Computers are all about sorting and collecting data, whether that be emails, websites, Word documents or hardcore databases.

Trouble can happen though when people use 2 or more computers - perhaps one at work and another at home, or a desktop at home and a laptop when travelling. For example, some important emails are on one machine, not the other, or the same problem for website favourites.

I'm not bad with computers but for years battled with trying to get syncing software to work properly, but all I got was hassle.

Microsoft is not usually known for producing good software but they've certainly done it with their free LiveSync service. Everything runs over the internet and it ensures your data is automatically synced between 2 or more computers.

Just tell it what to sync and how (automatic or on-demand) and the software runs automatically in the background. I've been using it for about 6 months now and never had a problem. I use it to sync 3 different computers and it's also amazingly quick. For example, if I change/delete or add something to a file the other computers will be updated within the minute.

So if you're using 2 or more computers and want certain files or folders automatically synced I'd advice you install the software.

You need to sign up to Microsoft's (free) Live network to use it.

• To signup - www.live.com
• Sync website - http://sync.live.com

If you use the excellent Firefox browser then check out the free Add-on xMarks (formally called FoxMarks).

To put it simply xMarks automatically syncs your bookmarks across multiple computers. And again, I've been using the software for some time and never had a problem.

• xMarks - More information and to download

Most people are notoriously bad at backing up their data and it's not that surprising as if done manually it's a very boring job.

But at the same time, most people don't realise the value and real importance of their data until it's been lost forever, either via a hard drive failure or the machine been lost or stolen (more often than not a laptop).

So duplicating your data on another machine is the hidden advantage of syncing as if you lose the information on one machine, it's there on the other.

If you're really serious about backing up your data then consider using the excellent DataDepositBox.com service. It's incredibly simple to setup up, runs automatically in the background backing up your data via the internet to an encrypted databank which I think is in Canada.

Expect to pay between £2 and £20 a month depending on how much data you have, an average monthly bill for a home user or small business should be under £5.

We use this system and wouldn't be without it as it offers us total peace of mind.

• www.datadepositbox.com

If you're always having trouble logging into username/password sites or easily lose track of your login information then check out the excellent software Roboform. As their website blurb goes -

RoboForm is an award-winning automated password manager and web form filler with some serious Artificial Intelligence

And this is some of what the software can do -

• AutoSave passwords in browser
• AutoFill passwords to login form
• Fill personal info into online forms
• All personal info is stored on your computer only

The software is available in free and paid versions (£19) and I'd recommend the paid (see the feature comparison LINK). Note, the paid version comes with a free 30 days trial.

So who should buy Roboform? Anyone that's a heavy user of computers, whether for business or personal use. Basically it's an excellent time saver and really helps with efficiency, and most people who are introduced to the software love it.