PCsync, the budget version of the venerable Laplink file-transfer program, offers a well-conceived suite of powerful connection and file-management tools. As a bonus, the program takes you by the hand and walks you through the process of using the most important features. Those without CD-ROM drives on their systems may have some problems with floppy-disk installation, however.
If you want to transfer files between two computers but don't want to spend AU$310 for LapLink Gold, then PC Sync will do a fine job for only AU$150. As with Laplink, PCsync's design goes beyond connecting computers: It aims to streamline and simplify the work of transferring and synchronising files. You can choose between several different methods of connecting your computers once you've installed PCsync -- the included USB or serial cables, over the Internet or over your LAN.
PCsync specialises in transferring files and synchronising them between two PCs. It doesn't offer many of the sophisticated features that come with Laplink, such as remote control, infrared connections or dial-back security. But the multi-windowed, drag-and-drop interface is in many ways easier to use than Windows Explorer, and the process of file synchronisation moves with surprising speed due to the program's patented SpeedSync technology.
If you use an Internet Storage Provider such as Driveway.com, PCsync serves as an unusually slick interface for managing the files you've stored online. The program guides you by the hand through all the steps involved in connecting to an online storage service and displays the files you've uploaded in the same screen that lists your local files.
As a practical matter, to install PCsync you'll need to be sure that both computers have a CD-ROM drive, either USB or a serial port and a Java-capable browser. Unfortunately, quite a few laptops on the market these days don't include a CD-ROM. Even though PCsync includes an option to install the program from floppy disks, only CD installations were successful in our tests. The developers at Laplink.com are working on better floppy-based installation routines for future versions.
LapLink PCsync
Distributor: Pacific Mobile Link
Ph: 1800 129 535; Fax: 1800 129536
Price: AU$150.
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