If you are an Xmarks user who is interested in trying out Firefox Sync as a potential replacement, you might find this document useful. In particular, it explains some of the differences between Firefox Sync and Xmarks so you know what to expect. This is not meant to be a feature-by-feature comparison checklist.
What is Firefox Sync
Firefox Sync is a service that allows you to access your data from Firefox running on other computers and mobile phones.
It is available in a variety of options (see below).
Here are some important features of Firefox Sync:
- Firefox puts security as a top priority, especially when it comes to all your important data. That is why your data is encrypted by default so only you have access to it.
- You can use Mozilla's servers or you can set up your own server.
- You will not see a lot of knobs/levers as we've built Sync to be minimalist, non-intrusive and something that just works. You will be notified in case of errors or issues that need your attention, but for the most part, you should hardly notice it.
Compatibility
- Sync is an integrated feature on all versions of desktop and Mobile Firefox.
Setup process
- Sync requires use of a Mozilla Account and a password (which you supply) that is used to encrypt all of your data.
Features
- You can sync the following types of data:
- Bookmarks
- Passwords (especially useful on mobile phones)
- History (for AwesomeBar search and suggestions)
- Payment methods
- Addreses
- Open tabs
- Preferences
- Form history (especially useful on mobile phones)
- Add-ons
- All of your data is encrypted on your clients and cannot be read anywhere else.
- Sync works automatically once you have set it up.
- You can host your data on your own server (for advanced users).
- Sync currently does not support the following:
- Web access of your data - Since your data is encrypted on your computers, you cannot log on from any computer to access your data and Mozilla cannot decrypt your data on the server.
- Home/Work Profile support - You will need to set up two separate Mozilla Accounts.
- No Sync on quit - Your data will be synced when you restart your browser. You can also manually force a sync before you quit if you need immediate access to that data.