Good Synch review

This is the first part of a review that will be in our next issue. If you're not already a subscriber just email me and you'll be added to our subscriber lise! - Chuck

Siber Systems GoodSynchfor Mac v. 1.4.4

By Bayle Emlien

- a utility that enables users to backup/sync files between any two devices, locally or via web; new version makes file transfers between macs and PCs a breeze

- System requirements: OS 10.4 or better

- download GoodSync for Mac at www.goodsync.com/mac

- Professional version with unlimited jobs and file synchronization; free Web and toll-free support available for $29.95

You remember Siber Systems, the folks that brought us Roboform password manager and introduced the idea that a jump drive could be more than dumb memory? They’re back with a Mac version of their backup and file synchronization application. The home version is the right price, free. I might want to look at the PC version next, and even the Enterprise version for work. $29 is hardly worth mentioning in comparison to the stress of recreating the contents of one of the office machines.

Why do I need a backup utility for a Mac? Macs never crash, do they? Well, how about making it easier to sync various devices. My iPod has been minimally cooperative about synching with the computer, so–just maybe–I do see that I have a use for GoodSync. And transferring files between the PCs and Macs without a convoluted work-around would be really useful.

Convinced, I spend 2 days getting the Internet to cooperate. Actually, my very tech-savvy friend does that. Sometimes the Internet is that way, especially when you have a project you want to get done now, or sooner.

I check out the short tutorial on the website under How It Works. Looks like all I need is are the half dozen screen shots that walk the user through setting up a job. My kind of housekeeping.

The download process was truly easy. Click on the Download Now button at www.goodsync.com/mac just like it says. A quick download, maybe a minute. Barely enough time for a sip of coffee. Follow the instructions to drag GoodSync into the Applications folder. I don’t understand why I have to do this manually, but maybe there’s a chance that I’d want it somewhere else and they don’t want to confuse me? (I’m really working hard to not review Macs in general here.) Click on GoodSync in the Applications folder where I’ve been told to put it, figuring I’ll make a short-cut later, when I’ve got things going.

For the rest of the review catch our October issue!!