easiest way to sync files on the network?

BiGBrOwNPimpsta · Nov 16, 2009, 12:47 AM

hey guys I was wondering, what is the easiest way to schedule the sync of my files across the network. This is my situation: I have my school laptop and want to be automatically updated whenever it logs on to the workgroup. Basically want something to scan specified folders on my desktop, then compare the list of files and folders on the laptop and automatically update it. In addition, if files were added on my laptop (lets say I finished some notes for a class) it would go back to my desktop. Also, make sure the latest of 2 files are the ones on both systems. Sorry to sound picky.

I've been wondering for years how to do this. I prefer to use something in windows, but I doubt they have it. I want to keep the program lightweight like windows security essentials because I know it will have to run in the back. Any advice?

BiGBrOwNPimpsta · Nov 20, 2009, 06:09 AM

and my WD raptor crashed i love it! ideas anyone on the sync issue?

Tipstaff · Nov 20, 2009, 09:50 AM

Any sort of sync software, such as Syncback (they have a free version), Microsofts SyncToy 2.1 (free, oh.. and the links are at the bottom of the page for the files), or Live Mesh.

Personally I use Syncback Pro (paid version). Just setup a schedule that syncs the folders (you can also run a profile manually btw), and set it up with whatever options you want the schedule to do. It does this via a "source" and "destination" profile. You can do a full sync, incremental sync, if a file doesn't exist in one directory you can have the file copied over to another or even delete that file, if you delete a file from a folder you can set it to delete the file in the other folder you are syncing with or even leave it alone (ignoring it), copy or don't copy files if they are "older".. and so on. Syncback Pro can even keep track of revisions, keeping "older" files alongside the updated file (you can even "rollback" to an older file), sync via FTP, and it even can backup files that are open or in use. The free version is a little less robust, but it can still do most of what I described above. The only catch to Syncback is that it has to see the folders, so you'd have to have the computers "see-able" over the network, or have the folders shared so that Syncback can sync them (mapping the shared folders as network drives makes things easier).

BTW, Syncback Pro, and Syncback SE can be setup to do syncing at Windows Login, so you don't have to manually do things either.

BiGBrOwNPimpsta · Nov 21, 2009, 10:09 AM

ill take a look when my raptor is up and running... should be interesting.

BiGBrOwNPimpsta · Feb 7, 2010, 06:44 AM

synctoy has worked amazing, i had to a little manual config with task scheduler but it really works how i want it to do (echo the files). highly recommended to you guys!

rep to tipstaff

Nov 16, 2009, 12:47 AM	#1
BiGBrOwNPimpsta HH's #1 Hustla and Pimp Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The Dirty Dot Posts: 7,706 Rep Power: 105 System Specs	easiest way to sync files on the network? hey guys I was wondering, what is the easiest way to schedule the sync of my files across the network. This is my situation: I have my school laptop and want to be automatically updated whenever it logs on to the workgroup. Basically want something to scan specified folders on my desktop, then compare the list of files and folders on the laptop and automatically update it. In addition, if files were added on my laptop (lets say I finished some notes for a class) it would go back to my desktop. Also, make sure the latest of 2 files are the ones on both systems. Sorry to sound picky. I've been wondering for years how to do this. I prefer to use something in windows, but I doubt they have it. I want to keep the program lightweight like windows security essentials because I know it will have to run in the back. Any advice? __________________ Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Music \| Logitech Z-5500 THX 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers \| 2 Lite-On 20x S-ATA Burners \| Logitech G700 Mouse \| Logitech MX5500 Bluetooth Keyboard

Nov 20, 2009, 06:09 AM	Thread Starter #2
BiGBrOwNPimpsta HH's #1 Hustla and Pimp Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The Dirty Dot Posts: 7,706 Rep Power: 105 System Specs	Re: easiest way to sync files on the network? and my WD raptor crashed i love it! ideas anyone on the sync issue? __________________ Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Music \| Logitech Z-5500 THX 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers \| 2 Lite-On 20x S-ATA Burners \| Logitech G700 Mouse \| Logitech MX5500 Bluetooth Keyboard

Nov 20, 2009, 09:50 AM	#3
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,658 Rep Power: 187 System Specs	Re: easiest way to sync files on the network? Any sort of sync software, such as Syncback (they have a free version), Microsofts SyncToy 2.1 (free, oh.. and the links are at the bottom of the page for the files), or Live Mesh. Personally I use Syncback Pro (paid version). Just setup a schedule that syncs the folders (you can also run a profile manually btw), and set it up with whatever options you want the schedule to do. It does this via a "source" and "destination" profile. You can do a full sync, incremental sync, if a file doesn't exist in one directory you can have the file copied over to another or even delete that file, if you delete a file from a folder you can set it to delete the file in the other folder you are syncing with or even leave it alone (ignoring it), copy or don't copy files if they are "older".. and so on. Syncback Pro can even keep track of revisions, keeping "older" files alongside the updated file (you can even "rollback" to an older file), sync via FTP, and it even can backup files that are open or in use. The free version is a little less robust, but it can still do most of what I described above. The only catch to Syncback is that it has to see the folders, so you'd have to have the computers "see-able" over the network, or have the folders shared so that Syncback can sync them (mapping the shared folders as network drives makes things easier). BTW, Syncback Pro, and Syncback SE can be setup to do syncing at Windows Login, so you don't have to manually do things either. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.

Nov 21, 2009, 10:09 AM	Thread Starter #4
BiGBrOwNPimpsta HH's #1 Hustla and Pimp Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The Dirty Dot Posts: 7,706 Rep Power: 105 System Specs	Re: easiest way to sync files on the network? ill take a look when my raptor is up and running... should be interesting. __________________ Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Music \| Logitech Z-5500 THX 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers \| 2 Lite-On 20x S-ATA Burners \| Logitech G700 Mouse \| Logitech MX5500 Bluetooth Keyboard

Feb 7, 2010, 06:44 AM	Thread Starter #5
BiGBrOwNPimpsta HH's #1 Hustla and Pimp Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: The Dirty Dot Posts: 7,706 Rep Power: 105 System Specs	Re: easiest way to sync files on the network? synctoy has worked amazing, i had to a little manual config with task scheduler but it really works how i want it to do (echo the files). highly recommended to you guys! rep to tipstaff __________________ Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Music \| Logitech Z-5500 THX 5.1 Surround Sound Speakers \| 2 Lite-On 20x S-ATA Burners \| Logitech G700 Mouse \| Logitech MX5500 Bluetooth Keyboard