The program for files synchronization on several computers УSmart synchronization Ф v.5.01d
Destination and functions of the program
Many users of computers work on two and more
computers which are being different places, for example on work, at home, on
other workplace, on a portable computer, etc. It is usual within day the user
has time to work with tens files, including being in different directories, on
different sections of a disk, different network disks. As a result, it is
required in the end of the working day to find all the created or changed
files, to copy them to a portable disk, and then, on other computer, to
distribute them on corresponding folders. This work demands some concentration,
that in the end of day not always possibly, there is a risk to miss some
important file and it can lead to impossibility of continuation of work in
other place. The program УSmart synchronizationФ allows to automate
process of carry of the updated files between several (from 2 up to 4)
computers by means of the portable memory device with the limited volume (for
example, USB-Flash drive). The program has following functionalities:
1.аа Allows
to set any number of synchronization objects as which the chosen folders, groups
of files by mask of a name and extension in these folders, separate files can
be used. On each of synchronizable computers these
folders can be in various directories and on various disks or be absent.
2.аа The
common set of masks of file names and extensions is set
for which own modes of synchronization of files are set: the permission or
prohibition of copying or removal, inquiry to the operator on performance of
replacement or removal of a file. It allows to forbid synchronization of some
types of files (for example, temporary working files of the development
environment of programs, etc.), to demand confirmation on execution of
irreversible operations with some important files.
3.аа Automatically
recognizes, on what computer the program is started and, accordingly, is
adjusted on synchronization objects of this computer.
4.аа Allows
supervising, what operations with files and folders of objects have been made
after last synchronization on the given computer: addition, change or removal.
The control of change is made by date of and time of last record of a file.
5. а аAt synchronization at the first stage files
and the folders which have been written down on the portable device (carrier) on other computer, are if necessary
copied to corresponding directories of synchronization objects then they remove
from the carrier, if there is no necessity of their carry on other computers.
At this stage files and folders are deleted from objects by written down
deletion commands. At the second stage files and folders which have been added
or changed in synchronization objects are copied on the carrier, and also
deletion commands for the files removed from objects and folders are created.
6.аа If
at copying files to the carrier there is its overflow or operation interrupts
by the operator, files not copied can be carried at next start of
synchronization on this computer after carry of the copied files.
7.аа The
program allows executing synchronization of object, having taken for the
standard its contents on the chosen computer, irrespective of ratio of date and
time of files updating.
8.аа The
program allows performing full carry of all files of the chosen object to other
computers.
9. а It
is possible to exclude the first or second operation of synchronization for
each object on different computers, i.e. to choose a direction of
synchronization.
10. The program records the report
of all its actions on the screen and in a special text file.
Installation of the program and working with it
The program УSmart synchronizationФ is
installed from a distributive package on each computer by start of a file
SETUP.EXE. Thus in system libraries and the elements of management necessary
for work of the program are installed only. In most cases there is no necessity
in it as standard libraries which usually already are present at system are
used. In particular, there is no necessity for installation of the program at
replacement of its old version. Installation of the program is reduced to
copying an executing file SMSYNC.EXE to specially created directory on the
carrier. In this folder service files of the program and directories for the
copied files will be created. If the shortcut for starting the program is
created on a computer the working directory should coincide with the folder
where an executing file is.
At the first start of the program on each
computer of group of synchronization it requests from the operator to enter the
name of this computer (for example, лOn work╗, "Home") length up to
16 symbols. In the further this name will be inserted in reports and controls
of the program at recognition of a computer. Recognition is made by contents of
file SMSYNC.ID which the program places in the root directory of a disk лC:╗ of each computer. The file can be created in the root
directory of other logic disks if to start the program with command line: the
first symbol л1╗ corresponds to a disk л D: ╗, л2╗ - л E: ╗, л3╗ - л F: ╗. It
allows checking up work of the program on one computer as on several. At work
of the program on a computer from OS лWindows Vista╗ the root directory of a
system disk is usually protected by safety system, therefore the program cannot
create file SMSYNC.ID in it. This problem can be bypassed, having created this
file in other section of a disk, and then having moved it to disk C:.
It is necessary to consider, that date and time
of change of files on disks with various file systems are stored with various accuracy,
for example for file system NTFS - with accuracy of 100 nanoseconds, and for
FAT - 2 seconds. To avoid errors, at processing objects in sections NTFS time
of change is rounded to even seconds, therefore some programs after start of
synchronization can find out changes in parameters of files.
After the set of a name of a computer the main
dialogue window of the program opens. The top part of the main window includes
a window of the report of the program in which all its actions are displayed.
At the first start the program creates in the working directory on the carrier
files of the list of computers COMPS.SSY, the list of synchronization objects
SYNCOBJ.SSY, the list of masks of synchronizable
files MASKS.SSY. That the program could work, it is necessary to fill lists of
objects and masks, for what in the main dialogue window of the program command buttons "Objects" and "Masks" are stipulated.
By pressing button "Objects" the window with the list of
synchronization objects opens. Each line in the table of the list corresponds
to one synchronization object, and pathes of
directories or files of the given object on each of computers of group are set
in four right columns. Each object have own identifier - number from 1 up to
32767 (1-st column) which corresponds to a name of
the directory and a file of the files list of object (ID.SSN) which will be created for the given
object. At a choice of a cell of the table its contents (path) are appeared
under the table to show that does not find room in a cell. Also the current
index of object and the identifier is displayed. If local lists of objects have
been filled (operations of comparison or synchronization was performed) at a
choice of a cell of the table to the right of upper row ofа buttons the status of the files list of the
chosen object on the chosen computer is shown. For addition of object to the
table it is possible to press command button "Add" or to execute double click by the
left button of the mouse empty last line of the table. For editing already
entered object it is necessary to choose its line in the table and press "Edit" or double click on its line. Button "Remove" deletes the chosen object, the list
of its files and the directory on the carrier with all copied files. Button "Clear" allows to remove the list and the
directory without removal of the object to work with it as with again created.
At addition or edition of object the dialogue window of the object editor
opens, including values of paths of object and flags of the enabling of the first
and second operation of synchronization on each of computers. The window
includes command buttons: лReview╗ - to
find the necessary path through viewing of directories of the chosen computer
(only for a line of the given computer which is marked by a black rectangular), л╬╩╗ - saving of the edited object, "Cancel" - refusal of the made changes. Last
two buttons close a dialogue window of the object editor. There is also a
common flag лEnable subdirectories╗ which
enables synchronization of files in subdirectories of the root directory of
object. At change of object the program asks a question on necessity of removal
the files list of this object. It is recommended to be made, if the object has
been replaced by another, i.e. with other ways to directories. At addition to
object of a new computer it is not required to delete the list. In a window of
the objects list also there are some the command buttons, allowing executing
with the chosen synchronization object the operations of carrying all files to
other computers, and also some operations duplicating actions of commands of
the main window:
"Compare" - duplicates operation of definition
the differences in object after last operation of synchronization. Unlike the
main window operation is carried out for all files, without taking into account
an prohibition by the list of masks.
лCopy obj╗ -
copies all files of object to the carrier, preliminary having cleared its
directory and having removed the list.
алReplace obj╗ - copies all files of
object from the carrier, preliminary having removed the directory of object
from a computer. Before removal the inquiry for confirmation of operation will
be given out. Usually this operation is carried out after copying all files of
object on other computer.
а"Source" - carries out copying to the carrier
all files from the chosen object differing from files of other computers and
creation of deletion commands for files, absent on this computer and presented
on other ones. Thus, during the subsequent synchronization on other computers
contents of object will be brought into accord with the source.
лFrom carrier╗ - duplicates the first
operation of synchronization. For all this commands operation is carried out with
all files, without taking into account restrictions under the list of masks and
flags of a choice of a direction.
These commands are carried out only for the
chosen object. For the period of executing of operations the window of the list
of objects disappears, that it was possible to observe of actions in a window
of the report.
After all operations with objects in a window
of the list it is necessary to press button "╬╩" which closes this window.
By pressing button "Masks" the dialogue window with the list of
masks of filenames and extensions opens. Each line of the table of the list
there corresponds to one mask. The list is ordered: by search of the mask
corresponding the checked file the list it is looked through from top to down
and the first mask including this file, will determine operations with the
given file. Therefore masks are entered by order of expansion of a set: in the
beginning concrete files, then the set extensions, and on last position if it
is necessary, a global mask л*.*╗, determining all files which do not match on
the previous masks. Except for concrete symbols of names and extensions masks
can include symbols л?╗, replacing any symbol, or л*╗,
replacing any group of symbols, including empty. For editing the list of masks buttons "Insert", "Edit" and "Delete" are used. At an inserting and
editing of a mask the dialogue window opens, allowing to set value of a mask,
to set the flags determining using of files on this mask for copying or
deletion, inclusion of inquiries to the operator for replacement of a file or
its removal.
Let's return to the main window. Button "Compare" starts operation of comparison of
current files of object with the data written in lists in the previous
operations of synchronization with showing differences on the screen and in the
report, and also a prediction of actions on carrying of files from the carrier,
i.e. allows to check up, what operations with files and folders will be carried
out at synchronization. As a result lists of files which have been added
changed or removed in objects after last synchronization and also files with
which actions are planned are written out to the report. Names of files are
showed with paths relatively a path of object. Before names of files the sign
showing what change has occurred to this file is written out:
л+╗ - the file has been added;
л>╗ - has been changed (has been updated,
edited - time of last record became later);
л<╗ - has been changed (has been replaced by
older version - time of record became earlier);
In all these cases the file will be copied on
the carrier in the second operation of synchronization.
лx╗ - has been removed
(has not been found in object), in the second operation the command of deletion
will be created;
The above messages are written out to the
report at set in object for the given computer a flag of copying to the
carrier.
"X" - in the list there is a command
of deletion, i.e. the specified file will be removed in the first operation of
synchronization;
"Figure" - on the carrier is available
a file copied from a computer, designated in this figure, the file will be
copied to object in the first operation of synchronization.
These messages are written out at the set flag
of copying from the carrier, and only at absence of messages on change of
files.
Button "Synchronize" starts operation synchronization of
files which includes two stages:
At the first stage carry of files from the directories
of the carrier filled at synchronization on other computers of group, to
objects of the given computer, and also removal files from objects by the
deletion commands included to lists at synchronization on other computers is
made. Files are checked on conformity to a mask of object and to the common
list of files masks. If the inquiries about operations of replacement or
removal for a file are set in the list of masks, confirmation on executing of
irreversible actions is required from the operator. Unconditional confirmation
is required for replacement of files with older versions, and also operations
with the files changed on the given computer. In this case the window of
inquiry will be marked by an exclamation sign. The information on dates and
time of change of the files which are being in object, in the list and on the
carrier is shown in a window of inquiry. By pressing button "Yes" required operation is made, "No" - operation is cancelled, and the
corresponding file or a command is removed from the carrier (will not be
carried out on other computers), "Cancel" - operation is cancelled without correction
of the list and the cycle of synchronization interrupts. Each file copied from
the carrier or the used command of removal is checked on their necessity of
present in conformity with lists of files on other computers of group, and if
such necessity is not present, - is removed from the carrier and from the list.
In the report of the program lists of the files copied or removed at the given
stage are written out. Before names of files the signs designating operations,
made with files are shown:
л<= ╗ - the file has been copied from the
carrier in object with replacement existing and left on the carrier for use on
other computers;
л+= ╗ - the file is added from the carrier to
object and left on the carrier;
лx= ╗ - the file is removed on a command of removal,
the command of removal is left in the list;
л<=x╗, л+=x╗, лx=x╗ - the same operations, but a file
or a deletion command are removed from the carrier and from the list;
л--x╗ - the file or a command are removed from
the carrier and from the list without operation;
"-- " - operation was not carried
out, the file or a command are left on the carrier;
лRCx╗, лRDx╗ - refusal of the operations at inquiry, the file or a
command are removed from the carrier;
лERC=╗ - the error at copying a file or carry
of time of a folder, a next line is shown a system error code and its text
decoding;
лERD=╗ - an error at removal of a file or a
folder.
If instead of a symbol лx╗ in a sign the symbol
лe╗ is inserted, it means, that there was an error at attempt of removal of a
file or a folder from the carrier, for example at removal of a nonempty folder.
The first stage of synchronization is carried
out for objects with the set flag of copying from the carrier for the given
computer.
At the second stage copying the added and changed files
from objects to the carrier and inclusion to lists of commands of removal for
the removed files or folders is made. Thus the common lists of files of objects
in view of the changed, added and removed files are updated. If copying of
files to the carrier has not been completed as a result of overflow of a disk
of the carrier or a cancelling of operation updating of lists is not made for
not copied files that allows to fix changes again in a next session and to
continue operations of carry at next start of synchronization. The lists of the
files copied to the carrier, the created commands of removal and the files
added to the common lists of objects are written out to the report of the
program. Signs of operations:
л=+╗ - the file is copied (added) to the
carrier;
л=>╗ - the file is copied to the carrier
with replacement of the present;
л=x╗ - the command of removal is created;
лxx╗ - the file is
removed from the carrier and the command of removal is added;
лx-╗ - the file is removed from the carrier, the
command of removal is not created (there is no necessity);
"--" - actions it was not made, the
file or a command already is on the carrier;
л<figure╗ - the file has later date on other
computer (operation was not made);
лRC╗ - refusal of copying to the carrier (the
inquiry has been made as a file available on the carrier has later date, than
copied);
лEC=╗ - an error at copying a file to the
carrier.
The second operation of synchronization is carried
out for objects with the set for given computer flag of copying to the carrier.
Performance of operation of synchronization can
be interrupted at any stage by pressing of button "Stop" of the main window of the
application.
Recommendations on work with the program
Objects of synchronization
At the first start of the program and creation
of the list of objects for economy of time it is recommended to enter at once
paths to directories of objects on all computers which will be included in
group of synchronization, though can be made it directly on each computer.
Paths should be entered in a window of the editor of object in that order in
which then round of computers will be made. On some computers of a paths of some objects can be absent, in this case
corresponding directories on these computers will not be exposed to
synchronization. So, if the user works on two workplaces, and the computer is
in its full order only on one, not all working folders of the basic computer
will be necessary on the second computer but only what concern to the given
workplace. At the same time, for a home computer synchronization of all folders
for reservation of the information and an opportunity of work at home will be
necessary. Paths of objects on other computers can specify absent folders, in
this case at synchronization they will be created and filled by files.
Usually in a path of object the global mask of
files л*.*╗ is used, but sometimes it is required to synchronize files only
with the certain extensions. In this case it is possible to create some objects
with identical paths, but various masks of filenames. In the same way it is
possible to synchronize separate files if to substitute a name and extension of
these files instead of a mask. Masks of files of one object on different
computers should coincide.
It is not recommended to use overlapped
objects: if any directory with processing the subdirectories is chosen in one
object, and the subdirectory of this directory is chosen in other,
synchronization can lead to some mismatches and excessive actions.
Nevertheless, such situation is admissible, if in these objects mutually
exclusive masks of files are used.
If on some computers files of object never are
exposed to internal changes, it is possible to forbid executing on these
computers the second operation of synchronization, having reset a flag of
copying on the carrier in a window of the object editor. If updating of files
is carried out only on one computer, it is possible to forbid on this computer
the first operation, having reset a flag of copying from the carrier. For
example, if on one of computers operation of updating of anti-virus base from
the Internet is carried out, it is possible to transfer it to other computers,
carrying out on the given computer only the second operation, and on others -
only the first.
Do not choose as objects of synchronization
system folders of a computer, it is can lead to failure of Windows.
Masks of files
Usually in the common list of masks the global
mask of a name of a file л*.*╗ is set, but it can be absent, if synchronization
on all objects is required only for files of the certain type. It is
recommended to set prohibition of synchronization for some files or groups of
files with the certain extensions of a name which are temporary files of
applications which the operator uses, for example, files *.OBJ, *.PDB, *.BSC
and others for development environment of programs Visual C++. These files are
updated at each compilation of the project and thus can have the significant
size that at their carry will lead unjustified losses of time and disk space of
the carrier. For such files it is recommended to reset a flag of the enabling
of copying and to set a flag of the enabling of removal in a window of the mask
editor. It will allow duplicating removal of unnecessary files on other
computers, but not transferring them. It is possible to set modes of inquiries
for replacement or removals of some important files, which change seldom to
avoid duplication of their casual change or removal on other computers. Also it
is possible to forbid completely synchronization of files which never should
change or delete, having reset flags of the enabling of copying and removal.
File systems
The carrier should have file system with
support of long names of files, have full access on reading, copying, creation,
rewritings, removal and changing of attributes of files and directories (use of
the common network disk is possible, but it was not checked). Objects of
synchronization can be on physical, logic and network disks with any file
systems and should have access on reading, copying, creation, rewritings,
removal and change of attributes of files and folders, creation and removal of
directories.
Synchronization
The contents of synchronizable
folders on computers is usual differ slightly, and there is no necessity for
carry of all files and folders of object. Therefore at the first
synchronization after creation of object or clearing of lists carrying of files
and folders to the carrier does not occur, but only lists of objects are
filled. At synchronization on the subsequent computers copying differing files
to the carrier will be already made. For full synchronization 2 rounds of
computers is required. If carry of all files and folders of object to other computer
is required, it is possible to take advantage of command buttons лCopy obj╗ and лReplace obj╗
in a window of the list of objects. In this case all files without taking into
account the enabled masks will be copied, and 1 round is required only, but the
carrier should be sufficient volume for all files of object.
Sometimes the user makes general cleaning
object of synchronization on one of computers. After that to transfer all the
made changes on other computers, it is possible to use a command "Source" in a window of the list of objects.
On other computers the command лFrom carrier╗ is carried out, and it is
necessary to confirm all required actions. The same operations can be used for
restoration of wrongly removed or changed files on one of computers. For this
purpose it is necessary to execute usual operation of synchronization on this
computer, and then on other computer to use a command "Source" then to return on a restored
computer and to execute a command лFrom carrier╗.
Usually operation of synchronization is carried
out twice in each session on a computer: before the beginning of work when the
updated working files are transferred to computer and after the ending when it
is necessary copy to the carrier results of work in this session. During the
basic work the program of synchronization is better for closing for economy of
memory, or to execute comparison before new synchronization.
Sometimes for carry of significant volume of the
updated information use of rewritable compact discs or DVD can be demanded. In
this case it is possible to execute following actions: to create on a hard disk
of a computer the temporary directory; to copy to it executing and all working
files from usually used carrier; to start in it the program SMSYNC.EXE; to
execute operation of synchronization; to write down contents of all temporary
directory to CD or DVD. On other computer: to copy from it the information to
the temporary directory; to execute synchronization; again to write down
contents on CD or DVD. It is necessary to do these operations on all computers
of group. After termination of synchronization on all
computers again copy all on the usual carrier. It is possible to use
also a portable hard disk for the same purpose; in this case there is no
necessity to copy contents to the temporary directory: it is possible to start
the program directly from a disk.
Features in version 5.01.
1.аа There
is an opportunity of copying of date and time of folders and carry of empty
folders at synchronization of objects. It makes directories of objects on
different computers identical.
2.аа At
copying or removal of files and folders from any directory in file system NTFS
time of the directory changes to the time of operation. Restoration of time of
a folder is stipulated in the program that operations of synchronization did
not lead to unnecessary changes.
3.аа At
executing of operations the information from a file of the list is loaded into
memory of a computer, and rewriting of a file is made only in case of need and
after end of operations. It has increased speed of operations.
4.аа The
file of the report is copied to a folder of temporary files of Windows on a hard
disk. It allows to reduce number of operations of record to the flash drive and to prolong term of its service.
5.аа At
executing of operations of synchronization the information on current operation
and processing object is shown in head of the main window.
6.аа Features
of representation of time of updating of files in file systems FAT and NTFS in
connection with transition to daytime saving are considered.
The program SMSHOW.EXE
The file of the list of object NNNNN.SSN includes the information on time of
last change of each of files of object on 4 computers, the code of the carrier
designating a source of a file in the directory of object on the carrier or
presence of a command of removal, and a path of a file relatively to path of
object. Sometimes the user needs to see a file of the list of object, but as
this file has a binary format, it is enough difficultly. The program SMSHOW.EXE
is developed for transformation of a format to a text form. If to start it with
the command line consisting of a name of a file of the list, after end of its
work in the current directory text file NNNNN.SYT is created, each line of which corresponds to
one file of object. In the first column there is a symbol of a code of the
carrier: figure of number of a computer from which the file is copied to the
carrier, or a symbol "X", designating a command of removal. In the
subsequent 4 columns date and time of last change of a file on 4 computers are
shown, and last column represents a relative path of a file. Each date and time
in the end has 2 additional symbols designating type of file system of object
on the given computer (лn╗ for NTFS or a blank for another) and an attribute of
daylight saving time for the moment of updating of a file (лd╗ for daylight
saving time and a blank for not saving). The codes of a status of
synchronization of object on each computer are shown in the first line of a
text file: 0 - the list is not filled, 1 - the list is filled, 2 - operation of
copying from the carrier (1 operation) was carried out, 3 - the object is
synchronized (both operations are executed).
The author asks to inform him on the found
errors and defects of the program. The program is distributed free of charge as
a demo in which restrictions operate: at first use it remains full-function
within 14 days (if you already use the previous versions, the demo-mode will
join at once) then at synchronization one object of synchronization will
process only. If the program has liked you, and you use it, transfer $10 to WebMoney purses: R340137090703 U381380380660 E127879145465
or Z327506912149. It is possible to send also them to PayPal account to my
e-mail address. While transferring, specify your
E-mail, I shall send you the full-function version of the program and shall
send new releases to it. It is possible to make also transfer into my bank
account, for requisites address on my e-mail.
The author does not carry the responsibility
for loss of your information so before for the first time to work with the
program, reserve the important files.
Data on the author
Vladimir Odivanov
E-mail: odivanov@mail.ru
Download
the program with English interface: http://odivanov.narod.ru/smsync5de.zip
Russian version: http://odivanov.narod.ru/smsync50d.zip
Last release: 23.04.2009
