SyncToy v1 White Paper

Download details: SyncToy v1 White Paper

"... SyncToy is a free PowerToy for Microsoft Windows XP that provides is an easy to use, highly customizable program that helps users to do the heavy lifting involved with the copying, moving, and synchronization of different directories. Most common operations can be performed with just a few clicks of the mouse, and additional customization is available without adding complexity. SyncToy can manage multiple sets of directories at the same time; it can combine files from two folders in one case, and mimic renames and deletes in another. Unlike other applications, SyncToy keeps track of renames to files and will make sure those changes get carried over to the synchronized folder. ..."

That sounds kind of cool. I know I could use something like this at home to help manage and share my photo and music collection (share with my wife and son).

Based on this whitepaper, SyncToy looks pretty neat. As described it sounds like it can act as a cheap backup like tool. Not OS type backup, but file/content/pictures/etc type backup utility. You can use this to easily sync files between two computers and between different drives on the same computer (i.e. sync to USB external drive).

Looks like the application download isn't yet available, so I'll have to keep an eye out for it...

Update #1 8/3/2004 @ 7:35AM PDT:
The SyncToy V1 application is now available for download...