SugarSync 30GB review

SugarSync is - as its name implies - first and foremost a synchronisation service, allowing you to duplicate files between the service's online storage and as many computers as you install the application on. It also supports downloads and uploads on almost any smartphone or tablet around, including Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows Phone and even Symbian devices.

Unlike Dropbox and Microsoft Live Mesh, SugarSync can also serve as a fairly effective online backup service. The amount of control you get is limited - you can't schedule or pause your backups, everything is backed up in real time and entire partitions or external storage can't be included. However, you can select exactly which folders you want to keep backed up.

SugarSync file manager - Click on this image to enlarge it

When you first install a SugarSync client on a new PC, it offers to sync a few common folders with your online storage, including the Desktop, Pictures and Music. There’s also an Add More Folders button that provides access to the rest of the hard disk. However, while any folder from a local (rather than network or removable) drive can be added, individual files can't be selected in this way.

SugarSync main screen - Click on this image to enlarge it

Backups are sent to SugarSync’s online storage but not copied to other PCs – only the Magic Briefcase folder is automatically synchronised. However, changing a backed up folder so that it's also a synchronised folder is a simple task using the Sync Manager control panel. You can even do this to backed up folders that are located on computers other than the one you’re currently using. Similarly, backed up files can be restored to any PC.

Unlike Trend Micro's SafeSync, which lets you add files directly from Windows Explorer's right-click menu, SugarSync's right-click option opens the service's software interface. The main window shows all the folders currently being backed up from all the PCs linked to your account. It also displays your Magic Briefcase. Files and folders can be shared with other people, and it's even possible to let them add and edit content if they have a SugarSync account.