Posted: 9/24/2011 8:46:13 AM EDT
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I seek assistance.
First of all, I am not even sure if this is possible. Quite simply, I want to sync all of my computers. When I delete something on my laptop I want it to also be gone from the desktop and the netbook. The same goes for adding a file, changing a file, you get the picture. For the moment I have to manually do this. The only exception is my outlook calendar and that gets sync'd by using my PDA between the three computers regularly. That is another post entirely as well, since gmail and outlook are a special brand of hell when merged. They are on the same Win7 OS, as well as on the same homegroup if that matters. So is there a program out there to make this happen? I was told there was dropbox, and that it uses the cloud, but I want something that requires no internet connection, standalone. Am I SOL? |
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Quoted:
without an internet connection what you want done is impossible 
Setup each computer to use a common user folder. So one computer will be the "server" in this case, and the rest will access that folder through the network. For example: Server (main computer that stays running): Create and share a folder where all documents can be stored. Each computer (including server): map/point the user folders to that network shared folder on the server. The only issues that will come up are if/when you lose network connections, or decide to take a laptop on the road. Although the laptop thing can be overcome by VPN (usually slow and cumbersome). However, a better solution may be to simply use remote desktop to connect to one main computer. Remote desktop is pretty fast and efficient on a LAN, and even works well over decent speed WAN. Other options are (as suggested above) programs that physically compare and sync file structures on command. I use Vice Versa Pro, there are many out there that will work. |
| You could set up a romaming profile with sync. It wouldn't update instantly, only when you log in or out of a machine. Bad news is that would require a full version of windows server which is far from cheap and it's a bit of a pain to set up. Cheaper alternative is run an external harddrive/flash drive just store the files on that and plug it in to the computer you want to use, when you use it. |
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Thanks for all the responses. I tried the external HD route but its just a hassle and the drive took a dump forcing me to learn how to do file recovery. Not a bad thing, just a PITA. I was hoping to have a relatively hassle free method such as a sync program. That SyncToy looks like it might be what I am looking for. I noticed on the forums that you have to be really careful setting it up, otherwise your data is gone.
On a similar note, I have been cruising Craigslist looking for a cheap server, or another PC to turn into a server. The idea is to set one up when we are settled after an upcoming move since we have 5 computers in the house and I am planning on adding an HTPC. The server would become the media storage repository, instead of having it on my desktop. That was part of the reasoning behind the sync software as well, so once I get the HTPC going it will make life easier. I have been looking at XBMC, and will be investigating server software in the near future. Likely will be Linux based since I am going to be broke soon and free is always good! So back to the server issue, since I am relatively new to the server side of things, does it really matter if I have a decent graphics card or processor in the server? I could see the processor mattering, but graphics not so much since I would be accessing it remotely most of the time. The bulk of what I am finding are Dell Poweredge series with the occasional HP or Gateway thrown in. |
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I was a Combat Photographer, and I kept my own archive of photos. I also shot a lot of personal stuff, which means I have around a terrabyte of photo, video, and graphics. I never delete anything, but from time to time do pull items from the "archive" and take them with me on the laptop or netbook. Then there are times when I drop photos onto the netbook while I am away from home, and later on have to transfer them into the "archive". Having that be automatic would be nice.
Lately I have been copying my DVD collection onto another drive which also houses my TV shows. For now I watch them on the desktop where they reside, but as I mentioned before I plan on getting an HTPC running in the near future so having that sync feature between the HTPC and the repository would be excellent. Lastly, I have a lot of Photoshop, InDesign, and Premier files that get used. I have them mapped out to make life easier, rather than trying to get a plug-in set up on a project as I am working. Efficiency is nice! All said, I have about 3Tb of data I work with on a fairly regular basis. This is often shared between the previously mentioned PC's, but all resides permanently on the desktop. I wonder if having all the files residing on a server is more efficient, would it make more sense logistically? Is anyone else confused? I am! |
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Sounds like you might benefit from setting up a Subversion server. But the time it takes to setup and adjust to a new workflow might negate the benefits. My only experience using SVN server is for programming projects, but I believe it can also be deployed for a design/photog workflow as well. The basic premise of SVN is having a central repository for your files on the server. Then clients can "check-out" materials to their local machine and add to/modify/delete the checked-out items. When the client is done with the changes, he "commits" the changes back to the server. The server keeps track of the changes made so you can roll-back to previous versions if necessary. |