Topics | Snapshots
Taking snapshots
Use the Cleaning Snapshot Take command to select a directory (folder or volume) and create an snapshot of it. When File Buddy takes a snapshot, it scans the entire directory and stores a reference to every item in it and any subfolders, along with information which can be used when comparing with other snapshots of the same directory. Other than .DS_Store files and optionally, package contents, everything is included: files and folders, visible and invisible, your files, system files, everything. The snapshot is then saved in a file that can be compared with other snapshots of the same directory.
Taking a second snapshot
To take another snapshot of a directory, open the first snapshot in the Open Snapshot window and click the Take New Snapshot button.
Snapshot creation options
The Snapshots panel of the Preferences windows offers options to ignore the contents of packages such as bundled applications and to create digital signatures for files for increased accuracy when comparing snapshots.
Changes to files during the process of recording snapshot information can reduce the accuracy of a snapshot, and many programs — as well as the system software — modify files in response to user actions without the user's knowledge. For this reason we strongly recommend that the process of recording a snapshot be allowed to take place at a time when you can avoid using your Mac until the snapshot is fully recorded.
Access to directories
File Buddy gathers information about every file and folder in the directory of which a snapshot is being taken. If you do not have sufficient access privileges to see inside a directory which is included in the snapshot the snapshot will fail. If you encounter this situation, turn on administrator mode to ensure you have access to all directories.
Snapshots Opening snapshots Snapshot preferences Administrator mode