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Beinsync lets you synchronise your folders on various machines so you're never without your files.
The program has a Windows Explorer type layout and individual folders can be selected for sharing.
After installation you're guided through the process of setting up folder synchronisation; series of popular folders are suggested, such as My Pictures and Internet Favourites.
When you select a folder you must leave the first machine on while you sync. All file transfers are performed using a direct peer to peer method. Data goes through various ports and there shouldn't be any firewall issues. It takes a few seconds to connect and despite a slightly worrying "connected (behind nat)" message on our test machines, which any Bit Torrent user will know means crippled speeds, Beinsync went flat out transferring files as fast as our upload link could manage.
Folders can be shared via an email link, so even if your friends and family don't have a Beinsync account they can access a selection of files. Using this method, the PC where the files are hosted acts as a form of web server; everything is encrypted and browsing the shared files is a simple list or thumbnail affair.
Beware though, any email address you insert into the Beinsync share files field is automatically set up with an account, so some people may not appreciate emails from Beinsync saying they have a password and access to a certain account.
Another feature lets you log in to your PC through any web browser to give you full access to every file and folder on your PC, whether it's been set up to share or not.
Online backup is also provided; 1GB with the free version and 5GB with the professional version. It’s simple to set up scheduled or one off backups and files are hosted by Amazon, which Beinsync claims offers a reputable service and adds piece of mind that your documents are safe.
Beinsync is priced at £30, which is not a lot to pay for such a flexible service. However, the real value lies in the free version; this has the range of features the Pro version offers, but limiting them to five shared folders (down from 15 in the Pro version).
Additionally the Pro version can have up to five computers synchronised with the same files (as opposed to two with the free edition) and can store unlimited old versions of synchronised files - useful should you make accidental changes.
See also:
Extra features added to an already impressive remote access service 29 Mar 2007
Perform simple backups by spreading your data around multiple PCs 07 Jun 2006
All Backup Tools Tags: Synchronisation Software
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