FolderShare is a free program from Microsoft. Download the software and you can quickly begin sharing your folders and files over the Internet. If you use multiple computers in different places or even within your own home or office, you can set up certain folders to be shared. When you make changes to any file from any of your chosen locations, it is changed in all the location. This not only keeps your files synchronized allowing you to work on them from any location, but depending on how many computers you share the files on, it also gives you two or more copies of the same file which can be useful for backup purposes.

You can also use FolderShare to share folders within family or association groups. FolderShare is also perfect for sharing videos, pictures, and other files that are too large to email. Just decide which folders to share and use FolderShare to invite family, friends, and associates to share those folders. You are able to choose how much authority to give your friends. You can simply allow them to access the files or you can give them the amility to add and delete files as well. The program encrypts your shared files so they are secure.

FolderShare works on Windows 200, Windows XP, and all newer versions of Mac OSX. It is not yet compatible with Vista. The interface is simple, but the concept of exactly how to set it up and how it works is not necessarily explicit. If you have trouble setting it up, just read through the FAQ and documentation on the site. I actually had to try a few things before I got the full gist of how everything works.

A couple of caveats. If you use FolderShare as a way to keep backup copies of your files, remember that everything is synchronized so if a file becomes corrupt, it will be corrupt in all locations. This has happened to me. You will still need to backup important files regularly to a backup device so you can go back to last week or last month's version, if necessary.

If you turn off your computer when you are done using it, save any shared files that you were working on and make sure you give FolderShare time to synchronize your folders before you turn the computer off.

Also, If you use FolderShare to synch your files between computers at different locations, like I do, you should occasionally check to make sure it is working. A blue and yellow FolderShare icon will appear in the system tray at the bottom of the screen when it is working. If the icon is gray, it means that the program is not working. You can also click on the FolderShare icon to go to your FolderShare web page where you can see a list of devices and shared files. I have found that occasionally a power outage or other unusual event can stop FolderShare from working properly. This is not a problem, as long as you are aware of it.

Dare of Review: 4-3-2008

Price: Free

Download:        FolderShare from Microsoft