HN Theater @HNTheaterMonth

For the release of the 2.x versions: instability, removal of functionality for the same license, lack of downgrade rights[5], required connection to Symless servers[1][2] (including storing machine profile data). Compounded by the upgrade fee.

This all happened a few years ago, and given their downgrade partnership with LinusTechTips[6] plus community backlash, they are probably okay as long as you only get the 1.x versions.

Still, with those issues, and for a program that is basically a very useful cross-computer keylogger, I would think twice before trusting Symless.

Barrier has it's bugs, but does it's simple job of keyboard/mouse/clipboard sharing and without the shady practices.

To be clear on where they stand in relation to one another: Barrier is a strictly FOSS fork of an older 1.x version of Synergy. Synergy's 1.x source code is FOSS (I don't know if 2.x is/was), but they require a paid license for their binaries; Barrier has free binary releases.

More sources: [1]https://members.symless.com/forums/topic/3829-is-synergy-20-...

[2]https://members.symless.com/forums/topic/6190-synergy-stoppe...

[3]https://members.symless.com/forums/topic/4863-couldnt-connec...

[4]https://linustechtips.com/main/topic/878226-psa-synergy-20-i...

[5]https://superuser.com/questions/1367713/are-programs-like-sy...

[6]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9u1vX-pvLs&t=8m50s (part of a project video, I skipped to the relevant part)

⬐ raihansaputra

Yeah I bought a license some years ago, 1.x still works well. Just heard of Barrier though. Might try it out.

⬐ stevewillows

I paid for 1 and 2, but switched to Barrier a few months back. It’s been great. Like the older version, it just works.

Definitely give Barrier a swing.