AJC Active Backup

A Great Safety Net

Oops! Don't you hate it when you accidentally write over - or save to - the wrong file? Recycle Bin is no help at all for that one.

Or when you notice that something that used to work (or look good) suddenly doesn't, and you don't know when it broke or what you changed?

Or when you don't like some changes you've made, and Undo simply won't get your file back to how you want it?

You can't stop and backup every version of every file every 10 minutes, and even if you could, you wouldn't know which file was the one you wanted. Right?

Wrong, as it happens. Active Backup does exactly that - it automatically backs up files as you change them, and shows you a comprehensive log of what's changed. How useful!

Promotion Written by Roger Thomasson

for PC

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$23.20

RETAIL $29.00

AJC Software Website

Platforms: Windows 2000, 2003, XP, Vista (x32, x64), 7 (x32, x64)

Prices are subject to vendor's pricing and may change

Continuous, completely automatic data protection. You just set it up and forget it.
Protection from your own mistakes, software bugs, and PC/program crashes by letting you go back to any previous version of a file.
A detailed record of what's changed at any time.
Purchase with BitsDuJour's discount coupon code and get all this at a promotional price!

After you make a purchase of this BitsDuJour discount promotion, AJC Active Backup may be used indefinitely.
AJC Active Backup is licensed per user, so if more people are going to use AJC Active Backup you will need to purchase additional copies.
Upgrades to future versions of the software will be free for minor versions only.
Support is provided for this version and any minor versions that are released later.
Lifetime return policy.
BitsDuJour purchases using a discount coupon code come direct from the vendor, so you'll always get the same software app sold under the same terms as a regular sale, just at a great promotional price.

“I was working late last night to a tight deadline and accidentally savedover the graphic file I had created. I was easily able to get it back,saving me at least an hour's work.”- An AJC Backup User
“Stop reading and just buy it. This software is outstanding. I've used it since beta. This is basically Undo on all your files and documents! I go back in archives daily and it's basically become a part of how I work. I have NEVER noticed it taking noticable resources on my PC and it's running at all times. I use it on my entire My Documents folder and much more. ”- Lyndal
“Excellent program! This is a passive backup solution. I use it to compliment my development version control system but also backup revisions to documents created with programs such as Word and Excel. What's great is you do not have to remember to backup a file or commit it to a version control system. Just click save in your application and new copy is archived for you in the background. Add this to your computing arsenal now!”- John
“This has saved me a number of times. A great product for a great price - Ihighly recommend it.”- Dave White, SpectraChrom Software
“This is the tool that makes you wonder how you programmed withoutit. It means you can experiment and then revert to a previous state.And it happens automatically in the background. Its just there whenyou need it.”- Andrew Mortlock, Sydney, Australia

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The Conversation

Email Updates Load 47 Older Comments

Michael K hi Folks, I have just bought GoodSync Pro on the Bits Du Jour promotion and now have come across this conversation.

I would very much appreciate knowing what benefit and difference there is between AJC Active Backup and GoodSync Pro.

Having now bought GoodSync, should I also get AJC Active Backup or would that be nuts?

Thanks

Michael

Sep 25 2011 at 12:47am

Andrew Cutforth GoodSync is synchronization software rather like AJC Sync. AJC Active Backup is a continuous backup solution aimed at your working files e.g. dcouments, spreadsheets, project files, programming files etc. It has a built in revision control system meaning it backs up every version of a file every time you save it but it only needs to save the changes to the file each time so it does not use much space on disk. The idea is that it protects you while you work allowing you to go back to any version of a file and also to use the built in diff tool to see what you have changed in a file. So no it is not nuts to have more than one type of sync/backup solition in use at the same time. For myself I use AJC Active Backup to protect me while I am working so if I make a mistake or get a file corrupted I can go back to an earlier version in the day but I also use AJC Sync to sync the files to another drive for backup.

AJC Software Vendor - Sep 25 2011 at 3:40am

Michael K Andrew - many thanks for your detailed explanation - I've downloaded the trial and will see how I get on with it.

Unless I am mistaken, the last revision was around 2 years ago. Is that because you feel the program is complete and no updates or major change are necessary?

Thanks

Michael

Sep 25 2011 at 10:50am

Andrew Cutforth The software fullfills its task well but we do have plans to overhaul the user interface inline with AJC Sync and update the built in diff tool to match the AJC Diff v2.

AJC Software Vendor - Sep 26 2011 at 4:10pm

Chester Connely Does AJC Active Backup save everything, like e-mail, videos, system and program settings, games, and other downloads ect; ?
I need something that will only change what is diffrent to a previous save. I'm new at this PC business and I've blown lots of good $$$ on stuff I can't use.

Can anybody Clue this Wannabe Sorrowful puss about how to find what what I need? Sob! Hey, annybody got a Hankey?

You shure are appreciated! Thanks!

Sep 27 2011 at 11:09am

Andrew Cutforth It can save anything that you put into a file but is best suited to the smaller files because it backs up almost instantly each time you change a file and so large files like the Outlook .pst file would be better backed up on a regular schedule with a product like AJC Sync.

AJC Software Vendor - Sep 27 2011 at 12:02pm

Michael K Hi Andrew,
Thanks for your response concerning your plans to update the program. Will the purchasers of the current version be updated free of charge when you release it?

Thanks

Michael

Sep 27 2011 at 1:40pm

Andrew Cutforth Yes people who have recently purchased this version will be able to get the new version free of charge. We don't have a time scale for the new version release as yet.

AJC Software Vendor - Sep 27 2011 at 2:45pm

Glen Hilton RE Michael K
I use both and each can be tailored to suit different programs and personal priorities. Each has its own pros and cons though both are worthwhile and are certainly cheap insurance..

Andrew, it would be nice to see some updates-improvements in AJC Backup. I'm sure some of the registered user feedback and suggestions go back several years now so there's probably a few of us that keep hoping that V2 may also contain some other tweaks and features rather than just bringing the interface in line with AJC Sync and updating the internal diff tool. Other than a windows 7 update it looks like closer to 4 and a half years that anything noteworthy has been added. "No time scale for the new release". That's a concern for potential customers and existing customers alike. Otherwise, AJC Backup is a straightforward and useful App that also integrates nicely with other comparison programs.

Sep 27 2011 at 6:10pm

VLM Will this product work well with less well known products, such as Adobe FrameMaker? Like most products, FM has its own internal file format ... how could AJC Active Backup work in a scenario such as this?

Sep 28 2011 at 7:35am

Michael K I beginning to be somewhat concerned how well this software is being supported and developed given that even on it's promotion day, the developer has not responded to Glen's post.from yesterday.

These conversations form an important part of the decision making process for me and i am heavily influenced by developer's' responses and by the lack of them as well.

Thanks

Michael

Sep 28 2011 at 8:12am

Andrew Cutforth All file formats can be handled by the backup because the backup process just sees the file as a binary file and backs up the bits that have changed. Where file formats are more important is if you use the diff tool to compare what has changed. There is a binary diff mode that will work for small files but the most useful view is the text compare which will work on any files that contain text and MS Word documents.

AJC Software Vendor - Sep 28 2011 at 8:37am

Andrew Cutforth The reason for the lack of release timescale on this product is that most customers are happy with most of the functionality. If you have further ideas of features you would like then please contact support so that we can prioritise these.

AJC Software Vendor - Sep 28 2011 at 8:42am

Bradley MacDonald As a note - I have been a VERY happy customer for a few years now. This is a very stable application that does exactly what it says it does.
I develop my own software - and use this in addition to source tools like SVN. It has saved my bacon on more than a few occassions. Being able to go back one save is a huge time saver for me when I make a simple mistake. Being able to compare and see what changes I have made over the last few days or months is great.
For the price if you are changing your documents (or source code) on a regular basis - this is a steal of a deal.

G. Bradley MacDonald

Sep 28 2011 at 8:58am

Merle One Hi,

I am a long time user of AJC Active Backup and I really recommend it. I just hope it doesn't get ".NET'd" as some other products because it's just perfect as it is now (and I don't like .NET, for many reasons I will not detail here)

It has saved me quite often when editing big excel files or other office documents. Before doing a risky edit, I just click on save and I now I can revert easily to this version, whatever happens next. File renaming is well handled, just to mention this important detail.

I also use it to monitor config files of various software so that when I change the configuration, I can easily revert to a previous one without restoring the whole system.

Sep 28 2011 at 9:06am

VLM Thanks for the great and informative reviews, Bradley and Merle.

Just to be clear, the website says "AJC Active Backup sits silently in the status bar on your PC and archives files as you work with them. Each time you change a file and close it a copy is archived."

But if I understand you correctly, the program actually creates an incremental binary backup on every save, not just on close ... is this correct? Or perhaps something in between/configurable/selectable?

Thanks!

Sep 28 2011 at 9:36am

Michael K @ Merle, Your description of some of the ways you use AJC Backup is most helpful.

Thanks

Michael

Sep 28 2011 at 9:51am

Bradley MacDonald OK- just to clarify how I use the application. I have it installed and tell it to monitor multiple directories - where I store my programming source files, word documents, excell, web site HTML files, etc.
Then - whenever I change those files (it does not matter what program I use to change them) - it automatically creates a 'version' in the archive. For the source files (ie text) - it creates a diff file and only stores that. If it is something like an image file - then it stores the whole file. For the source files - I have one that has over 300 versions - and it is only about 10% larger than the source file itself. This would not be the same for image files (unless the author has somehow found a way to do this).

When I am programming - I do a Subversion check in (source code control) each day. This is a great way of backing up my work each day - and it also allows me to work on a project with others. However, during the day if something goes wrong with my source code or document - I am screwed because I could lose a days work right there. But because I have AJC Active Backup running on the machine - EVERY time I save a file - it is versioned!! This means that if I have been working all day on a program file - and at 4pm I screw something up badly - I don't have to go back to the check out from Subversion I did first thing in the morning - I can go back 5 minutes to my last save of the file. This SAVES me HUGE amounts of TIME!!!
I cannot say this enough... If you are programming - or working on documents, text files,etc - where you are making a large number of changes - Then you should have this tool!!!! $18 for peace of mind is a no brainer...

Bradley MacDonald

Sep 28 2011 at 10:16am

Michael K @ Bradley, many thanks too for a most helpful run through of how you also use the software.

These contributions are much appreciated.

thanks

Michael

Sep 28 2011 at 10:39am

Andrew Cutforth Thanks Bradley for your nice comments. Actually for binary files e.g. images it does also just store the changes to the file. If you have edited an image though it may change a lot of the binary content and so it may seem that the whole thing has been backed up again.

AJC Software Vendor - Sep 28 2011 at 10:40am

Merle One @The Presiding...

Yes, it's selectable : for some files you may chose to archive just after the save or after the close, but it depends on the application. With office, save is ok, with some others, you must wait for the file to close. For some other apps like UltraRecall, you can use "save" but since the file is updated even when nothing changes, you add load to your system, so it's better in that case to wait for the file to be closed.
This option is accessible through the "Backup open files" option, and you select which file types are to be backup'd

Sep 28 2011 at 11:12am

VLM Thanks Merle! Just a reminder about this question:

Also, I notice that this app interacts with Win Explorer. Does it support any alternate file explorers, like Directory Opus, Total Commander, etc?

Sep 28 2011 at 11:29am

Andrew Cutforth It does not interact with Win Explorer directly but writes file attributes into the registry that Win Explorer picks up. If these other apps use these settings then maybe. I suggest you download the free trial and have a go.

AJC Software Vendor - Sep 28 2011 at 11:33am

VLM Thanks very much, Andrew. I'm still feeling a bit confused on this point. Web site says:

"In the normal windows file explorer etc you will now have a new option if you right click on a file. This lets you access the associated archive for the file so that you can see what changes have been made and undo changes etc."

Is it not correct to say that some direct support is needed to make the same right-click functionality appear in another application such as DOpus, TotalCommander, or the like? I'm not a programmer, so I realize that I could be way off here. :)

Sep 28 2011 at 11:58am

Bradley MacDonald Emissary :)
I use Directory Opus - and it all works fine. Basically the program embeds itself into the Windows Context menu - so it should show up whether you are using DOpus, Total Commander, Windows Explorer, etc...

Bradley MacDonald

Sep 28 2011 at 12:01pm

VLM Thanks so much Bradley. That's clear as can be!

Sep 28 2011 at 1:31pm

Michael K @ Roger Bits Du Jour and @ Andrew, Developer

I have tried to place an order and even though I've changed the address to our USA address, the order form does not update to remove the VAT which it says it will do once the Country location is changed.

Could someone please get this fixed so I can place the order.

Thanks

Michael K

Sep 28 2011 at 1:37pm

Andrew Cutforth Hi Michael,
I have not heard of this problem before, can you please email me at:
support@ajcsoft.com

AJC Software Vendor - Sep 28 2011 at 1:42pm

Roger Thomasson @ Michael

Unfortunately we don't have any control over the VAT -- it's something that the payment processor (in this case ShareIt) implements based on a specific country's tax requirements.

BitsDuJour Admin - Sep 28 2011 at 1:43pm

Michael K @ Roger
I understand that and normally when I change the Country code the VAT is removed and in fact it says that on the page.
Under the County label on the order page it says VAT ID and on the right of that it has a link that says "info". When you click on it a pop up box explains that the VAT is updated when the Country is changed.
Normally this works fine and as soon as I put in our USA address and change the County to USA the VAT is removed.

I appreciate this is down to Share it but would if you could tell them this is not currently updating properly on this order page so they can rectify it.

many thanks

Michael

Sep 28 2011 at 2:27pm

Roger Thomasson @ Michael

Could you send me a screenshot of the error? I'll send it over to ShareIt and ask for a fix. Word of warning though -- they aren't always prompt over there :-)

roger@bitsdujour.com

Thanks Michael!

-r

BitsDuJour Admin - Sep 28 2011 at 2:34pm

Michael K @ Roger,

Screenshot sent as requested

Thanks

Michael

Sep 28 2011 at 3:12pm

Glen Hilton RE suggestions,
Hello Andrew , a couple of small suggestions were sent to you last year,

Nov 2010
"Sorry for the late reply on this. This is useful feedback and it will be
taken into account when producing AJC Active Backup v2. The application is
to be overhauled and written for .Net. The new application will have a
similar look and feel to the new AJC Sync v3 shown here:"

Andrew. I'm sure there would be others that have made a comment or sent you a suggestion in the last 4 and a half years.
It's amazing how user feedback can improve what is already commendable software. BDJ Line Reader was a recent example.

The version link on your site was showing a 404 yesterday. Don't know if you have rectified that issue.
Glen

Sep 28 2011 at 3:17pm

Roger Thomasson @ Michael

Thanks!

-r

BitsDuJour Admin - Sep 28 2011 at 4:14pm

VLM I so appreciate this conversation! I'm drawing several conclusions:

1. This is a very good product.

2. There is likely to be no substantive, further development of this product, except perhaps as absolutely necessary. By "absolutely necessary", I mean, for example, that some change might be required to make the product run under Windows 8. I believe this developer would likely get that done. But short of such a need, my impression is that if one buys this product today, then one should assume that whatever is there today, is there for good.

I do not mean this as a condemnation of the developer. We all become interested in things at various times in our lives, then become interested in other things later on. I simply believe, based on what has been shared here today, that this may be the case with respect to this developer and this product.

That said, the product still seems, at least to me, quite worth buying.

Make sense to others?

Sep 28 2011 at 4:16pm

Andrew Cutforth Well we do actually have a back end already written for v2 and a bare bones UI but as I said earlier the number of users who want new features is limited compared to the number of people asking for extra things in AJC Sync and so AJC Sync has had the overhaul first.

AJC Software Vendor - Sep 28 2011 at 4:36pm

Joel Koltner Presiding Emissary -- I think your conclusions are correct, although there are additional reasons development slows or mostly stops on products: They get to the point where they're good enough for the vast majority of potential users, and there's no longer much point in continuing to make changes just for the sake of making changes.

Look at something like Microsoft Office: For the vast majority of users, are there really that many new features that people actually use? Or are the vast majority of users utilizing few features that weren't already present in, say, the 2003 (or even 1997!) eversion, but just with a flashier ("ribbon") interface? I'd argue it's mostly the later.

Unfortunately it's human nature to equate "newer" with "better," and hence a lot of effort in this world goes wastsed, IMO, in just changing the look of a product without any real changes in functionality.

Heck, a lot of people still swear by LaTeX for document preparation, and -- other than bug fixes -- its core functinality hasn't changed in a couple of decades now!

Sep 28 2011 at 5:03pm

Glen Hilton Sometimes changes are detrimental and nowadays, quite a few developers offer older versions. I use a few older version apps for this very reason though unless suggestions are discussed or considered by real users, for or against, the development will never reflect the full potential for the end user. In many cases Its the end user that takes the time to let developers know how its going, iron out the bugs and how it may compare to the latest alternatives. I thought this information would all be helpful to a developer. Its certainly made a difference with other developers, their software and ultimately the end user.. Glen

Sep 28 2011 at 6:01pm

VLM Thank you Andrew, Joel, and Glen. Again, I did not intend my comments as a condemnation, but rather as an acknowledgement that the product we see today is the product we will likely see for some fairly long and indefinite period of time. Several have commented on the value and effectiveness of the product, it is obviously excellent and valuable just as it is.

I do question the wisdom of writing for .Net Framework. Some developers are actually moving away from that technology. Some here may recall such a discussion during the recent MailWasher promotion on BDJ.

Regardless of all these things, Bradley's comment wins the day for me:

"This means that if I have been working all day on a program file - and at 4pm I screw something up badly - I don't have to go back to the check out from Subversion I did first thing in the morning - I can go back 5 minutes to my last save of the file. This SAVES me HUGE amounts of TIME!!! ... I cannot say this enough... If you are programming - or working on documents, text files,etc - where you are making a large number of changes - Then you should have this tool!!!! $18 for peace of mind is a no brainer... "

I develop long documents, and sometimes I face exactly the sort of challenge Bradley descirbes here. So I see the value in the product, and I have purchased a license today and look forward to having it save my derriere in the future. :)

Cheers!

Sep 28 2011 at 7:12pm

K X Would this work well if someone were drawing in AutoCAD or other graphics software?

Sep 28 2011 at 7:30pm

Andrew Cutforth Yes it still works for graphics software although the space used for the archiving of each file is likely to be a little more. It saved me once when I opened a graphic file, changed it and meant to do a saveas but instead saved it over the original. With a few clicks I was able to get the original image back.

AJC Software Vendor - Sep 29 2011 at 12:06am

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