Description:
Having used LapLink file transfer software for years, we were more than a little excited to get its latest iteration, PCsync 2.0. Packed with a plethora of features, PCsync 2.0 should be able to fulfill almost every type of file transfer need imaginable. And it does, albeit with software that, at times, can be difficult to configure. At its core, PCsync is simply a utility that allows users to transfer files via a network connection, using the included serial and USB cables, or over the Internet. To this end, the product is fantastic. PCsync's USB cable transfers files at more than 5 Mbps, compared to a typical LAN's throughput of about 1 Mbps. In addition to the core application, LapLink also includes a suite of additional utilities that, while they aren't nearly as useful as the basic application, give the product added value. PCMover is fantastic for people who are constantly building new computers with the same applications. Once the new system is built and the applications installed, PCMover updates the applications on the new computer with the settings from the older machine. SmartXchange is a way to ensure that files and folders that are shared between two computers are always in sync. MusicMover is LapLink's attempt to ride the MP3 wave that everyone is so convinced is the Internet's next cash cow. While it isn't a fantastic method for finding MP3s on the Internet, it will work as a classic peer-to-peer method for sharing files with other PCsync users. However, keep in mind that these sharing relations need to be set up manually. Aside from its core usage--as a simple file transfer utility between two or more computers--another of PCsync's other useful applications is one called Surf Up. A truly brilliant application, Surf Up allows users running PCsync to access their shared folders from any networked computer, using any Web browser. This function is invaluable for people who occasionally work from home and need access to files on a work computer. While PCsync is a fantastic tool once you get it up and running, we did run into some technical issues during the installation. Installing it on our laptop and home computers was a breeze. However, because PCsync's network settings conflicted with our company's network settings, we had to uninstall and then reinstall PCsync and completely reconfigure our desktop computer's network settings in order to get started. If you're in the market for a good file transfer application from a reputable company, we're hard pressed not to recommend PCsync. Just be aware, however, that getting PCsync's network settings to live in peace with your computer's network settings may take some work. --William O'Neal
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