Google Browser Sync
Google Browser Sync was free, now set beta software from Google Inc., which made it possible to synchronize the settings of Firefox across multiple computers via the Internet. It was published on 8 June 2006 of the Google Labs. The extension is now no longer being developed and supported by the end of 2008 by Google only. The servers are no longer now available. When to use the software still attempt, the user is given the hint that the development has been discontinued. The code, however, was published on 8 July 2008 by Google and made available under a BSD license. However, since only the code of the expansion was released, the server software would have to be however, written from scratch based on the function documentation of the old server by volunteers, it seems unlikely that the software for end users will ever be usable again. In addition, the software for the changed structure of Firefox bookmarks have to be completely rewritten three, one effort, which was considered to Google as too big.
Operation
Google Browser Sync put a Google account ahead, in which the cookies, saved passwords, bookmarks, history of visited pages, the tabs and windows were saved. The data was encrypted using a PIN. Thus, it is even have been impossible for Google to read the data. Passwords, and cookies are also always already encrypted by the Firefox browser.
The extension only worked with Firefox 1.5 or 2.0, but not with Firefox 3
Presumptive successor for the Firefox browser is the Mozilla project Mozilla Weave / Firefox Sync.
Alternatives
Xmarks
An alternative to Google Browser Sync is a free browser extension regarding the company of the same name, which was originally founded by Mitch Kapor in 2006 under the name Foxmarks in San Francisco. The biggest difference to the Google counterpart is the ability to save bookmarks on their own servers. Settings and history are not synchronized by Xmarks. In addition to Firefox version 3 ( Foxmarks version 1.5 ) supports Xmarks also Chrome, Internet Explorer Version 7 and Safari version 3 on Mac OS, the latter two browsers but with some limitations. (see also: Sync Toy ] by Microsoft). The company Xmarks announced on 27 September 2010 to set their synchronization service on 10 January 2011. In early November announced regarding that there are several interested investors who want to continue the service. In December 2010, Xmarks was acquired by the company LastPass.
Portable browser
An alternative to browser sync services is the use of browsers that can be installed as a portable software on a USB stick. A possible middle ground would be to simply transport the Firefox profile on a removable disk and can be loaded from local Firefox installations.
Opera
The Internet browser Opera natively supports synchronization of different settings on servers that are provided by the company Opera Software ASA.