Laplink Filemover

Filemover from Laplink doesn't cost much, but it doesn't do very much either. It's an application solely for moving files between two PCs, and is in effect a barebones version of Laplink's Gold 11.5.

You can install Filemover on two PCs and then use it to transfer files between them via a USB, serial or TCP/IP network connection. Unfortunately, you're tied to Laplink's proprietary (and expensive) connector cables unless you transfer via a network.

A Laplink USB cable costs £35.19, making the £11.69 serial cable a bargain. However, the sensible choice is to go for the retail bundle, which includes the software and a USB cable for £39.95.

There's little to the program and after installation a wizard helps you set up connections. User authentication on the remote machine is configurable for incoming connections, and you can set this to either a single username/password or use Windows' authentication to allow specified network users if you're on a network domain. Incoming connections can be totally blocked if needed.

File transfers are done via the familiar Laplink split window Explorer-type interface. You can drag and drop files or folders between the PCs, but there's no thumbnail preview for image files. You do get Laplink's Speedsync technology to only transfer the changed portions of existing files - useful if you're synchronising files between a desktop PC and a laptop.

Filemover is easy to use, but it's a single-purpose tool that won't appeal to many.

Contact: Laplink 0870 241 0983
www.laplink.com/uk

System requirements:

• Windows ME/98/NT/2000/XP/Server 2003
• 32MB of Ram
• 5MB hard disk space
• Internet Explorer 4 or higher