Toucan: Sync, Backup & Encrypt Files - Windows & Linux

Protecting Your Data with Toucan: A Sync, Backup, and Encryption Solution

For individuals managing a substantial number of files outside of cloud storage services like Dropbox, finding reliable backup solutions – both online and to external drives – is a common necessity.

MakeUseOf has previously highlighted a variety of backup software options compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. Beyond simply creating backups, securing these files is paramount, regardless of the operating system or storage location.

Introducing Toucan: A Versatile Data Management Tool

Toucan presents itself as a compelling solution, offering a portable and open-source utility that seamlessly integrates syncing, backup, and encryption functionalities. This combination addresses multiple data protection needs in a single application.

The application can be obtained from PortableApps.com, a well-known repository for portable applications, including both essential tools and entertainment software. The download size is approximately 3MB.

Upon installation, Toucan requires roughly 5MB of disk space.

Toucan's Interface and Functionality

The user interface of Toucan is designed for simplicity and ease of use. The upper section of the window is dedicated to configuring rules and various options.

The lower portion of the interface provides a clear view of the files and folders that have been selected for syncing, backup, and encryption.

This layout allows users to quickly understand and manage their data protection settings.

Toucan offers a streamlined approach to safeguarding important files across multiple platforms.

Saving Recurring Jobs and Rules

Rules can be assigned descriptive names to facilitate the exclusion of files based on their name or size. Further details regarding these options are provided below. These rules can be utilized alongside the various operational modes available for each function, such as synchronization, backup, and secure transfer.

When performing copy, sync, or backup operations that are likely to be repeated, assigning a name to the specific job allows for its convenient reuse at a later time.

Defining File and Folder Exclusion Rules

To exclude specific files and folders, navigate to the Rules tab. Initiate the creation of a new rule by clicking the disk icon. A dialog box will then appear, prompting you to provide a name for the rule.

Subsequently, click the "+" icon located on the right side and enter one of the following:

• Any text string to match a file name or extension.
• “>1GB” (without the quotation marks) to exclude files exceeding 1GB in size. Conversely, use "<2MB" to exclude smaller files.
• “<” or “>” followed by a date to exclude files modified before or after the start of the current year, respectively.

The scope of these rules can be set to apply to either files or folders. Applying a rule to a folder will also exclude all contained subfolders.

Modifications to an existing rule can be made by double-clicking on it, which will reopen the Add Dialog box, allowing you to adjust the file, folder, or location exclusions.

Toucan: A File Synchronization Tool

Toucan offers a variety of methods for keeping files consistent across locations. It provides five distinct synchronization modes to suit different needs.

Synchronization Modes Explained

The following modes are available within Toucan:

• Copy: This mode facilitates a single instance of file duplication.
• Mirror: Mirroring creates an exact replica, and crucially, removes files from the destination that are not present in the source.
• Equalise: This option intelligently copies only the most recent versions of files, updating either directory as needed.
• Move: Files are transferred to the destination folder and simultaneously removed from their original source location.
• Clean: Any files or folders existing in the destination but absent from the source are deleted, ensuring complete consistency.

Performance testing demonstrated Toucan’s efficiency. The application rapidly copied four modified files during evaluation.

Toucan’s speed was particularly noteworthy during the testing process.

Toucan: A Versatile Backup Solution

Toucan offers four distinct operational modes to cater to various backup needs.

• Complete: This mode performs a full backup of all files specified within your selection.
• Update: Only files that are newer in your designated File List will be incorporated into the Backup Location.
• Differential: A base file is initially created, and subsequent changes are archived in separate files, timestamped with the date and time of modification.
• Restore: This function allows for the recovery of archived files, placing them back into their original folders.

Six levels of compression are available, ranging from 1 (no compression) to 6 (maximum compression). Higher compression levels, like level 6, result in smaller file sizes but require increased processing time.

The software utilizes compression algorithms similar to those found in 7-Zip, allowing users to choose from several archive formats.

You can select the backup file extension based on your requirements.

• .7z: This format generates smaller files more quickly than .zip.
• .zip: A widely compatible format supported by most operating systems.
• .gz: Commonly used in Linux environments.

Toucan’s foundation includes elements derived from the 7-Zip source code, ensuring efficient and reliable compression.

File-Level Encryption with Toucan

Toucan utilizes 256-bit AES encryption for file-level security, drawing on code originally developed for the open-source command-line tool, ccrypt. This approach ensures robust protection of sensitive data.

According to Toucan’s official documentation, a key distinction between Toucan and TrueCrypt lies in its architecture. Toucan avoids the installation of system drivers.

Furthermore, Toucan allows for encryption of files following their saving, directly within the application. Files encrypted via the Secure tab are designated with the .cpt extension.

Decrypting Files

The functionality of Toucan extends beyond encryption; it also provides the capability to decrypt files that have been previously secured. Users can readily decrypt .cpt files using the same interface.

This dual functionality makes Toucan a versatile tool for managing and protecting data. It offers both encryption and decryption within a single application.

Helpful Guidance for Toucan Usage

Files and folders can be easily uploaded by simply dragging and dropping them into the designated area. This method streamlines the process of selecting the items you wish to manage.

Recycle Bin Functionality

Under the Sync tab, ensure the Use the Recycle Bin option is selected. This crucial setting directs deleted files to the Recycle Bin instead of permanently removing them, providing an extra layer of data security.

Previewing Changes

When dealing with numerous files where only a small number have been modified, utilizing the Preview Only Changes feature is highly recommended. This allows for a quick review of the updated files and folders, saving valuable time.

Securing Backups with Passwords

For enhanced security, password-protected archives can be created for both .7z and .zip backups. Simply check the Password box located within the Backup tab to activate this feature.

Utilizing Variables for Portability

To ensure compatibility across different computers, variables can be employed for files and folders that may have varying paths. Prefixing the name with "@", such as "@docs", allows Toucan to adapt to different system configurations.