I am currently using 4 computers. I have the Macbook 13", HP 2710P Tablet PC, OQO Model 02, and the most recent addition to my arsenal – the Asus Eee 1000H. On any given day, I will carry whichever suits my mood.
As a result, the most common question I get is – "How do you synchronize your files across all those computers?" I have for the past year been using Foldershare, which I described here, to insure that all my files are synchronized across all the computers that I use, provided that each one is connected to the web.
Of late, I have found an even better solution – SUGARSYNC. SUGARSYNC is also free (up to 9 gb of storage). With SUGARSYNC, you actually have a copy of your frequently used files stored online unlike in FOLDERSHARE where you have to use the physical storage of your computers. The SUGARSYNC instruction is fairly straightforward and they even provide a 'how-to' video here.
After signing up for a free account and installing the client software in each of my computers, a My Briefcase folder is automatically created. I simply drag and drop the files I want synchronized in My Briefcase and all those files could be found in every computer. Here's a scenario:
After writing this blog using MS Word 2007 on the Macbook, I saved the file in the My Briefcase folder on the Macbook while connected to the internet. I then grabbed the Asus Eee 1000H, checked that it is connected to the wi-fi, opened the My Briefcase folder on the 1000H, and lo and behold, the file is there.
With SUGARSYNC, it does not matter which computer I will grab on any given day. I am confident that the last file I worked on will be available and updated in the My Briefcase folder. After a few days of using SUGARSYNC, I also decided to synchronize my POWERDOCS folder which is now stored online and which could be accessed from my personal Sugarsync Webpage. The latter is automatically created for you after signing-up for an account.
To summarize the personal benefits I am now enjoying with SUGARSYNC:
- Files inside The My Briefcase folder are synchronized across all my computers. You could in fact sync all your files provided that you do not exceed the 9 gig limit.
- Files outside My Briefcase are available online.
- I now have no use for any of my flash drives since most of my commonly used files are online. From my SUGARSYNC webpage I could even email any file for sharing.
- It is free for 45 days. After the trial period, you will have to pay $2.49 monthly or $24.99 for one year. This is not much if you consider the benefits. I will in fact sign up for their 30 Gig basic plan ($99.00 for a year) when my trial period expires.
I have not yet tried using SUGARSYNC on the iPhone which is now available via the App Store.I also did not sync my Outlook folders since for the past month, I hardly ever use MS Outlook anymore. GMAIL and GCAL have practically replaced Outlook for me. More on this in my next blog – "Working in the Clouds."
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