Synching Files and Folders Made Easy

As many of us come to face the problem of storing huge important data on our desktops, laptops, mobile phones, and PDA and accessing it regardless the time and location we offer a list of 15 resources to sync your data between PCs and mobile devices so you can benefit from ever-present access.

For a more convenient use the list of file synchronization tools is divided into three main categories: open source, freeware, and commercial. However, you should be aware that although these file and folder synchronization tools do store your data several places, they would not be regarded as data backup solutions.

With file synchronization, anytime you add, change, or delete a file from one location, the same thing will happen to the file at the other location. This means that each copy of the data is the latest copy.

rsync – if you are familiar with the command line, rsync is a quick incremental file transfer tool. Manual configuration is needed for a correct setup.

1. Open Source Software

Unison – Unison resembles rsync and has some history behind it. It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Solaris.

WinSCP – though its main capability goes as a SFTP and FTP transfer client for Windows, it’s also able to perform directory synchronization.

Directory Synchronize (DirSync) – Useful tool featuring numerous options for file and folder synchronization. Synchronize from computer to USB stick to PDA, etc.

iFolder – this is a cross-platform file synching utility. It’s able to synchronize one folder to multiple machines with different operating systems.

2.Freeware Apps

SyncEXPERT – Very easy to operate utility for synchronizing data between desktop computers, laptops, USB drives, and any other Microsoft storage device.

Allway Sync – a free file and folder synchronization application including a multi-lingual interface and support for true folder synchronization.

SyncBack – User-friendly; allows encryption and compression.

BestSync – performs synchronization of files to network drives, FTP servers, USB drives; includes many options.

SyncMate – able to synchronize your Mac with a Pocket PC using SyncMate Free edition; you can use it to have text messages, documents, contacts, calendar entries, and more, synchronized.

3.Commercial Software

GoodSync – its free version is valid for only 30 days. It’s compatible with any file system, offers customizable interface, unlimited number of files to be synchronized plus other features.

Robocopy – included on Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, Robocopy has a mirror mode which saves folders in sync, adding and removing files.

iMobile – designed to keep data, files and software synced between mobile employees and company server.

SugarSync – offers sync between your PC, Mac, and mobile device with great ease; includes remote access to your files from the Web or phone.

Synchronize It! 3– versatile program providing folder comparison, unattended backup/sync as well as reporting and printing features.