Copyright: © Copyright 1998, 1999 - FileWare Limited
Citation: © Copyright 1998, 1999 - FileWare Limited


About FTPSync

FTPSync is an intuitive file management utility that provides the facility to synchronize files between a local machine and an FTP server. Particularly useful for updating web sites and downloading software upgrades and patches.

To get going straight away jump to Quick Start.

Make sure to take a look at A few things you should know .


What's new

New in this release

•	Global settings now accessible from the connection list

•	"Ignore times of files older than..." now disabled when set to zero

New in version 2.03

•	User-definable server response timeout

•	Server properties option

•	Execute server commands option

•	Improved handling of file lists returned from badly behaved servers

New in version 2.02

•	Improved performance

•	Firewall/Proxy server support

•	Session logging

•	Time shift option for syncing across timezones

•	Reverse transfer direction

•	Time remaining and transfer speed display


Support

Support is available by email from ftpsyncsupport@fileware.com. Priority will be given to registered users but all users will receive support.


Registration

FTPSync is a shareware program and is provided at no charge to the user for evaluation.  Feel free to share unlicensed copies with your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part of another system.  The essence of shareware software is to provide personal computer users with quality software without high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to continue to develop new products.

If you find this program useful and find that you continue to use it after a reasonable trial period, you must make a registration payment (see below).  This registration fee will license one copy for use on any one computer at any one time.  All users will receive a registration key when they register, and free technical support for an unlimited period.

Commercial users must register and pay for their copies within 30 days of first use or their license is withdrawn.  Site License arrangements may be made by contacting us at sales@fileware.com.

Anyone distributing this product for any kind of remuneration must first contact the author for authorization.

You are encouraged to pass a copy of this software along to your friends for evaluation, but you must include all files in the original distribution.  Please encourage them to register their copy if they find that they make use of it.

Registration is available on-line by secure web server. Full details are available on the FileWare web site at http://www.fileware.com

Benefits of registration include a clear conscience, product life-time upgrades and priority email support.


Disclaimer and other legal stuff

LIMITED WARRANTY AND REMEDIES

THE PROGRAM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  IN NO EVENT WILL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE PROGRAM, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ THIS LICENSE, UNDERSTAND IT AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY ITS TERMS AS THE COMPLETE AND EXCLUSIVE STATEMENT OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN US, SUPERSEDING ANY PROPOSAL OR PRIOR AGREEMENT, ORAL OR WRITTEN, AND ANY OTHER COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN US RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS LICENSE.


Version Information

Version	Released	Details

2.00	October 1999	See What's new

1.50	September 1999

1.41	May 1999

1.30	January 1999

1.05	December 1998


Upgrades

Upgrades will be available for free download from the FileWare Web Site at http://www.fileware.com

All registered users will be notified by email as and when new versions are available.


A few things you should know

When synchronizing with an FTP server there are a few things to be aware of.

Speed

FTP connections are generally slow. It may take some while to get a connection. Be patient. If the server is public, like ftp.microsoft.com, there may be so many other people trying to connect that getting a connection may not be possible. Try again later.

Logins

FTP servers support 2 kinds of login. Anonymous and user account. If you don't have an account you must use anonymous login. This means that it is unlikely you will have upload rights so you will only be able to download from the server.

Time-stamps

FTP servers time-stamp files when they are written. FTP clients are not able to change these time-stamps. This means that when uploading files the time-stamps will never match. To make it easier to see which files have been synchronized, FTPSync has an option to set the times of local files to the same as the remote after an upload. If the server is in a different timezone it will help to set the "Shift remote files times" option in the advanced connection properties.


Quick Start

There are 3 basic steps:

1. 	Connect

2. 	Compare

3. 	Synchronize

Connect

To connect to an FTP server you need to setup a connection. From the Connection list displayed when FTPSync starts, press the Add button.

Enter the details into the Connection Properties dialog. You don't need to enter the paths at this stage as these can be entered once connection has been established. Press the OK button to save your settings.

Select the required connection from the list and press the Connect button. Note, that depending on your connection and Internet/server load it can take some time for a connection to be established.

Compare

Once connected you have the option change the local and remote paths and file type settings before running the compare. You can use the browse buttons to select the required paths or select a previous path from the history list.

To start the comparison select "File, Compare" from the menu or use the toolbar button. All menu items and toolbar buttons are disabled during this phase except the "Stop" option.

As the comparison is run the folder tree and file list are updated in the main window.

Synchronize

All tagged files will be copied from local to remote and/or remote to local as necessary. The status bar shows the number of tagged files out of the total number of files that require synchronization. The synchronize confirmation dialog allows selection of either or both copy directions.


Connection List

The connection list displays the connections that have already been set up. You have the options to Add a new connection, Clone or Edit an existing connection, Delete a connection that is no longer required, or Connect.

Firewall

To provide maximum flexibility you can define firewall settings on a global basis and also for each connection if required. This option allows you to choose, at connection time, which settings will be used.

None - All firewall settings will be ignored.

Use Global Settings - The firewall settings in "Tools, Options, Firewall" will be used.

Use Connection Settings - The firewall settings for the selected connection will be used.

Compare on Connect

Tick this option and FTPSync will run the compare automatically as soon as a connection is established.


General Properties

Description

This is the text that's displayed in the connection list.

Hostname or IP address

You can enter the FTP server's address either as the hostname, e.g. ftp.acme.com, or as a dotted IP address, e.g. 192.186.100.123

Anonymous login

Tick this box for anonymous login. The user name and password fields will be disabled.

Username

If you have an account on the FTP server, enter your username here.

Password

Enter the password for your FTP account. If you leave the password blank you will be prompted for it when a connection is made. See Password Dialog.

Local path

Enter the local path used in the comparison. This can be mapped drive letter or a UNC resource identifier. Use the browse button to browse all available resources on the local machine and on the network it is connected to. You can delay entering the path until after a connection has been made.

File Types

Enter the criteria for files that will be included in the comparison. You can specify any file specification you like such as *.* or *.exe. If you want to include more than one type of file enter multiple file specifications separated with a semi-colon. e.g. *.bmp; *.wmf; *.gif; *.jpg

Remote path

Enter the remote path used in the comparison. You can delay entering the path until after a connection has been made. Once connected you can browse for the path on the remote server with the browse button in the main window.

Include sub-folders

The include sub-folders option controls whether files in sub-folders of the selected paths will be included in the comparison. For instance, if the paths are set to the root directory of a drive then, with this option set, all files that match the specified file types will be displayed in the comparison list.


Advanced Properties

Remote FTP Port

Port 21 is generally used for FTP. If the server you are accessing uses a different port, enter it here. If you're unsure, leave it at 21.

Passive Mode

Passive mode is required by some firewalls/proxy servers and is when the remote server waits (passively) for a data connection from the client, FTPSync, rather than actively making a connection to the client. If you're unsure whether you require passive mode, then set it on.

Shift remote file times by ... Hours

This option will compensate for the times returned from a remote server that is in a different timezone to FTPSync. You can set either a positive or negative shift in hours depending on whether the server is behind or ahead of the client's timezone.


Firewall Properties

Hostname/Address

You can enter the firewall/proxy server's address either as the hostname, e.g. ourfirewall, or as a dotted IP address, e.g. 192.186.100.123

Port

Enter the port that the firewall uses for FTP. This is usually 21. If this doesn't work check with your network/firewall administrator.

Username

If your firewall needs a logon, enter your username here. Only enabled for some firewall types.

Password

If your firewall needs a password, enter your password here. Only enabled for some firewall types.

Firewall type

Select your firewall type from the eight options. WinProxy and WinGate are two of the most commonly used and are frequently set up as "USER with no logon". If you're unsure of your firewall type, check with your network/firewall administrator, or if that's not possible try them all until you find the one that works.


Password dialog

If you left the password blank in the connection properties you will be asked for it on connection. Enter your password and press the OK button to connect, or, press Cancel to return to the Connection List.


Main Window

Folder Tree

The folder tree provides a graphical display of the comparison results. From the icons you can tell if a folder set exists on both paths or only one, and whether the folder set contains files that require synchronization. Folders that contain files requiring synchronization are highlighted in bold.

A couple of examples:

Folder exists on both local and remote paths. Files require synchronization in both directions.

Folder exists on local path only. No files require synchronization.

File List

The file list displays the files in the selected folder. Only files that match the file types criteria are displayed and the contents of the list are controlled by the current filter setting. The list can be sorted by any of the columns in either ascending or descending order.

Status Bar

The status bar shows the current connection status and also shows the number of files tagged for copying on both paths.

Session Log

The gray window at the bottom of main window shows the conversation between FTPSync and the remote server. You can copy the log to the clipboard by right-clicking on it, Select All and then Copy.


File Types

Enter the criteria for files that will be included in the comparison. You can specify any file specification you like such as *.* or *.exe. If you want to include more than one type of file enter multiple file specifications separated with a semi-colon. e.g. *.bmp; *.wmf; *.gif; *.jpg


Delete files

Select whether you want to delete files from the local drive and/or the remote and press the OK button.


Initial remote path

If the remote path that has been defined for this connection is not found on the server FTPSync will display this dialog.


Progress

The progress dialog displays the paths that are being used for the transfer as well as the percent complete of both the current file and for the overall transfer operation.


Recurse sub-folders

The recurse sub-folders option controls whether files in sub-folders of the selected paths will be included in the comparison. For instance, if the paths are set to the root directory of a drive then, with this option set, all files that match the specified file types will be displayed in the comparison list.


Reverse Transfer Direction

You can reverse the transfer direction of the currently selected files by right-clicking on the file list to bring up the context menu and choosing "Reverse transfer direction". The filenames, sizes and dates will remain in the original color but the transfer arrow will change direction and color.


Synchronize Confirm


Cancel Transfer

This dialog is displayed if you press the cancel button on the progress dialog during file transfer. Select Yes to stop the  transfer. The file currently being transferred will be deleted from the target.

This dialog will disappear automatically after 10 seconds if you don't press a button.


Options

See Tools, Options


Remote folder dialog

You can select a path on the remote machine. This option is not available unless there's a current connection to the server. Note, however, that because FTPSync has to get the path information from the remote machine this dialog is much slower than the Local Folder dialog.


Compare

This option starts the compare process.


Stop Compare

This option stops the compare process.


Synchronize

See Synchronize Confirm


Connect

Brings up the connection list.


Disconnect

Disconnects from the current connection and returns you to the connection list.


Select All

Selects all the files displayed in the file list.


Tag all files requiring synchronization

Tags all files in all folders that need to be synchronized.


Untag All

Untags all files in all folders.


All


Files requiring synchronization


Files to copy from Local to Remote


Files to copy from Remote to Local


Files with matching timestamps


Files which exist on both paths


Files on both paths requiring synchronization


Files that exist on one path only


General

Server response timeout

This setting controls the amount of time that FTPSync waits for a response from the remote server before giving up.


Compare

Audible alert on completion

FTPSync will beep on completion of the compare process if this option is set.

Ignore seconds when comparing timestamps

Most FTP servers only timestamp files to the nearest minute. In most cases you would want this option set.

Ignore times of files older than ... days

Most FTP servers don't maintain the time of files older than 180 days. By setting this option the times of files older than the specified number of days will be ignored when running the comparison. Set to 0 days to disable this option.


Display

Suppress tagging of files after compare

When this option is set, all files requiring synchronization after the compare process will be left untagged.

Suppress striped list

This option turns the alternating stripes in the file list off.


Transfer

Audible alert on completion

FTPSync will beep on completion of the transfer process if this option is set.


Folder Exclusions


Browse for local folder

You can select a path on the local machine or LAN.


Browse for remote folder

See Remote folder dialog


Server Properties

This option displays information returned from the server at logon.


Execute a Server Command

This option allows you to execute FTP commands directly on the remote server. Enter the "HELP" command to interrogate the server for supported commands.

Note, however, that commands requiring a data connection, like "LIST" are not currently supported in this mode.


Session Logging

See Main Window


Improved performance

From version 2.00 FTPSync features greatly improved performance with the replacement of the FTP engine.


Upload

Uploading is when you are copying data to an FTP server. A "STOR" in FTP speak.


Download

Downloading is when you are copying data from an FTP server. A "RETR" in FTP speak.


Association of Shareware professionals

FileWare is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP).

The primary goals of the ASP include:

•	To inform users about shareware programs and about shareware as a method of distributing and marketing software.

•	To foster a high degree of professionalism among shareware authors by setting programming, marketing, and support standards for ASP members to follow.

•	To encourage broader distribution of shareware through user groups and disk dealers who agree to identify and explain the nature of shareware.

•	To assist members in marketing their software.

•	To provide a forum through which ASP members may communicate, share ideas, and learn from each other.

•	The Association of Shareware Professionals have drafted a code of ethics for all present and future members.  This code of ethics includes the following requirements:

•	A member's program (evaluation version) must not be limited (crippled) in any way.  In the true spirit of Try-Before-You-Buy, users must be able to evaluate all the features in a program before paying the registration fee.

•	Members must respond to every registration.  At the very least they must send a receipt for the payment.

•	Members must provide technical support for their products for at least 90 days from the date of registration.

The ASP has put in place a system to help ensure that users are treated fairly and professionally.  If a user is unable to resolve a problem with a member author then the user can contact the ASP Ombudsman with their complaint.  The Ombudsman will then try to help resolve the dispute.

ASP Ombudsman Statement:

FileWare is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP).  ASP wants to make sure that the shareware principle works for you.  If you are unable to resolve a shareware-related problem with an ASP member by contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help.  The ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for members' products.

Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at:

ASP Ombudsman

545 Grover Road

Muskegon, MI  49442-9427

U.S.A.

or send a message via e-mail to ASP Ombudsman, 70007.3536@compuserve.com.


You should Register!

Only through your support can we continue to provide high-quality software at reasonable prices. We don't charge for upgrades and we don't charge for technical support unlike some software suppliers. (Names omitted to avoid potential law suits).

Where else can you get quality products, FREE upgrades and FREE support? Only in the shareware sector, that's where!  So support shareware developers and pay the registration fee for those products that you continue to use after the evaluation period.

Thanks for your support.

How to register


Selecting Files

Selected files are different from tagged files. Selected files are those that are highlighted in the comparison list. The context menu options operate on only the selected files.

All the files in the list can be selected from the Edit menu Select All option.


Future Enhancements and Features

Development of this product is on-going and there is always a list of new enhancements and features to be provided at some point. Feedback and suggestions for the product are always welcome.


UNC

Universal Naming Convention. A standard resource naming convention used by Windows 95/98, Windows NT and other operating systems which takes the form:

   \\ComputerName\ResourceName\FolderName