Thanks for the pointers to existing software. None of them really do what I want in the way I need to be able to do it.
Regarding RSYNC, yes it does a great deal more than required - I just use the (almost incidental) local backup facility. Like many others I was put off using it intially because it looked unnecessarily complex and esoteric. (The facility of only sending the differences doesn't apply when file sysytems are local). As you mention, QL files are small and even over slow NET its not worth effort for a QL RSYNC at each end. The TCP/IP stuff was way beyond anything being considered.
I want something that can be used on any of my QL platforms (from a BB QL with dual FLPs up to a Q40). A very small m/c EX utility (ie. not dependent on OS extensions - apart from perhaps NET if required). What is crucial is to be able to output simple text of actions proposed/taken. Because of the reiterative nature of the task it could be very small indeed. One of the things I spent a bit of time with Photon was ensuring it worked on _everything_ (you can if you wish, view a jpeg on a 128K BB QL, albeit very small jpeg). I'm easily put off utility software that has esoteric requirements or unnecessarily does more that I want in a way I find difficult to use or remember on the occasions I use it.
OK, it's now something on my list of things to do. I just wondered if something existed but escaped me (often done). Another on my wish list is QPAC2 Files handling directories better (ie. Delete, Move, Copy etc, as with it does with files).
PS: ... but escaped me (often done).
Dilwyn, will have look at your program.
).
Once the model proves reliable it could be written in machine code. (I never would have got jpeg done without having written something in basic first - it took hours to do one image!). Decoding GIF in basic first illustrated a potential problem I then discovered Carlos had fallen foul of in his UNGIF, it creates massive hashing table if try to decode a plain single colour image (crashes QL).
