File synchronization through the cloud

Online or "cloud" storage and synchronization services are nothing new.  There are tons of players out there such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive, SugarSync, Ubuntu One, iCloud, etc.  The way these apps operate is pretty much the same; a client app runs on your computer/phone/tablet that uploads and synchronizes files and folders with their online servers.  So if you install the software on two computers, if you modify a file on one computer it automatically updates the same file online (cloud) and on the other computer.  These services can be useful, but I've pretty much avoided them.  I do have both a Google Drive and Ubuntu One account, but I use them merely for online storage - no synchronization.  I login with a web browser to these sites to upload/download files.

Just recently I discovered a new cloud storage and synchronization service that has me excited (unlike all the ones mentioned above).  It's called Seafile.  Seafile (like all the services above) is free for personal use up to X number of GBs, but here's what I like about Seafile that sets it apart:

1. Seafile is open-source.  I've always liked the idea of open-source software, even if I don't bother to download and look at the code.
2. Seafile uses strong AES encryption.  The others might use AES encryption - it's hard to know, they don't always say.
3. Seafile encrypts my data BEFORE it is uploaded, and is only decrypted once it's downloaded back to the computer.  Also, the encryption password is never uploaded off the client computer.  What this means is my data is safe end-to-end.  Seafile themselves can't decrypt my data off their hard drives.  Hackers and computer data thieves can't decrypt my data.  Governments can't decrypt my data (although recent news stories may suggest otherwise).
4. It's fast, stable, and extremely convenient.  I've been using Seafile for over a month now without a single issue.
5. The Seafile Server component is also freely available.  So anyone who wants to run their own Seafile server could easily do so.
6. They offer client software for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

There is another open-source cloud solution called ownCloud.  I haven't tried it, but a lot of reviewers say it's slow and buggy.  So I went with Seafile and I'm glad I did.

The only downside to Seafile I've found is the space.  Most cloud services offer 5GB for free, but Seafile only offers 1GB for free.  This is fine for me as I only synchronize a few MB worth of files.

If you're looking for a cloud storage and synchronization service give Seafile a try.  If you currently have a cloud storage and synchronization service but are concerned with the security of your data, give Seafile a try.