Syncplicity: Frequent questions and best practices

Posted on: January 22, 2014 | By: Ryan Gay | Filed under: Tech Tips

Now that 51iBTzOU6pL._SL500_AA300_.pngInstructional & Campus Technologies has started installing Syncplicity on all University-owned faculty and staff computers, the Technology Help Desk has received a variety of questions about this new method of backing up work-related files and folders. Here is a list of the most popular questions, in addition to some of the best ways for you to use Syncplicity to manage your data backup.

What should I know?

The most important thing to know about Syncplicity is that it is a robust tool designed to manage and backup your work-related data securely to the cloud. Each faculty and staff member receives 25GB of storage space accessible from any device with an internet connection. The following is a short list of the most frequently asked questions.

Q: What happened to the U:Drive? Can I use that instead of Syncplicity?
A: The U:Drive will ultimately disappear. Syncplicity should be your tool for backing up your work-related data. In cases of data loss, Campus Technology Support is not responsible for data located outside your Syncplicity account.

Q: What is my Syncplicity login information?
A: Syncplicity uses your Elon email user name and password.

Q: How do I get to my work if I’m using a different computer than my own?
A: Just log into your account by visiting Syncplicity’s website.

Q: How do I share files or folders?
A: Sharing files and folders with Syncplicity is easy! Navigate to ‘Manage’ in the Syncplicity folder and click ‘Share.’ Alternatively, log into your account online, navigate to the file or folder to share, and choose the Share option. Just enter in the email addresses of those you want to share work with, and you’re done!

Find additional questions by viewing the FAQ tab of our Syncplicity documentation on the Technology Wiki.

Best practices

In order to make the most of your Syncplicity experience, it helps to know the best ways to not only use the program, but also tips on how to manage your files. Perhaps the most important thing to know is this: work out a system that works best for you and stick with it. If you decide that your system doesn’t work, it will be time-consuming to reorganize all the files you have added to your cloud account a few years down the road. Here are some other tips and tricks to keep in mind:

  • No music or movies—Unless the files are pertinent to a class you are teaching, in most instances, music and video files won’t be work-related. Not only do they quickly take up space in your account, Campus Technology Support won’t assist in recovering the greatest hits of your favorite bagpipe group, the Red Hot Chili Pipers.
  • Don’t install at home—Syncplicity is designed to provide easy access to your work anywhere. However, we don’t recommend installing Syncplicity on your home computer to do work. Instead, access your files through Syncplicity’s website or the Syncplicity Mobile App.
  • Take advantage of your backups –Some users prefer to keep multiple versions of the same file in order to document and keep track of the evolution of data. However, this could quickly spiral out of control and take up more space than necessary. Syncplicity manages versions of data, updating files with any changes you make. The neat thing about this is that while you only the most up-to-date file on your computer, you can log into Syncplicity’s website and view the older versions of the same file.

Remember, Syncplicity is designed to be friendly and easy to use. You can learn more about Syncplicity by viewing our Syncplicity documentation, or by calling the Technology Help Desk at 278-5200.

Ryan Gay

Ryan is the Manager of Service Management & IT Project Lead for Instructional & Campus Technologies. He has received both undergraduate and graduate degrees in English from UNC-Greensboro.

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