TeraCopy is a freemium file transfer utility designed as an alternative for the built-in Windows Explorer file transfer feature. Its focus is data integrity, file transfer reliability and the ability to pause or resume file transfers.

TeraCopy
Developer(s)Code Sector
Initial release16 May 2007; 16 years ago (2007-05-16)[1]
Stable release
3.17 / December 3, 2023; 4 months ago (2023-12-03)[2]
Operating systemWindows Vista and later
Windows Server 2003 and later
PlatformIA-32, x86-64
Size11 MB
TypeUtility software
LicenseFreemium
Websitecodesector.com/teracopy

Design edit

TeraCopy uses dynamically adjusted buffers to reduce seek times. Asynchronous copy speeds up file transfer between two physical hard drives. The processes can be paused or resumed.[3]

In case of transfer errors, TeraCopy will try several times; after that, it skips the faulty file and proceeds with the rest of the operation. TeraCopy also shows failed file transfers and allows the user to fix the problem and recopy the problematic files.[4] TeraCopy offers no explanation for skipped files; it simply reports them as "Skipped". It may skip copying for numerous reasons that the user could correct if they were known, such as a too-long file name.

TeraCopy can replace Windows Explorer's copy and move functions. The author asserts that it has full Unicode support.[3]

Licensing edit

TeraCopy is an example of the freemium licensing model. A basic edition is offered as freeware but may only be used in non-commercial environments. TeraCopy Pro, a shareware version of the utility, adds additional features such as having a list of favorite folders to be used as a copy destination and the ability to modify the copy queue.[3]

Reception edit

In 2007, Ionut Ilascu from Softpedia.com commended the utility on its ability for its error recovery functionality and concluded "TeraCopy is a lot faster than Windows Explorer on XP is, but only with proper defragmentation. On Vista, it moves a tad slower even if defragmentation of the disk has been performed."[5]

In 2009 Jason Fitzpatrick from Lifehacker praised the usability by stating "It doesn't overwhelm you with a plethora of settings or options" and also called it "just advanced enough." Subsequently, Lifehacker visitors voted TeraCopy by a large margin as the best Windows file copier out of four other contestants.[6]

In a 2010 review, CNET called it a "nifty piece of freeware" and recommended it for all Windows users.[4]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "TeraCopy 1". Download.com. CBS Interactive. 16 May 2007. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
  2. ^ "TeraCopy 3.17". Code Sector. 3 December 2023. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Copy your files faster and easier". codesector.com. Code Sector. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
  4. ^ a b "TeraCopy editors' review". CNET. 13 September 2010. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  5. ^ Ilascu, Ionut (17 August 2007). "Slickin' Fast Copy/Move". Softpedia. SoftNews NET SRL. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
  6. ^ Fitzpatrick, Jason (7 June 2009). "Five Best Alternative File Copiers". Retrieved 19 July 2014.

External links edit