SugarSync for Windows 4.1.3.2

Overview

SugarSync for Windows is a powerful file synchronization software that gives you the ability to keep files backed up and updated across networks of computers simultaneously. This software lets you access your files from anywhere in the world, automatically upload/download updated versions of files to and from online cloud storage accounts.

Installation

With a file size of only about 16 MB, the download process is extremely brief and performing the installation is about as simple as it gets. However, after the software is installed you'll need to sign up for a SugarSync Online account to begin using your online data storage. The free, starter plan offers 5GB free storage. If you're on Mac, you can download the SugarSync manager here.

Interface

The user interface actually consists of three different components – a web interface, context menu options, and a desktop file manager, all of which have very self-explanatory, intuitive control functions. You can quickly add any file/folder to your service account by right-clicking it and selecting the "Add to SugarSync " option from the Windows context menu.

Pros

• Synchronizes your computer's files with online cloud storage accounts, so you can quickly access updated versions of your files from anywhere in the world. Furthermore, when you're offline the software queues updated versions of files to be uploaded to your cloud account, so synchronization occurs automatically when you reconnect

• Synchronize folders on multiple computers. This feature is particularly useful for facilitating team projects, as files are constantly updated throughout the network. You can even sync files from a Macintosh computer to a Windows computer and vice versa

• By regularly backing up your computer's hard drive to online storage devices and/or other computers SugarSync protects you from data loss. You have the option of restoring a single file or your entire hard drive with a few clicks of the mouse

• Free version includes 5 GB of online storage space

• Quick review/restore previous versions of files. The software stores up to five previous versions of each file, but only the most recent version counts toward your total storage limit

• Operates quietly in the background without consuming a lot of system resources

• Users can download a mobile app that lets you access your cloud storage account from a smart phone or Tablet PC

• All file transfers are encrypted with industry-standard SSL 3.3 encryption technology for maximum security

• Password protect files/folders and set access permissions to allow or restrict certain users from applying changes

• Improve your multimedia sharing capabilities by instantly publishing photographs to Facebook, sharing photo albums online, streaming music directly to your smart phone, and backing up and sharing videos, all on an adjustable automated basis

• Edit files that are stored on your hard drive remotely. Even if your computers turned off the updated versions of the files will automatically be uploaded to your computer when you log back in

Cons

• You can drag-and-drop files into sync folders, but you can't drag and drop them from your desktop into the file manager application

Alternatives

Alternatives include Dropbox, SpiderOak (Win, Mac), Microsoft Sky Drive, Google Drive, and GoodSync.

Conclusion

If you're looking for an easy way to keep your files/folders synchronized between your computer and an online cloud storage account, SugarSync for Windows provides an ideal interface, rich functionality, and 5 GB of free online storage.