Filed under: Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Browsers
Three cross-platform tools to keep your web browser in sync
by Lee Mathews May 21st 2009 at 8:00AM
If you're running a multi-boot configuration or using multiple computers, it can be kind of a bother keeping all your preferences in sync - especially if you're using different operating systems. For me, the biggest source of frustration is my browser settings.
Fortunately, there are some simple (and free) tools available to minimize the hassle.
Opera Link
Opera doesn't get a lot of love on most software blogs, but it has some excellent features. Opera Link, for example, securely stores your bookmarks and other settings. Since Link support is built in to the browser, it's available anywhere you can run Opera - Windows, Linux, Mac, and even in Opera Mini.
Fortunately, there are some simple (and free) tools available to minimize the hassle.
Opera Link
Opera doesn't get a lot of love on most software blogs, but it has some excellent features. Opera Link, for example, securely stores your bookmarks and other settings. Since Link support is built in to the browser, it's available anywhere you can run Opera - Windows, Linux, Mac, and even in Opera Mini.
Weave is still somewhat experimental, but one day it may be baked right in to Firefox. Since it's an add-on, Weave will work on any operating system. You can use it now as long as you're running at least version 3.5 of the browser and keep your profile marching in step - even on the Fennec Alpha.
Another great way to tackle this chore is with a cross-platform file sync application like SpiderOak - which runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. The 2GB of storage you get with a free account is more than enough to keep Chromium, Firefox, and Opera in sync. It's a bit of work to set up, but once you're done SpiderOak will keep things up-to-date in the background on all your systems and OSes.
Got another simple way to keep browser profiles synced across multiple platforms? Share it in the comments!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alastair Montgomery said 9:07AM on 5-21-2009
I use the Firefox extension called Xmarks (previously FoxMarks?) which syncs my Firefox between Mac, Linux and Windows machines.
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Jon Niola said 9:44AM on 5-21-2009
Same - also as of the last build Xmarks can sync cross-browser too ;)
kcdk99 said 3:34PM on 5-21-2009
Same. I use Xmarks to sync Firefox on different machines and to Sync it with my Safari on my MAC. It also syncs IE, but I would recommend against using IE at all, lol.
Daniel Larsson said 1:01PM on 5-21-2009
Other obvious perks with SpiderOak is that you get Secure Online Backup and Sync!
The 2GB Free is also FOR LIFE and not a trial offer which makes them unique over the competition in offering backup, storage and sync free!
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Demodave said 4:04PM on 5-21-2009
For those that don't mind using an IE shell browser, both Avant and Maxthon offer online syncing of bookmarks and passwords.
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butler360@hotmail.com said 5:47PM on 5-21-2009
I'm curious as to why Dropbox and SpiderOak, etc. always are the recommended free sync tools when Live Mesh offers more features and more free space (5GB). I use it to keep photos, ebooks, and my Maxthon directory in sync and even with 5GB I'm starting to max out.
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Lee Mathews said 5:48PM on 5-21-2009
In this case, it's because Live Sync isn't cross platform, and that was my topic ;)
Neoprimal said 11:45PM on 5-25-2009
Hmm....seems AOL sites have lost 3 or so days of posts. Hopefully recoverable.
While I'm back on this topic, does anyone know of a service that does BOTH passwords and bookmark syncing? If X-marks and Lastpass merged (or a service that offered the features of both were to be released), I'd be in geek heaven.
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rcarm said 11:48PM on 5-25-2009
Oh no! Every blogsmith blog is failing! It's a sign of the apocalypse!
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