Top 6 Alternatives to Directory Monitor for File and Folder Monitoring

In today’s digital age, file and folder monitoring is an essential feature for businesses and individuals who want to keep an eye on their data. There are various software solutions available that offer file and folder monitoring functionalities. However, not all of them are created equal, and choosing the best one can be a daunting task. This blog post aims to provide you with the top 6 alternatives to Directory Monitor for file and folder monitoring.

Video Tutorial:

What is Directory Monitor?

Directory Monitor is a powerful software that allows you to monitor changes to your file system in real-time. It can detect modifications made to files, folders, and even network shares. This software runs in the background and alerts you whenever there are significant changes to your directory.

Directory Monitor is a popular choice because of its easy-to-use interface and extensive customization options. It offers features such as real-time monitoring, custom events, filtering options, and more.

However, Directory Monitor does have its limitations, such as the lack of cloud integration, limited support for file systems other than NTFS, and the absence of a free trial version.

Top Alternatives to Directory Monitor

Top 1: EaseUS Todo Backup

EaseUS Todo Backup is a comprehensive backup and recovery software that offers file and folder monitoring capabilities. It is an excellent alternative to Directory Monitor because of its robust monitoring features, cloud integration, and affordable pricing.

With EaseUS Todo Backup, you can schedule backups and monitor your files and folders for any changes. It can detect changes made to your files, such as modifications, deletions, and additions.

Pros:
– Robust monitoring features
– Cloud integration
– Affordable pricing

Cons:
– The interface can be overwhelming for new users
– Customer support may be slow to respond

Top 2: SolarWinds Server and Application Monitor

SolarWinds Server and Application Monitor is a comprehensive monitoring solution that offers detailed insights into your file and folder activities. It is a popular alternative to Directory Monitor because of its extensive customization options and real-time monitoring capabilities.

With SolarWinds SAM, you can monitor files and folders across different platforms and track changes made to them. It offers in-depth reporting and alerting capabilities, making it easy to stay on top of your file activity.

Pros:
– Detailed insights and reporting
– Real-time monitoring capabilities
– Customizable alerting options

Cons:
– Expensive pricing
– Steep learning curve

Top 3: Netwrix Auditor

Netwrix Auditor is a powerful auditing tool that offers file and folder monitoring features. It is an excellent alternative to Directory Monitor because of its detailed auditing capabilities and extensive reporting options.

With Netwrix Auditor, you can track and monitor changes made to files and folders in real-time. It offers automatic auditing and reporting that allows you to stay on top of your file activities, making it a great choice for businesses.

Pros:
– Detailed auditing features
– Real-time monitoring capabilities
– Extensive reporting options

Cons:
– Expensive pricing
– Can be overwhelming for small businesses

Top 4: Paessler PRTG Network Monitor

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor is a comprehensive monitoring solution that offers file and folder monitoring capabilities. It is an excellent alternative to Directory Monitor because of its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing.

With PRTG Network Monitor, you can monitor your files and folders in real-time, detect changes made to them and set up customized alerts. It offers detailed reporting and monitoring features that allow you to track your system’s performance.

Pros:
– User-friendly interface
– Affordable pricing
– Detailed reporting and monitoring features

Cons:
– Limited customization options
– Learning curve for advanced features

Top 5: Windows File Server Auditing Tool

Windows File Server Auditing Tool is a powerful auditing software that offers file and folder monitoring features. It is a great alternative to Directory Monitor because of its detailed auditing capabilities and real-time monitoring.

With Windows File Server Auditing Tool, you can monitor changes made to your files, folders, and permissions. It offers detailed reports and alerts, making it easy to stay on top of your file activity.

Pros:
– Detailed auditing capabilities
– Real-time monitoring
– Customizable alerting options

Cons:
– Limited support for file systems other than NTFS
– Expensive pricing

Top 6: Acronis Files Connect

Acronis Files Connect is a file sharing and collaboration software that offers file and folder monitoring features. It is a great alternative to Directory Monitor because of its easy-to-use interface and extensive customization options.

With Acronis Files Connect, you can monitor your files and folders for any changes made to them. It offers in-depth reporting and tracking features, making it easy to stay on top of your file activity.

Pros:
– Easy-to-use interface
– Customizable alerting options
– Comprehensive reporting and tracking features

Cons:
– Limited support for file systems other than NTFS
– Expensive pricing

Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software

Here’s a comprehensive comparison of each software:

Free Trial Price Ease-of-Use Value for Money
EaseUS Todo Backup Yes $29.95 Easy to use Good
SolarWinds Server and Application Monitor Yes Contact vendor for pricing Moderate difficulty Expensive but feature-rich
Netwrix Auditor Yes Starts at $1150 Moderate difficulty Expensive but feature-rich
Paessler PRTG Network Monitor Yes Starts at $1600 Easy to use Good value with comprehensive features
Windows File Server Auditing Tool Yes Starts at $499 Moderate difficulty Expensive but feature-rich
Acronis Files Connect Yes Contact vendor for pricing Easy to use Expensive but feature-rich

Our Thoughts on Directory Monitor Alternatives

Each software has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to file and folder monitoring. Choosing the right one will depend on your specific needs, budget, and level of technical expertise.

EaseUS Todo Backup is our top pick because of its robust monitoring features, cloud integration, and affordable pricing. It’s a great choice for businesses and individuals who want a comprehensive backup and recovery solution.

However, SolarWinds Server and Application Monitor and Netwrix Auditor offer advanced auditing and reporting features that make them a great choice for larger enterprises.

Paessler PRTG Network Monitor and Acronis Files Connect are good options for those who are looking for an easy-to-use software with comprehensive reporting and tracking features.

Lastly, Windows File Server Auditing Tool is a great choice for those who are looking for detailed auditing and real-time monitoring of their file systems.

FAQs about Directory Monitor Alternatives

Q1: How does EaseUS Todo Backup monitor files and folders?

A: EaseUS Todo Backup offers scheduled backups and real-time monitoring of changes made to files and folders. It can detect modifications, deletions, and additions to your directory.

Q2: What platforms does SolarWinds SAM support?

A: SolarWinds SAM supports various platforms, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and Unix. It offers comprehensive monitoring and reporting for different systems.

Q3: Can Netwrix Auditor monitor cloud storage services?

A: Yes, Netwrix Auditor offers cloud storage monitoring for services such as Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

Q4: Does Paessler PRTG Network Monitor offer custom alerts?

A: Yes, Paessler PRTG Network Monitor allows you to set up customized alerts for your files and folders. You can receive notifications through email, SMS, or push notification.

Q5: How does Acronis Files Connect secure file sharing?

A: Acronis Files Connect offers secure file sharing with encryption and access control features. It allows you to create password-protected links and control who can access your files and folders.

In Conclusion

Choosing the best alternative to Directory Monitor depends on your specific needs and budget. Each software offers its own unique set of features and functionalities, but EaseUS Todo Backup stands out as our top pick because of its robust monitoring capabilities, cloud integration, and affordability. However, it’s always better to try the free trial versions of each software before making a final decision.