cwRsync is a yet another packaging of Rsync and Cygwin. You can use cwRsync for fast remote file backup and synchronization. Rsync uses the Rsync algorithm which provides a very fast method for bringing remote files into sync. It does this by sending just the differences in the files across the link, without requiring that both sets of files are present at one of the ends of the link beforehand. At first glance this may seem impossible because the calculation of diffs between two files normally requires local access to both files.

Rsync normally uses ssh for communication. It requires no special privileges for installation. You must, however, have a working ssh system.

Alternatively, rsync can run in `daemon' mode, listening on a socket. This is generally used for public file distribution, although authentication and access control are available. Cygwin is a Linux-like environment for Windows. It consists of a DLL (cygwin1.dll), which emulates substantial Linux API functionality, and a collection of tools.

Installation

Supported platforms: Client - NT/2000/XP/2003/2008/Vista/7, Server - NT/2000/XP/2003/2008/Vista/7.

cwRsync comes as a zip archive containing a Nullsoft Installer package. Unzip downloaded file and run cwRsync_x.x.x_Installer.exe or cwRsync_Server_x.x.x_Installer.exe (server version) :

1. Click Next at Welcome-page
2. View license agreement.
3. Select components that varies depending on package type: Client package has an optional component (Secure Channel Wrapper & Wizard). It makes creation of secure channels to cwrsync servers an easy task.
4. Specify an installation location.
5. (cwRsyncServer only) Specify a service account.
6. Installation starts. By clicking 'Details' button, you can get more detailed information about installation. Check if everything seems ok.

You're DONE! cwRsync is installed on your machine.

cwRsync server only

You should update the configuration file according to your needs. If you have defined uploadable modules (read only = false), you have to make sure that Rsync Server has correct permissions on directories behind those modules. You can use Prep a Dir for Upload wizard from the start menu for that purpose.

cwRsync installs rsync server as a service (RsyncServer) with following parameters :

--config rsyncd.conf --daemon --no-detach

Default start mode is manual.

Usage

A batch file starting rsync in a right environment is available from start menu. You can customize it according to your needs. Man pages in html format are also available from start menu. cwRsync FAQs from this site can also be helpful.

In addition, as rsync people suggest, you can try Google for resources :-) I give also some pointers to rsync website :

• Rsync documentation site
• Rsync resources
• Rsync mailing list

License/Version

This package contains components with following terms of licensing:

Uninstallation

This one is easy too:

1. Make sure that no clients are connected.
2. Choose Uninstall cwRsync from the start menu. Again, you can monitor uninstallation process by clicking 'Details' button.

 Thanks!

Let me emphasize that I play a very small role in this big game. I would like to thank to all people that make rsync+cygwin a powerful and flexible solution for remote backup and synchronization.