Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Back In Time VS DirSync Pro

Compare Back In Time VS DirSync Pro and see what are their differences

Back In Time logo Back In Time

Back In Time is a simple backup tool for Linux inspired from ...

DirSync Pro logo DirSync Pro

DirSync Pro: Powerfull synchronization and backup utility. It's portable, easy to use, open source, 100% free, 100% spyware-free, no limitations
  • Back In Time Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-11
  • DirSync Pro Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-03-26

Back In Time features and specs

  • Open Source
    Back In Time is an open-source software project, allowing anyone to view, modify, and contribute to its source code, which promotes transparency and community-driven development.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application features a straightforward and intuitive interface that makes it accessible for users of different skill levels to configure and manage their backups efficiently.
  • Incremental Backups
    Back In Time supports incremental backups, meaning that only changes made since the last backup are saved, which saves time and storage space.
  • Scheduling
    The software offers detailed scheduling options, allowing users to automate their backup processes at specified intervals, which enhances convenience and ensures data is regularly backed up.
  • Configurable
    Back In Time allows for extensive configuration options to suit individual needs, such as setting up multiple backup profiles, filtering files and directories, and defining backup interval details.

Possible disadvantages of Back In Time

  • Limited Platform Support
    Back In Time is primarily designed for Linux, which might limit its usability for users on other operating systems like Windows or macOS.
  • Dependency on rsync
    The tool relies on rsync for data transfer, which may not be available or may require additional configuration on some systems, potentially posing a barrier for users less familiar with command-line tools.
  • Lack of Cloud Integration
    While it supports local and external drive backups, Back In Time does not offer direct integration with popular cloud storage services, which may be a drawback for those looking for cloud-based backup solutions.
  • Potential Performance Overhead
    Depending on system resources and the size of data being backed up, Back In Time could introduce performance overhead during backup processes, which might be noticeable for users with limited hardware capabilities.
  • Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While basic use is straightforward, some of the more advanced features and configurations may have a steep learning curve for users not familiar with backup solutions, requiring a deeper understanding to implement effectively.

DirSync Pro features and specs

  • Open Source
    DirSync Pro is available for free under the GNU General Public License (GPL), making it accessible for users who need a reliable synchronization tool without any cost.
  • Cross-Platform
    The software is Java-based, allowing it to run on various operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    It features an intuitive graphical interface that makes it easier for users to configure and manage their sync tasks without needing advanced knowledge.
  • Customizable Sync Options
    DirSync Pro offers extensive customization options, including the ability to set specific rules for file inclusion, exclusion, and conflict resolution.
  • Automated Synchronization
    The tool supports scheduled synchronization tasks, allowing users to automate their backup and sync processes.
  • Detailed Logging
    Provides comprehensive logs and reports, which help users monitor sync operations and troubleshoot any issues efficiently.

Possible disadvantages of DirSync Pro

  • Performance Limitations
    Being Java-based, it may not offer the same performance level as native applications, especially when dealing with very large datasets.
  • Complex Setup for Advanced Features
    While the general interface is user-friendly, configuring advanced features and settings can be complex and may require a learning curve.
  • Limited Real-Time Sync
    DirSync Pro does not offer real-time synchronization, meaning it cannot continuously monitor and sync files instantly.
  • Dependency on Java Runtime
    Users need to have the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed on their systems to run DirSync Pro, which might be inconvenient for some.
  • Interface Responsiveness
    On older or less powerful hardware, the graphical interface can be somewhat sluggish compared to lightweight, dedicated utilities.
  • Community Support
    As an open-source project, support is primarily community-driven, which may not be as immediate or comprehensive as commercial alternatives.

Analysis of Back In Time

Overall verdict

  • Back In Time is generally considered a good option for users who need a simple and effective backup solution on Linux. It is well-suited for both beginners and experienced users who want a no-fuss application to secure their files.

Why this product is good

  • Back In Time is a simple, easy-to-use backup application for Linux systems. It provides a straightforward graphical user interface, and its use of rsync and hard links makes it efficient in terms of storage. The tool allows for automated backups at regular intervals, making it a reliable option for safeguarding data.

Recommended for

  • Linux users looking for a simple backup solution
  • Individuals who want automated, scheduled backups
  • Users who prefer a graphical user interface
  • People with storage constraints who need an efficient backup tool

Analysis of DirSync Pro

Overall verdict

  • DirSync Pro is generally regarded as a good solution for users seeking a robust file synchronization tool. Its rich feature set, along with the fact that it is free and open-source, makes it a strong contender among other file synchronization software. However, its complexity might be overwhelming for beginners or those looking for a simpler solution.

Why this product is good

  • DirSync Pro is a powerful and versatile file synchronization tool designed for professionals and enthusiasts. It allows for efficient and reliable synchronization of files and directories across different devices and networks. The software is valued for its flexibility, offering a wide range of configuration options, scheduling capabilities, and support for incremental backup and synchronization. It is also open-source, which means users can access the code and benefit from community-driven improvements.

Recommended for

  • IT professionals and system administrators who require detailed control over file backup and synchronization processes.
  • Advanced users who appreciate the ability to customize synchronization tasks extensively.
  • Open-source enthusiasts interested in a community-driven software solution.

Back In Time videos

Back to the Future: Back in Time Review - with Tom Vasel

More videos:

  • Review - Back in Time Review - App Reviews
  • Review - Solareyn's Review - Sonic Back in Time

DirSync Pro videos

Sync Folders in Real Time with DirSync Pro on Windows (1/2)

More videos:

  • Review - Sync Folders in Real Time with DirSync Pro on Windows (2/2)

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Back In Time and DirSync Pro)
File Sharing And Backup
43 43%
57% 57
File Sharing
46 46%
54% 54
Backup & Restore
100 100%
0% 0
Backup And Disaster Recovery

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Back In Time and DirSync Pro

Back In Time Reviews

Linux File Backup - 5 Best Softeware for Linux Desktop and Server
As the name indicates, Back in Time(secured URL: https://github.com/bit-team/backintime) lets you transfer directory, system, and file data back in time. Just like Timeshift, it captures the snapshots and records in the directory as a backup. Though the tool is written in Python3 and QT, it saves your backups in simple text.
Source: www.easeus.com
The Top 17 Free and Open Source Backup Solutions
Back In Time is backup software designed for Linux, inspired by “flyback project”. The solution offers a command line client as well as a GUI, both written in Python. In order to perform backups, users specify where to store snapshots, what folders to back up, and the frequency of the backups. In addition to this, the solution is licensed with GPLv2.
Top 5 System Backup Tools for the Linux Desktop (Updated 2020)
Back In Time is a backup tool for the Linux desktop that creates system snapshots of specific directories that the user sets in the settings. By doing this, it allows users to keep a custom backup system that is more tailored to their needs, rather than a large backup filled with things they do not want.
Source: zcom.tech
11 Best Linux Backup Solutions
Back In Time is a simple and easy to use backup tool for the Linux operating system and works by taking snapshots of predefined directories. It comes with a very simple but useful user interface. You can configure specific directories for automatic backups or backup manually.

DirSync Pro Reviews

We have no reviews of DirSync Pro yet.
Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Back In Time seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 24 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Back In Time mentions (24)

  • Opportunity for beginners: Some code cleaning in "Back In Time"
    It is often asked by beginners how and where starting to contribute. As member of the maintenance team of Back In Time (Backup software using rsync in the back, written with Python and Qt) I would like to introduce one of our "good first issues" (#1578). Source: over 1 year ago
  • Free software project "Back In Time" requests for translation
    I'm member of the upstream maintenance team of Back In Time a rsync-based backup software. No one gets payed. No company behind hit. Even the maintainers and developers are volunteers. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Why is contributing soo hard
    Back In Time is a round about 15 years old backup software using rsync in the back. I'm part of the 3rd generation maintenance team there. A lot of work in investigating and fixing issues, understanding, documenting and refactoring old code. Source: over 1 year ago
  • [English -> Portuguese EU / Brazil] Text about attracting translators to a FOSS project
    This request is related to an Open Source project named Back In Time. Everyone there works voluntarily and unpaid. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Is it normal practice in Github for a valid issue to be closed if the Dev can't work on it at the moment?
    In my own project we do it more transparent. We close if there is a good reason for it. We don't close just because no one is working on something. If there are no resources to work in it now but it seems important we keep it open until it is fixed. We do use milestones and priority labels to give the users an idea about our plans. Source: almost 2 years ago
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DirSync Pro mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of DirSync Pro yet. Tracking of DirSync Pro recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Back In Time and DirSync Pro, you can also consider the following products

Duplicati - Free backup software to store backups online with strong encryption. Works with FTP, SSH, WebDAV, OneDrive, Amazon S3, Google Drive and many others.

GoodSync - GoodSync provides highly reliable file backup and synchronization for both individuals and businesses.

rsync - rsync is a file transfer program for Unix systems. rsync uses the "rsync algorithm" which provides a very fast method for bringing remote files into sync.

Déjà Dup - Déjà Dup is a simple backup tool.

FreeFileSync - FreeFileSync is a free open source data backup software that helps you synchronize files and folders on Windows, Linux and macOS.

Restic - Easy: Doing backups should be a frictionless process, otherwise you are tempted to skip it.