CNET Editors' review
Thanks to this program's step-by-step tips, managing your files and folders is as simple as a few clicks of your mouse. GoodSync successfully synchronized important files between folders on our computer, as well as on our USB device.
To a novice, the user interface might appear a bit overwhelming; however, step-by-step pop-up windows will quickly guide you through navigating the program. All we had to do was browse for the two folders that we wanted to synchronize. We were even able to browse for files on external devices, including a USB thumb drive. The program quickly analyzed our folders and displayed their contents into two separate panels. We were able to pick out the specific files to include in the synchronization and, using the Sync feature, we synced the folders so that they each contained the same files. We were able to view all of the changes, as well as any conflicts or errors. You can apply filters using the Program Options menu.
The program doesn't include a built-in help feature, but it does feature an online manual and FAQ through the publisher's Web site, and the 30-day trial is more than enough time to find your bearings. We highly recommend this file synchronization tool for all user levels.
Publisher's Description
From Siber Systems:
GoodSync is an easy, secure, and reliable way to automatically synchronize and back up your photos, MP3s, and important files. Backing-up and/or synchronizing your critical documents is as easy as one click, and can also be scheduled using a variety of automatic options. True bi-directional file synchronization prevents any data loss. Good Sync can be used to synchronize data between your desktop PC and laptop, home and office computers, computer and removable devices (USB Key, Flash Drive, CDRW disc), over a local network or the Internet.
What's new in this version: Version 9.0.6.6 connects multiple computers directly, completely bypassing the need for cloud based solutions; includes the ability to easily sync with other external services such as Google Docs, Windows Azure, Amazon Cloud Drive, and SkyDrive; detects file renames and moves and it executes them as one Move command, not as Copy + Delete, thus saving a greate deal of time; allows to select multiple folders to sync (not just one), in one job; allows to select specific files to sync, not just the ... See all new features
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All versions:
4.2 starsout of 713 votes
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Current version:
3.9 starsout of 63 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Works Well"
Version: GoodSync 9
Pros
I have been looking for a replacement for FolderShare for a few years now (Microsoft acquired FolderShare, morphed it into LiveSync, then killed it for the XP platform).
There are a number of products that claim to sync folders, but most store your data in the Cloud, and I do not want my data on any 3rd-party platforms.
I was quite pleased with GoodSync's Tech Specs, and for the most part, it works well.Cons
I need to follow-up with Tech Support to resolve a few issues...
First, it isn't clear if the jobs need to be duplicated on each PC (right now, I only defined the jobs on one PC, and it seems to be working well Pushing or Pulling changes as needed).
I did encounter one anomaly, though, when GoodSync pulled a sync, when it should have pushed the changes, and in doing so, it lost a day's work on a database.
I need to find out from Tech Support about what triggers a Sync. I thought it was the differences noted in a delta-block analysis, and if that is the case, then the above noted loss should not have occurred. On the other hand, if the file date/time triggers the analysis, then only the changed blocks are synched, then that may explain the issue I encountered.
I will follow-up with Tech Support, and will update this review.Summary
Other than the noted issue, this seems to a a very solid and capable Sync program.
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"Not so useerfriendly as expected"
Version: GoodSync 9
Pros
Fast, does not change folder dates (other tools often do)
Cons
Just gave GoodSync a short try only, but will drop it.
-No drag and drop (i.e. a lot of browsing to folders),
-No context menu (i.e. right click on a folder as left folder, right click on another folder as right folder, instead: browsing)
-Not just 1 button for synchronizing left to right, 1 for right to left, 1 both directions, instead, again a submenu to select from dropdown + "ok", i.e. again lot of clicksSummary
Although v9.4 - it requires lot of 'old fashioned' timeconsuming browsing and clicking.
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"Works like a charm"
Version: GoodSync 9
Pros
I use it to backup to a NAS every night. Works very well. Able to see the details and once set up, I check in on it maybe once a month. Definitely recommend. Priced very well for all it does and how well it does it
Cons
It tried copying system files which were locked. FINALLY found the setting to exclude those.
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"Best backup program by far"
Version: GoodSync 9
Pros
I've tried them all and have been a goodsync user since beginning. Once you figure out all the tricks and how it works it's been flawless for me.
Cons
Need to update the GUI. still old school and a little bit of a learning curve. Need option to "sync and analysis all" (with being able to omit some backup locations). I have 4 back ups. I like to have a 2 daily backups and 1 weekly and 1 quarterly.
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"Set it up and forget about it"
Version: GoodSync 9
Pros
It has been keepping my USB for work synced with my home drive and I do not have to run it manually. I use it ti back up my data to an external network drive on three of my computers at home. No issues whatsoever. One of the best software purchanses I have ever made.
Cons
I have had no issues with this software.
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"Full performance, no worries"
Version: GoodSync 9
Pros
My Iomega drive is backing my computer up for an year, automatically, every day and I almost forget it exists. Goodsync is in charge of it
Cons
None available
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"Rock solid synchronization product"
Version: GoodSync 9
Pros
Rock solid product, performs as expected every time. Quick, easy to use, generally bug-free.
Cons
Customer service, although responding quickly, isn't always very helpful.
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"New GoodSync user- can't get questions answered"
Version: GoodSync 9
Pros
I read here that it's pretty good and can replace Windows Live Mesh...
Cons
Has a strange "trouble ticket" system of support. I find no user forum, no knowledge base, and no phone support. If I try to call, the voice tree won't respond when you press. Trouble ticket responses take at least 24 hours and are as short as possible-- usually telling you to look at the setup guide. Weird.
Summary
Like a lot of people who were Windows Live Mesh users, I'm looking for a simple peer-to-peer synching solution. One thing I don't understand about setting up GoodSync, is that the setup view is twice- once on the PC and it's on the LT. The instructions say to set up your sync jobs on the LT (2nd computer). What do I do with the set up screen on PC?? It has the same fields to fill out... I can't seem to get an anwer to that. Windows Mesh just had the one web-based set up view..
I've had a chance to work with this software a little longer. It is a more involved set up than MS Live Mesh (WLM), where I came from. I'm seeing this pretty good in terms of robust, navigation and able to handle files that WLM did not (like Outlook PST files). However, documentation is still weak and they lack knowledge base or forum. I feel settled with GoodSync as a robust replacement for WLM.
Updated on Mar 17, 2013 -
"Does exactly what it is supposed to do."
Version: GoodSync 9
Pros
Very flexible--the user can save several different sync jobs between folders or between computers on the same network. Runs quickly and asks for user input on any potential conflicts such as when both versions of a file are new since the last sync.
Cons
Installs a "gsdata" sub-folder in the folder being synchronized, which it uses to store sync logs. I'd rather not see those folders, but it's only a very minor annoyance. GoodSync puts out new versions once or twice a week, which gets annoying after a while. I'd rather they just put out a new version once a month or so.
Summary
GoodSync is a great product and indispensable to me. I use a flash drive to synchronize my documents folder between my work computer and my home computer, and GoodSync does the job quickly and correctly every time. Great product!
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"Excellent Product"
Version: GoodSync 9
Pros
I've used GoodSync for a couple of years now, and can say that it performs flawlessly at what it does. We have three computers in the house, and we share several files among them - in particular, my wife and I both manage our finances in Quicken, and it's nice to be able to keep two copies of the file, synchronizing them when we're finished updating.
Cons
It is not idiot-proof, as I have on a couple of occasions been able to prove. It will do what you ask it to do, just be sure you are asking it to do what you think yo want it to do. You can over-write some files because YOU are not paying attention. GoodSync tries hard to warn you, but it won't stop you from being stupid.
Summary
I haven't found another product that I like anywhere near as much as I do GoodSync!




