Compression

BackUp Maker

www. ascomp.de/index.php?php= prog&prog=backupmaker

This simple interface might make all the difference for average users saving their data. It sends files to another drive (including USB drives), a CD/DVD, or an FTP site. It also handles file restoration if you lose something. Works with Windows 7. Free

those files into the cloud. Dead simple. Free for 2GB; $4.95 a month for unlimited space

OffiSync offisync.com

If you’re a big user of Google Docs and Apps but can’t get away from Microsoft Office (or vice versa), OffiSync combines both worlds. Manage and open all your Google Docs files from Office apps, and store all new Office documents online so you can access them anywhere with Google Docs. Free

SyncToy 2.0

www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?disp laylang=en&FamilyID=c26efa36-98e0-4ee9-a7c5 -98d0592d8c52

A Windows XP PowerToy that also works fine with Vista, SyncToy does a good job of making sure folders on your system are synchronized with their counterparts on external drives or network-attached storage. Free

SyncBackSE www.2brightsparks.com

A perennial fave, SyncBackSE is the midrange utility in 2BrightSparks’ line of backup tools, complete with file versioning, smart two-way sync between folders, autostart at log-in, and more. If you want even more features, like backup to single or multiple CDs or DVDs, try the Pro version. $30; Pro version, $49.95

compreSSion

7-Zip 7-zip.org

Compress files in ZIP or 7z format (and get AES-256 encryption), and get support to compact or unpack formats from CAB to RAR. Free

PortableApps.com AppCompactor

portableapps.com/apps/utilities/appcompactor

If you like running apps from a USB flash drive but your drive doesn’t have lots of room, turn to the AppCompactor. This program will compress apps as much as possible (how much varies depending on the app) to fit your drive and still function. Free