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Writng-Keeping versions straight
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Posted by Alexander Deliyannis
Jul 9, 2011 at 08:58 AM
Hugh wrote:
>When I was on the Windows platform, I used this:
>http://www.ajcsoft.com/active-backup.htm.
Some additional options:
History Explorer http://www.exendo.se/history-explorer-simple-version-control.html
Dropbox http://www.dropbox.com includes a (paid) option for maintaining file versions. I can’t find a direct link to it, but you’ll get it if you click to upgrade from the free version.
Nomadesk http://www.nomadesk.com includes a file revisions feature making it possible to restore previous versions of files for up to 2 weeks.
Google Docs https://docs.google.com can track changes—now also for spreadsheets apparently.
Until recently I’ve used a system similar to Hugh’s http://www.outlinersoftware.com/messages/viewm/9833 Now I’m experimenting with Dropbox and Google Docs (especially for collaborating).
@Gary: I would advise against keeping everything on one file—unless one also meticulously keeps consecutive backups. I’ve had much trouble with corrupted files in the past.
@JB: The wiki approach sounds good, but it is mostly useful for (plain) text. What about other file types?
Posted by JBfromBrainStormWFO
Jul 9, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Non plain text files range from hexadecimal to MS Word to encrypted archives.
File delta compression from version to version gets less practical as you move away from plain text.
I prefer to keep everything in plain text if at all possible, and for as long as possible before final output.
There are several options for files that aren’t text. I recommend either Dropbox or Evernote. Personally I only use Dropbox.
I keep track of which versions are current by simply noting it down in my plain text system, and using a consistent file directory tree sorting procedure.
Posted by jamesofford
Feb 11, 2015 at 01:46 PM
Good morning:
I am only adding to this thread (It’s an old one!) because I have settled on an approach to versioning, at least for the short term. I have setup a folder on Box(My University provides everyone with 50 gigs of space on Box) In that folder will reside the versions of the draft. My plan at the moment is to use a naming convention to keep track of files. The convention I plan on using is: filename_date(dd-mm-yy)_version number. So the third version of the text that I edited today would be:text_11-02-15_3. Then my collaborators(I have three.)will append their initials to the draft and re-deposit on the Box folder. This should keep things straight, and I will be able to keep all the versions of a draft. When we are done, and the grant is submitted. I can archive everything and just keep the final version.
I looked around at version control systems to use, but given the short term nature of what we are writing now(Due on Feb 19)this doesn’t seem like a good time. However, in my looking around, Draft Control was looking pretty useful. (http://www.draftcontrol.com/) However, it is Mac only, and two of the people with whom I am working are on PCs. For keeping track of changes in the draft I will be using Track Changes in Word. I really can’t stand using Track Changes in Word, but everyone else here uses it, so I guess I will as well.
Cheers
Jim
Posted by Dr Andus
Feb 11, 2015 at 02:24 PM
Another option for the collaborative element, as mentioned by Alexander earlier in the thread, would be using Google Docs, which does have versioning, and tools for commenting as well as “suggesting edits” (which I haven’t tried yet, only just noticed it’s there today). However, I’d still maintain local copies of originals, just in case.
Posted by MadaboutDana
Feb 11, 2015 at 03:55 PM
Another good one on the Mac is DeltaWalker. In fact, I think they may have a PC version, too…
Oh, and yes, they do. Check it out at http://www.deltawalker.com/
They often have deals on BitsDuJour