Introduction of Google Backup and Sync Tool and Removing Duplicate Files

Raza Ali Kazmi Data Management, Sorcim Articles

Known for being an evolutionist, Google has never disappointed when it comes to adding immensely to the technical world with state-of-the-art releases and improving mindsets.

Such an exemplary contribution can be seen in the field of backing data in the cloud with Google Drive and Google Photos. Though these services are treated separately in functioning, recently Google has made this whole process a lot easier for the user by combining them and forming a unified Backup and Sync. The cloud forms the heart of many devices with vast data storage and as a result of this merger; Google Cloud can now be accessed via a convenient and cohesive interface. The application is complemented with additional services and helpful features, all free for Google users.

 

Characteristics of Backup and Sync

  1. Selection of multiple files and folders for backup in the computer.
  2. Identical photos and videos are identified, and smart-select uploads only one copy to Google Photos, while retaining all files in Google Drive.
  3. Automated filters intelligently sort photos and videos into Google Photos.
  4. Automated backup with a connection to an external storage device, including hard drives, SD cards etc. This quick action response aids professionals to a great extent, especially professional photographers who can quickly back up all images that have been captured.
  5. The older Google Drive folder is still usable through the application which uploads files to My Drive.
  6. Organized processing with folders for both My Drive and Backup and Sync. My Drive contains the computer’s user folder with Google Drive backups, while Backup and Sync displays all the Computers where the application is running.

 

Set up and Usage

Setting up Google Backup and Sync in your computer is very simple. The following four steps can be employed to easily install it.

  1. Initiate the download by visiting https://www.google.com/drive/download/
  2. Execute the downloaded file to install Backup and Sync.
  3. Launch the application once installation is complete.
  4. Clicking on Get Started allows you access the next set of requirements before you can start using Backup and Sync.
  5. Enter your Gmail account credentials to sign into Google Drive.
  6. You will be prompted to select one of the two options: Back up photos and videos and Back up all file types. The former lets you upload only photos and videos to Google Photos; while the latter allows you to backup all files to Google Drive, while uploading a single copy of photos and videos to Google Photos as well. It is recommended to opt for the second option for maximum security of data.
  7. You can use the multiple select feature to simultaneously select all files that need to be uploaded.
  8. The Backup and Sync icon in the taskbar can be clicked to upload the files in the specified folder of the cloud. All progress is also displayed in the application.
  9. You can visit https://drive.google.com/drive to check which files have been uploaded to the cloud.
  10. The left-hand panel displays various icons. Select and collapse the Computers to open the file hierarchy for the computer from which you have installed and configured Backup and Sync.

 

Deleting Duplicate Files

This is a highly critical process that results in freeing up of a handsome amount of storage space by making use of Clone Files Checker, a state-of-the-art software solution that helps scan for and remove duplicate files with great ease and a perfect rate of accuracy. Let’s jump into the process right away.

  1. Download and install Clone Files Checker.
  2. Launch the program and add the Backup and Sync folder location in the Step 1 area.
  3. Now simply click Start Search to launch the scan.
  4. Once the scan is over, you will notice a menu pop up on the screen showing up summarised results of the scan.
  5. Click Fix Wizard | Newest/ Oldest | Permanent Delete.
  6. Click Continue in the permanent deletion warning box.

Once the deletion has been completed, Backup and Sync will come alive at once and begin to sync the changes to the cloud so that all duplicates are purged and storage space recovered.