Recently, Pogoplug announced brand new firmware and desktop/drive application software for Pogoplug users.  (For more information on the firmware update, click here - and for more information on the desktop software update, click here.)

One of the most important features in the new desktop software application is called "Active Copy," and brings an excellent automated backup feature to the Pogoplug.  Here's a quick tutorial to help you get started with using Active Copy.

What is Active Copy?

Basically, Active Copy will scan a folder that you select, either on your local machine or a network connected drive, and copy files in that folder over to a folder on the Pogoplug.  As of the writing of this article, if left on, Active Copy will continuously monitor the folder for changes and copy to the Pogoplug as appropriate.  This feature can be used in a variety of ways: for example, keeping your Music folder on your local machine mirrored on the Pogoplug, or having a constant up-to-date backup of all your documents or photos.

Setting up Active Copy for the First Time

In order to get going with Active copy you must first download and install the PC or Mac Pogoplug Software. The Premium version is not necessary for using Active Copy.

Once installed, you would go to the Pogoplug Preferences, Remote Access page.

To setup Active Copy from your computer to your Pogoplug you first have to "Turn on Pogoplug remote access"

Then, you would select the folders or drives that can be accessed.

Once you have the access set up, you would go to the 'Backup' tab and click on Manage Active Copy.

The Active Copy Setup

Once in the web browser at my.pogoplug.com, click on 'New active copy'.

Select the drive or folder you wish to copy the files from.

For example, if I wanted to copy all my music from my Music folder. I would click on the box for 'My Music' which is one of the folders I setup to share earlier.

Then you would click on 'Next' to choose where the folder will be copied to.

Once selected and you click finish, the Active Copy setup would be complete and the process started.

You can also, of course, set up Active Copy to copy from any location to any folder on your Pogoplug connected drive(s).  To do this, click "New Active Copy".  You'll be shown folders from all your Pogoplug installed hard drives and if you have more than one Pogoplug you will see those drives also.

Active Copy Frequently Asked Questions

Q:    How many copy operations can I have running at the same time?
A:    Only one will run at a time, but you can set up a total of 64 copy operations

Q:    How does the drive application know what to copy?

A:    When you click Start on any copy operation, the drive application will listen to that folder to see if anything has been added or updated. When it detects an updated or added file, it will wait 60 seconds to see if there are any other updates (for example, if you have just moved a number of files into that folder). 60 seconds after the last event the copy operation will start, moving any new files to the destination location and over writing any files with a different size or date

Q:    I want to copy ONLY files that are newer – can I do that?
A:    In this release an Active Copy will look for files where the time stamp (modified time) is different, not newer. If you were to have a file in your source location that is older, that will get copied to the Pogoplug Enabled Device drive and replace the new file. The ability to have only newer versions of the file copied to the drive app may be an option in an updated version of the drive application.

Q:    I’m still having trouble getting an Active Copy to happen – what should I do now?
A:   Check the forums – another user may have already found the answer, or email our customer support team at support@pogoplug.com

Q:     If I delete a file / folder from my computer, will it also be deleted from the destination folder on my Pogoplug Enabled Device?
A:   No – Active Copy will not delete any files from your Pogoplug Enabled Device at this release. The ability to set an Active Copy to remove files (mirroring the source destination) may be an option in an updated version of the drive application.

Q:    What happens when I put a new HD on my Pogoplug? Do I need to reset my Active Copy?
A:    Yes you do. The Active Copy knows which directory on which hard drive (or partition) it is supposed to go to, and will not switch to another one unless you specifically change the location. If you remove the drive to which a folder is copying, you will get see the indicator button turn red with the words “Copy Failed”

Q:   What if I don't keep my Videos, Pictures, Music in the standard folders?
A:   No problem! You can start an Active Copy from any folder you want. On the Active Copy pane of your preferences window click “Set up Active Copy on a new folder” and select the folder where you put your media. A new Active Copy operation will appear in the list – click start and your media will be copied to the location listed.

Q:    Can I delete the pre-installed/shown Active Copy operations from my list?
A:    You cannot delete the default operations but if you click stop, those operations will never run.

Still have questions?

Post them on the public forums!  Enjoy your Pogoplug with Active Copy!

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