@Max SyncUp Review

@Max SyncUp is a free personal backup solution for Windows users. It is restrictive, allowing only for one profile per consumer at no cost. However, it does allow for full backup, restore, and synchronization of documents off a hard drive which is more flexibility than most consumers need.

Data Restoration

One of the biggest things that seems to plague users is the accidental deletion of precious files or the threat of a system crash. This is why so many people have taken to using cloud based backups. @Max SyncUp allows these consumers to easily transfer this information to an online, SFTP, or WebDAV server. It also supports upload of data to Google Drive for those with an account.

@Max SyncUP doesn’t utilize compression to transfer information. However, ZIP and encryption are supported for those who want to use it. Additionally, customers can decide for themselves how many revisions and how long to store those files.

When it comes time to restore said data, it really is as simple as clicking a button. The “Restore Now” option on the main screen lets users choose which files are going to be downloaded and recover them quickly. In the event that a file has the same name as one currently located on the hard drive, @Max SyncUp will ask before overwriting the document.

All About Windows

One of the biggest restrictions some users will find is that it is only compatible with Windows computers. Mac, Linux, Ubuntu and Android systems will not be able to take advantage of this system.

That being said, it is compatible with many older versions of Windows including:

1. Windows XP (32-bit and 64 bit)
2. Windows Vista (32-bit and 64 bit)
3. Windows 7 (32-bit and 64 bit edition)
4. Windows 8 (32-bit and 64 bit edition)
5.  Windows Server 2003 (32-bit and 64 bit)
6.  Windows Server 2008 (32-bit and 64 bit)
7. Windows Server 2008 R2
8. Windows Home Server 2011
9. Windows Small Business Server
10. Windows Server 2012

This is a plus for users of Windows since many cloud based systems do not support XP or Vista despite the number of users still operating with these platforms.

Useful Features

Unlike straight cloud backup protocols, @Max SyncUp allows consumers to synchronize between two computers, without going through a third-party. Users do need to have software downloaded on both PC before beginning. However, once in place, backup operation choices are copy bidirectional, copy source to destination, copy destination to source, move source to destination, or move destination to source.

The service does offer a tray popup window that will allow easy monitoring of synchronization status and results. This feature also allows users to start a profile and restore files. Additionally, there are logs to show transfer results.

While @Max SyncUp is not compatible with Mac OS, it does allow users to create “hard link based backups in Apple Time Machine style.” This means that users can combine full backups with incremental backups if they choose. Users can also copy data on schedule if they desire. Options also allow customers to complete uploads only when information has changed and designate file types to include or exclude from transfer.

Users who need help can easily find the answers in the company’s documentation. This extensive library allows you to find answers on almost any subject. They explain how to set up backup protocols so that information transfers directly into a Google Drive or a WebDAV account. They have a step-by-step procedure on how to set up the Apple Time Machine style synchronization for those who are interested.

The tutorials also include information on how to navigate the main window, restore files, and preview data from the source.

Google Drive Compatibility

Probably one of the most useful features of @Max SyncUp has to be the Google Drive compatibility. This way your files are not just moved off the hard drive to another computer, instead they are transferred seamlessly into the cloud.

The transfer of these documents use a full Internet connection, however, it is accomplished quickly. Consumers can also restore any file found in their Google Drive account despite how it was uploaded.

During set up of the profile, users simply need to choose “Google Drive” and enter their login details. Once this step is completed, the wizard should be completed just like with all other backup procedures. Transfers will take place as you indicate they should until you change protocols.

Users need to understand that incremental backups only copy what has been changed within a file, it does not upload an additional version. You can make additional copies and rename them to indicate the revision number, but this step must be done manually.

Hard links (as they call it) will give you shortcuts and are created documents for unchanged files.

Summarizing @Max SyncUp

@Max SyncUp is a useful tool for those who want an easy way to keep information safe from possible deletion. There are some nice features, like being able to transfer files seamlessly between computers or backing up directly to Google Drive, that can save a lot hassle.

However, this system is not without fault. The free accounts only allows you to set up one profile, which means you can choose to send your information to a hard drive or go to Google Drive, but not certain files to one and other documents to the other. You can upgrade to a paid account for $24.95 which will allow you to set up multiple profiles. 

Also, it is limited to which users can utilize the service, as it is currently restricted to the Windows operating system only.

Conclusion

The bottom line: for a free service, it’s excellent. It is easy to use and transfers information quickly thanks to only uploading changes rather than the whole file. The ability to restore with a simple click of a mouse button is a plus.

Users can also use the restoration feature from inside Google Drive without having to open their account on a web browser. You can download the software directly from their website.