Manage Google Docs From The Desktop, with iGoSyncDocs
A desktop software to manage Google Docs documents sometimes offers advantages that the in-browser web version does not offer. Like what, you ask? It does not leave any traces in the web browser or cache for one, which can be beneficial even with private browsing modes available. While that is usually not a huge benefit on home computers, it can be when using public computers.
A desktop software may also offer better manageability of the documents.
The Java application iGoSyncDocs can be used to access documents in a Google Docs account from the desktop. The software is compatible with Windows and Linux according to the project homepage.
A login dialog is displayed on startup, The Google Docs login credentials need to be entered before the document view is loaded.
Documents are sorted in groups on the left side, and displayed on the right. The left side contains groups for all items, documents, spreadsheets, presentations or stared items among others.
A right-click on a document opens the context menu with options to view the selected document, spreadsheet or presentation online at the Google Docs website, download it to the local computer, star, hide, delete, trash or rename it, or share it by emailing it to editors or viewers, a Google group or a Google Apps domain.
But documents can not only be viewed or downloaded, they can also be created or uploaded. Those options are also accessible from the context menu, or alternatively from the File menu.
Newly created documents are automatically synced with the Google Docs server. The process appears to be a bit buggy at the moment, as the creation of a new document caused the context menu to disappear completely except for the option to view the document online. A reconnect resolved those issues.
The synchronization options are very limited at this point in time. The only sync-like feature available is the creation and syncing of those newly created documents with Google Docs. The program lacks an option to sync a folder on the computer automatically, or to download all docs or selected docs in intervals.
An option to edit a document directly in the Google Docs manager would have been beneficial as well.
The Open Source software iGoSyncDocs has some potential, but that depends largely on the addition of new features that make it more practicable to work with. One to keep an eye on.
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There is a new software that has a free version for consumers (not free for business use) which automatically synchronizes with Google Docs and documents can be edited offline with MS Office or Open Office. It is also a complete document management tool for the PC. Take a look at http://www.busydocs.com
Gladinet Cloud Desktop (http://www.gladinet.com) may do the job well too,
– with a mapped network drive to Google Docs;
– sync/backup files and folder to Google Docs;
– Use multiple Google Docs account side by side;
– Windows Explorer drag-drop interception to make robocopy to Google Docs;
– backup Google Docs to local or another cloud
– support Google Docs shared folder.
– Parallel threads upload/download to Google Docs.