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Software to steer clear of: GoodSync Explorer
I honestly should have known better. Right from the get-go, GoodSync Explorer seemed kind of iffy. It didn't feel like malware, but I got strong "crapware" vibes. The description says that it uses "File System technology from GoodSync." Uh, ... File System technology? That sounds ... impressive. Still, I decided to take the plunge and try it anyway.
I downloaded and installed it. I was happy to see that it comes with a dedicated x64 system, but the VM that I used it on is x86-based, so I didn't test that.
First of all, the interface is confusing. I mean, I ran it and selected File > Open Connection, and nothing happened. The option was enabled, I clicked it, and ... that's it. Nada.
Okay, chalk that up to bad usability; I can live with that. I finally managed to make it connect to my website's FTP server, and I created a bookmark for the folder, which went just fine. I then decided to drag a folder off of the FTP folder tree, just to see what it would do (prompt me? Copy? Move?). It started copying the folder, but then I got a surprise: you can't cancel the operation.
Sure, you can start copying or moving an FTP folder, but if you change your mind in the middle or realize you've made a mistake – that's too bad, buddy! There's no canceling!
That is an abysmal oversight in design. I mean, who makes a file manager that you can't cancel in? I'm not talking about a five-second operation either; this was a lengthy operation that copied (by mistake) dozens of files, without prompting me or telling me where it was putting the copied files. It wouldn't allow me to cancel the operation in any way!
Bottom line: If you care about your files, GoodSync Explorer is one piece of software that you really don't want anywhere near them.
Comments
3
Subscribe to commentsDrewJun 18th 2010 11:32PM
Bah! We all know your game, Zukerman. You Dropbox fanboys are all the same, always trying to hate on GoodSync Explorer! ;p
stinlen56Jun 19th 2010 1:40AM
I'm confused, there's a cancel button on the screenshot above. Did it just not work? Regardless, not being able to cancel a move operation is probably a good idea. Do you really want a directory split up between different locations and files cutoff mid stream? The safe bet is to let it finish and then send it back. Even if you prefer the option, it's pretty shallow that this is the only complaint.
This review could have been a tweet instead of a post on DLS.
JonnyJun 19th 2010 10:43AM
I use allway sync myself. It's easy and powerful to use and never misses anything in any of the folders.