This simple tutorial shows how to install the latest FreeFileSync, open-source file synchronization software, and create application shortcut in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS.
FreeFileSync is a folder comparison and synchronization software that creates and manages backup copies of all your important files. Instead of copying every file every time, FreeFileSync determines the differences between a source and a target folder and transfers only the minimum amount of data needed.
How to Install FreeFileSync in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS:
1.) First, download the source tarball from its official download page.
Scroll down a little and select download the Linux package.
2.) Extract the source tarball, and you can run the executable to launch the software.
For global use, open terminal (press Ctrl+Alt+T) and run command to extract to /opt:
sudo tar -zxvf ~/Downloads/FreeFileSync_*_Linux.tar.gz -C /opt
3.) Create app shortcut for FreeFileSync by running command:
gedit ~/.local/share/applications/FreeFileSync.desktop
and paste following lines into the open file:
[Desktop Entry] Type=Application Name=FreeFileSync GenericName=Folder Comparison and Synchronization GenericName[de_DE]=Ordnervergleich und Synchronisation Exec=/opt/FreeFileSync/FreeFileSync %F Icon=/opt/FreeFileSync/Resources/FreeFileSync.png NoDisplay=false Terminal=false Categories=Utility;FileTools; StartupNotify=true
4.) Also create app shortcut for RealTimeSync if you want via command:
gedit ~/.local/share/applications/RealTimeSync.desktop
and paste following lines into the file and save it:
[Desktop Entry] Type=Application Name=RealTimeSync GenericName=Automated Synchronization GenericName[de_DE]=Automatisierte Synchronisation Exec=/opt/FreeFileSync/RealTimeSync %f Icon=/opt/FreeFileSync/Resources/RealTimeSync.png NoDisplay=false Terminal=false Categories=Utility;FileTools; StartupNotify=true
After saving the files, you’re able to launch them via ‘Show Applications’ menu.
How to Remove FreeFileSync:
To remove the source folder, run command:
sudo rm -r /opt/FreeFileSync
To remove the app shortcuts, run command:
cd ~/.local/share/applications && rm FreeFileSync.desktop RealTimeSync.desktop
Hey Ji,
I’m a linux user for a few years now, but still have quite a hard time with very basic stuff. I’ve read some other directions on installing this app, but could only understand it with your post: all I need to do is to copy/create the desktop file in the /.local/share/applications directory for the system to recognize it and show it on the menu. Such a basic info, but so hard to find.
Thanks a lot.
Hi Ji,
Thank you very much!
It helps me a lot.
Perfect!
Regards,
Luiz
Thanks for sharing, you save my time.
Very very good explanation. Thanks!
Hi Ji
First command :
“sudo tar -zxvf ~/Downloads/FreeFileSync_11.3_Linux.tar.gz -C /opt”
returns :
No such file exist / Error is not recoverable: existing now / child returned status 2
What do you think it is ?
Tanks, pphil
Dear Ji,
such a fluence tutorial … thank you very – very – much!
Greetings from Germany.
Marc :)
@ pphilippe: just use command, as shown in this tutorial … for me, it works with version 11.5 … you just have to use
sudo tar -zxvf ~/Downloads/FreeFileSync_*_Linux.tar.gz -C /opt
Marc
Thank you very much for this, it works perfectly and is very simple!