[G4] Two Qs -- synchronization & extending computer life

[David Minger NPG Cable]

Hi everyone -- I appreciate all the help on this listserv. Two  
questions:

1. I'm using a G4 450 running 10.4.5. I have two internal drives.  
One's my backup. Synchronizing the backup files is rather tedious.  
Any utilities that come with OS X or that can be downloaded or  
purchased? (I do have some older software but I think it was for OS 9  
or less.)

2. For life of computer and energy costs -- is it better to leave my  
Macs on but put them to sleep rather than to shut them down and  
restart once or twice a day?

Best,
David