GoodSync

by: Download.com staff on April 29, 2009

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.

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:

Add Office365 file system which is mostly SharePoint with OAuth2.OneDrivePro/SharePoint FS: Fix long URI problem with MoveFile and CopyFile.On File Change: fix First Full Analyze does not fully reset the sync tree.Job Status: improve showing correct visual job status.GoodSync Close: fix waiting for not-owned jobs (Full GUI vs Runner).Installer: when installer closes GoodSync, does not ask user whether to close.GS ... See all new features » Synchronize and backup your important files on portable devi... Clean up junk files and invalid Registry entries. Tune up and maintain your PC, with anti-spyware, privacy pro... Take full control over RAR and ZIP archives, along with unpa... Keep the software on your Windows computer up-to-date and ru... Move, resize, copy, explore, and recover hard disk drive par... Find and remove all types of duplicate files. Take full control over RAR and ZIP archives, along with unpa... Update PC drivers automatically using cloud technology. Search and find required files on PC. Clean and optimize Windows registry, remove junk from hard d... Login everywhere automatically, so you'll never need to reme... Recover files deleted from your Windows computer. Download and update all your Windows drivers, back them up, ... Compare files and folders to keep your computer uncluttered ... Direct a bouncing ball with your paddle to blast off all the... Fix, speed up, maintain, and protect your PC. List out your PC's components and solve the related problems... Find, synchronize, and back up your bookmarked sites. Provide different options for copying the contents of one fo... All Versions:

4.1 out of 734 votes

5 star: 400 4 star: 202 3 star: 41 2 star: 24 1 star: 67 Current Version:

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Write review 5 stars

"Best file comparison and analysis synchronization tool."

July 07, 2014   |   By snakyjake5

Version: GoodSync 9.8.9.5

Pros

Can detect and discern file changes versus file corruption.
Good comparison rules and analysis to detect changes.
Good use of filters.

Cons

Minor con: Since Amazon S3 charges by storage used (stored and transmitted), I would like the software to tell me exactly what is being transmitted and stored. The software will tell me the storage, but not the transmitted. So far this hasn't been an expensive issue, but it is something I would like to monitor.

The UI is full of powerful and useful information, but might be better organized.

The file analysis is very advanced and can be complex depending on the rules used. This is going to require you learning and doing some experimentation. I did my experimentation, and it does work just like I want it to (and no other alternative has been able to do that).

Summary

What this software will do that few others will do is sync between my local files and files stored on Amazon S3 cloud by comparing file attributes and checksums. What I wanted to do is not only backup files to the cloud, but I wanted to detect when I had file corruption on my local hard drive. Detecting this can be tricky, because I also wanted to avoid false positives. So this software can detect legitimate changes and also detect corruption, signal to the user, suggest or automate an action.

I've tried many other alternatives, and this has been the best.

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1 stars

"Steep learning curve, cryptic UI, pathetic support."

April 30, 2014   |   By photonpharmer

Version: GoodSync 9.8.4.4

Pros

Does what it's programmed to do BUT...

Cons

A new user absolutely MUST comprehend the app's settings. (A lot of work!) Other sync apps are more straightforward.

GS, however, can initiate potentially disastrous deletions on destination drives without warning, resulting in total data loss.

Example: You want to backup date to an external drive so you innocently start a new One-Way Backup "job." Simple enough, so you define what data you want to move from left-to-right and initiate "One-Way Backup." Suddenly data already on your destination drive begins to disappear!

Cancel button!

Sorry, too late, deed is done! Before actually beginning the "Backup" NO warnings appear that existing data is about be deleted from destination (right) drive.

You are now screwed! GoodSync support sends you a copy of their FAQ page cryptically outlining the method for recovering your data...but, it doesn't work. That's all you get; you're on your own, again. Open a ticket and be prepared to wait days for any response; then, maybe not at all.

Summary

Works, but not a friendly, real people solution. Most IT's won't often read all the documentation before running this app safely, let alone tinker with it to discover it's functionality quirks.

How hard is it to code in a pop-up warning system to help assure that casual users don't make fatal data deletion "mistakes". Why would programmers WANT a backup function to automatically delete pre-existing directories and data on a destination drive without first warning a user that their data is about to be deleted?

Save yourself!

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5 stars

"A great program to have if you have an NSD."

April 19, 2014   |   By teckels

Version: GoodSync 9.8.3.5

Pros

It is easy and intuitive and does what it says.

Cons

Too many updates

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5 stars

"Reliable and easy to use"

February 28, 2014   |   By thebigone1868

Version: GoodSync 9.7.9

Pros

easy to use
reliable

Cons

It would be nice to sort by filesize to easily skip large files.

Summary

I've used GS for 8 years and have never had a problem with it. You can set it save deleted files, I even use it with SwiFTP sync with my android tablet and phone.

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1 stars

"Software deleted 250GB of photo files without warning."

February 28, 2014   |   By bertwhite2

Version: GoodSync 9.7.9

Pros

None that I can think of.

Cons

The whole reason I wanted backup software was to prevent what the this backup software did to me. While backing up files from another drive to my E drive it deleted ALL the files on the E drive, plus the 2 backup set of files that I had already backed up to E The only thing left were the files from the last backup. 6 months of Photoshop work on hundreds of pictures lost!

Summary

The only reason to buy backup software is for protection. You need protection from this backup software. I was fine until I tried it and lost months of work with no warning or notification. Buyer beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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5 stars

"Excellent Program"

February 22, 2014   |   By rjscooke

Version: GoodSync 9.7.9

Pros

Works well as advertised

Cons

none that I can see

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1 stars

"Software is good - Support is not"

February 21, 2014   |   By rmwizer

Version: GoodSync 9.7.9

Pros

Easy to use and configure, nice to have multiple sync profiles for different document collections

Cons

Support is mediocre to non-existent. Each issue I report consumes several round trip email sessions and several days, sometime weeks to resolve.

Summary

You are better off planning to purchase a new license if you really like this software, when your hard drive fails, if you re-install your OS or you migrate to a different computer. The support team does not seem to understand how to reset the activation acknowledgement if you experience any of the changes to your computer I noted above.

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5 stars

"Great software"

February 13, 2014   |   By Fajah

Version: GoodSync 9.7.8

Pros

Syncs all my files to an external drive, Dropbox, and recently purchased NAS.

Cons

None so far

Summary

Works very well. I just set it and forget it. After month\s free trial, I purchased the software.

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5 stars

"Excellent piece of software."

January 28, 2014   |   By PeterComfort

Version: GoodSync 9.7.6

Pros

Fast. Reasonably easy to use. I am not an expert - but I took to this like a duck to water. Have been using it for 3 years now. It has gotten me out of serious trouble when files got deleted, data loss with system crashes and H/D failure. With valuable data, being able to replace those files can be a lifesaver.

Cons

None really - except you pay dearly for not thinking carefully before you set up your jobs. I have had files overwritten, lost and duplicated through inattention. My fault. File Synching is not trivial. Pay attention.

Summary

I won't go anywhere without GoodSynch and 1TB external Hard drive.

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1 stars

"Scheduled jobs do not run."

January 18, 2014   |   By alboner

Version: GoodSync 9.7.5

Pros

Installed on Win 7 Pro. Highly configurable.

Cons

Scheduled jobs ran intermittently, most often backups would not be done. I tried different settings and sometimes got it to run for a week or two then it abruptly would stop and never ran the scheduled jobs again. I scheduled backups once a week during late night when system was idle. No indication as to what the issue was, no error messages, no log messages, nothing. I tried all I could to get it to work to no avail. Indeed it deserves CNET abysmal rating.

I installed Vice Versa (from TGRMN software), it worked right away, scheduled jobs ran just fine every time. Got error messages and email notifications when something was wrong in plain English without ambiguity so I could fix the issues. A great product that I will review separately.

Summary

IME this program is useless garbage, they took just took my money. Money and time wasted that I will never get back.
I don't recommend this program to anyone.

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