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	QuickSync (OS X)

Last update: 08-04-2005	Submitted by Joel



One of the first things I noticed about the palmOne LifeDrive is its folder sync feature. palmOne describes it as "Designated folders—and the individual files and other folders within them—synchronize automatically whenever you use the LifeDrive Manager window to synchronize." This is one of the factors that makes the LifeDrive a great device. However, this feature is for Windows users. What about if you're a Mac user? Here's where QuickSync comes in. In fact, here's where QuickSync shines. How it works QuickSync lets you designate folders to sync. The good thing here is, it doesn't matter where the folders are located. As long as QuickSync can see two folders predefined to sync together, those folders will remain synchronized. The main application window has Folder One and Folder Two buttons. Clicking these buttons will let you point to a folder. From here you can choose bi-directional, left to right, or right to left syncing. You can also choose to ignore bundles and package files. Further, you can add files to ignore during syncing. You can also backup folders. Clicking on the Backup tab will let you choose a Source and a Destination. Clicking the Backup button will start the backup process. Automation With automation, you don't need to worrry about keeping your folders synchronized. As long as QuickSync can see your device and folders, then syncing is automatic. After setting the autosync configurations, I tried Quicksync with .mac, a TH55, and an iPod shuffle. As soon as any of those devices were mounted on the desktop, and seen by QuickSync, synchronization took place without problems. Timed Sync This feature opens up the CronSync Configuration window. This lets you give a title to your timed sync and lets you choose two folders. Set the First Run Date, select the sync direction between the folders, choose the frequency and save. From then on, each pair of folders will begin to sync with each other at the configured time. Other features Quicksync also offers little conveniences. It can be set to display reports, run AutoSync at startup, and start device monitoring at login. I have everything activated so that syncing will be most efficient for my needs. Recommendations I fully recommend QuickSync. Mark Williams, the developer, has been extremely helpful. I just needed to email him my thoughts and in a few hours, a fix was created. If you encounter any problems, I'm positive, a solution will be provided. Since I’ve been using the beta software, there have been many improvements, and now at v1.5.1, QuickSync is better than ever. If you're the user who needs to have synchronized folders, look no further than QuickSync. QuickSync is not only a great tool for your PDA but for your other devices you might have as well. QuickSync is shareware ($20). It is being developed by FOR neXtSoft . Thanks to Mark for the support.