🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1988Oct4.162537.8158@mntgfx.mentor.com>, tomc@mntgfx.mentor.com (Tom Carstensen) writes:
>   --  FOR YOUR INFORMATION --
>   
> I had used DiskFit 1.41 for quite a while now, I'd thought I'd
> test out Redux, to see how it compares.
> 
> Overall there pretty comparable, Redux does have more flexibility
> on selecting specific file not to back-up, etc.
> 
> BUT!!!  The TWO MAIN REASONS I found Redux WORTHLESS compared
> to Diskfit:
> 
>  1.  When I did an incremental backup with Redux (after about 
>      2 days of disk usage)  It asked me FOR EVERY SINGLE DISK
>      except for about 4-5 out of my 60 disk backup set !!!!
>      It had to update folder info on all these disks, which
>      just took a second, but it VERY ANNOYING to have to pull
>      out and insert all those disks!.  Diskfit never
>      performed this bad.
>  
>  2.  Diskfit keeps it's back-up in Finder compatible format.
>      Quite nice.
> 
> I'm staying with Diskfit.  It's simple and it works extremely
> well.

I own and use Redux for my hard disk backups.  I will agree with 
Tom that it can be a pain to feed in all your diskettes for a 
few seconds (while it updates folder info).  BUT, I find the
feature he touched on briefly to be THE feature that sold me on
Redux...that is its very flexible file selection for backup and
restores.  It provides a very friendly user interface using a
checkbox scheme.  Beside each folder name is a folder icon.  
Clicking beside this icon produces a popup menu for marking
or unmarking all the contents of the folder, opening it or closing 
it.  If you chose not to mark all the contents and open the 
folder, you can mark any or all files individually.  When the
folder is opened, each file/folder inside it is displayed below
the folder name but indented slightly.  Beside each file name 
is a mini-icon indicating the type of file (application/document/...) 
and a checkbox allowing you to mark it for backup/restores.

REdux supplies extensive filtering control over which files/folders
are to be viewed.   All those modified after a particular date,
all those starting with a certain string value, or ending with...,
or only applications, or only system stuff, or...and the list goes
on.

After the first time you backup your hard disk, during any subsequent
backup sessions, Redux will indicate which files/folders have
been modified since the last backup.  This greatly assists in the 
selection process.  There may be times when you don't want to do an 
incremental backup of ALL files modified since the last backup.
I know I don't always want to incrementally backup everything.  In
addition to my master backup, I do multiple subset backups of the
files I use most frequently.  This prevents me from incrementally
backuping up every couple weeks.  I just incr. backup my much
smaller subset(s).

Redux also provides a macro language that allows for making and
tailoring scripts for automating your backups/restores.  

I call Redux a VERY flexible backup utility program, probably the
most flexible now available.  It has two modes of operation: a simple 
user mode for those who don't want power but just want a quick and
easy way to do backups at the push of a button.  Then there is the
power user mode which provides all the features mentioned above.
User preferences are preserved.

I don't find Diskfit's method of storing files in Finder format
to be something I miss.  Redux is so easy to use, I don't have
a need to by-pass it and read stuff off directly in the Finder.
If I wanted that, I would just use the Finder for doing my backups.
Redux compresses the file data to preserve space.

SUMMARY:

In defense of Diskfit (I have not used it but have read several
reviews of it), if all you want is a push the button and leave it
alone while it backups up everything on your hard disk, then this
is the program for you.

But if you want basically complete control over what gets backed up,
down to the individual file or folder, then Redux is an excellent
choice.

--Bruce

Disclaimer: I am in no way connected or affiliated with MicroSeeds, Inc. the
            makers of Redux.  I am only a satisfied owner and user of Redux!
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** These are my opinions, & not necessarily those of Mentor Graphics Corporation **
Bruce Holm, Design/Analysis Div. | USENET: bruceh@pdx.MENTOR.COM   
Mentor Graphics Corp.            |   UUCP: ...!{sequent,tessi,apollo}!mntgfx!bruceh       
(503) 626-7000                   |  GENIE: BHOLM  (rarely used)
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-- 
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** These are my opinions, & not necessarily those of Mentor Graphics Corporation **
Bruce Holm, Design/Analysis Div. | USENET: bruceh@pdx.MENTOR.COM   
Mentor Graphics Corp.            |   UUCP: ...!{sequent,tessi,apollo}!mntgfx!bruceh