity to review and, if necessary, change the action for individual files.

Groups

A group is a collection of profiles that you can run together in a defined order. For example, you might create a group called "Daily Backup" that runs your documents profile first, then your photos profile, and finally your email profile. Groups are useful when you want to:

•Run several profiles with a single click or a single schedule

•Ensure profiles run in a specific order

•Stop running subsequent profiles if an earlier profile fails

There are two types of groups: standard groups, which can also run profiles in parallel and can contain sub-groups, and group queues, which always run profiles one after another and are a lighter-weight option when you simply want to run a set of profiles in order.

Queue

The queue provides a simple way to run profiles one at a time (serially) without creating a group. When you add a profile to the queue, it will only start running when no other profiles are currently running. Profiles in the queue run in first-in-first-out order: the first profile added runs first, then the next, and so on. The queue is useful when you have limited resources, such as low bandwidth or memory, and do not want multiple profiles running simultaneously.

Scheduling

Rather than running profiles manually each time, you can create a schedule to run profiles automatically. Schedules use the Windows Task Scheduler and can be configured to run at specific times, on specific days, or at regular intervals. Both individual profiles and groups can be scheduled.

Profiles can also be triggered automatically in other ways, for example when a USB device is inserted, when you log in or out of Windows, when a program starts or stops, or periodically while SyncBackPro is running.

Easy Mode and Expert Mode

SyncBackPro offers a large number of settings for fine-tuning how profiles work. To help manage this complexity, the profile setup window has two modes:

•Easy Mode - shows only the most commonly used settings, making it simpler for new users and everyday tasks

•Expert Mode - shows all available settings, giving you full control over every aspect of how a profile operates

You can switch between Easy Mode and Expert Mode at any time. It is recommended that new users start with Easy Mode.

The Main Window

The main window is where you manage all your profiles. It shows a list of all your profiles and groups, along with information such as the last run time and result for each one. From the main window you can create, modify, run, and delete profiles and groups. The main window also has buttons for restoring from a backup and creating schedules.

When SyncBackPro is running, an icon appears in the Windows System Tray (the notification area near the clock). The icon animates when a profile is running. You can right-click the tray icon to access common actions without opening the main window.

Getting Started

The typical workflow for a new user is:

1.Create a profile using the Profile Setup Wizard

2.Run a Simulated Run to verify the profile is configured correctly

3.Run the profile for real to perform the backup or synchronization

4.Optionally, create a schedule so the profile runs automatically

As your needs grow, you can create additional profiles and organize them into groups. For a detailed walkthrough of creating your first backup, see Creating Your First Profile.