how does sync work
We need some real documentation on exactly what sync does BEFORE we start using it. Can I set a master pc to sync with other devices if I need to? Does sync blend bookmarks, etc from all synced devices? It appears to. How can we (maybe can we?) make sync a manual user controlled process rather than an auto process, including prompting us for what we want to sync instead of syncing everything automatically on sync sign in.
Right now documentation that I have found to read anywhere does not touch on these details. I cannot believe how reckless this process is.
Chosen solution
Yes, I had already seen those pages and read them. Notice what those pages do NOT say and especially notice that you're dumbing down sync so it just happens .. without user control or even verification of what they want to sync.
IMO, this is just massively stupid. Do you get how dumbing down sync like this makes it uncontrollable for a user? Frankly I have spent 30 plus years on computers and writing code, etc and this damn thing scares the hell out of me. I attach a new device and now everything in that new device is melded together with all my real settings without any control on my part. I still cannot get over that.
I appreciate you taking the time to reply, I just do not see have ANYONE can appreciate the Sync option unless they already had the same initial setup on all devices they try to sync.
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Sync shares all selected data between all devices/profiles in the sync. There is no 'Master.' Any change on one is shared with all.
How do I set up Sync on my computer? {web link} Sync your bookmarks, history, passwords, add-ons and open tabs with another device, profile or version of Firefox. Learn how to set up Sync.
How do I choose what types of information to sync on Firefox? {web link} We'll show you how to choose which types of information (bookmarks, history, add-ons and passwords) to share across all your devices through Firefox Sync.
Chosen Solution
Yes, I had already seen those pages and read them. Notice what those pages do NOT say and especially notice that you're dumbing down sync so it just happens .. without user control or even verification of what they want to sync.
IMO, this is just massively stupid. Do you get how dumbing down sync like this makes it uncontrollable for a user? Frankly I have spent 30 plus years on computers and writing code, etc and this damn thing scares the hell out of me. I attach a new device and now everything in that new device is melded together with all my real settings without any control on my part. I still cannot get over that.
I appreciate you taking the time to reply, I just do not see have ANYONE can appreciate the Sync option unless they already had the same initial setup on all devices they try to sync.
Modified by BreezyOhio
This is all I have on Sync :
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-do-i-set-sync-my-computer
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/products/firefox/sync
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-do-i-choose-what-types-information-sync-firefox
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-sync-troubleshooting-and-tips
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/change-primary-email-address-firefox-accounts
I'm also very concerned with the way Sync works, especially with its not allowing the specification of a master source for syncing at any one time. If I reorganize my Bookmarks on one device, for instance, and want those changes propagated to my other devices without just merging everything together, then apparently Sync doesn't allow me to do that. I used to use XMarks Bookmark Sync to do that, and would happily consider using some other 3rd party Bookmark syncing tool if anyone has any recommendations. In the meantime, it looks like my best bet now is to turn off Sync and just manually port the pertinent Profile files from the device I consider the master at the moment to my other devices - a not very convenient solution to be sure.
Firefox Sync in no way had "control" features that come close to what Xmarks offered. Very purposely Mozilla made Sync very simple to operate with very limited user control.
As far as what is available for Firefox 57+ versions to replace Xmarks, see this article. https://www.danylkoweb.com/Blog/4-possible-xmarks-replacements-MK
This one that a lot of Firefox users looking for an Xmarks replacement are talking about. https://github.com/xBrowserSync