InSync Lets You Sync Your Files Across Devices via Google Docs Storage
Dropbox is really popular among cloud syncing software. There are other options out there, a lot of them in fact. One of the other cloud syncing options is InSync. They even say it’s ok for you to cheat on Dropbox with them. That means it’s ok if you have permission…. right?
The way InSync works is similar to Dropbox, however it is linked to your Google Docs account as your storage. That means you can pretty much add anything to the folder and have it uploaded. If you want an easy way to add documents that you update locally to your Google Docs account for access anywhere, this is your service.
Setting up InSync
Setting up InSync is super easy. Start by downloading the installation file and running through the wizard.
When you are complete, you will need to log in a couple of places for everything to sync correctly. Go to the InSync icon in your taskbar.
When you click on Account Info, you will be asked to grant access to your Google Account. (This is in case you are using Google Multiple sign-in.)
When you have the correct account selected you will be told what InSync will be able to access.
When you say yes, then you will need to link the computer you installed InSync on with their service. This is a simple process. When the webpage pops up, click on the button saying Link machine to this account.
Automatic Sync
Now, depending on how many files you have in your Google Docs account, it may take a while for all of them to sync down to your computer. They can be found in the InSync folder in your My Documents folder.
If you are on the site and click a document, you will be uploaded to your Google Docs account.
There is a future feature that could be pretty cool. It is a feed like many people are accustomed to on their Facebook wall. I think it will show the most recently updated documents, but I am not 100% sure.
Advantages
One big advantage InSync has over Dropbox is because it access your Google Account, you can easily share the files using Gmail and your contacts. You can also set the permissions for the document and who can invite new viewers too.
Disadvantages
InSync works great and is easy to use. The downfall is there aren’t any mobile applications currently available. On their support site, it looked like they are working on an Android and an iPhone app slotted to be out soon.
Conclusion
In the past, I have personally used a few different options to sync local documents with my Google Docs account. InSync is by far the easiest solution I have tried. Other services are pretty involved to set up or they don’t do that great of a job. InSync works great.
See Also:
- Google Docs vs. MS Office Web Apps – Which one’s a better Online Office Suite?
- 6 Alternative to Dropbox for Online Data Storage
- Views.fm – Awesome New Way To Share Your Dropbox Files [Online Storage]
