Author Topic: Synchronizing a few folders between two machines? (Read 62,095 times)

Jibz · « **on:** July 29, 2010, 04:06 PM »

I have a couple of folders (one with a lot of images and one with some documents), that I would like to have duplicated on another machine on the LAN. They are not updated that often, so there is no need for any fancy real-time cooperation stuff, I just want them to be synchronized maybe once a day or even once a week.

I've looked at SFSS which has been discussed a lot here, but it does look like it's probably overkill?

Any recommendations on easy ways to achieve this?

nosh · « **Reply #1 on:** July 29, 2010, 04:51 PM »

I use Microsoft's SyncToy for this. I haven't updated to the latest version but the one I use [1.4.0.0] doesn't have any scheduling capability, so you'll have to use Task Scheduler or some other app for scheduling.

jazper · « **Reply #2 on:** July 29, 2010, 05:29 PM »

I use dropbox for folder syncing between multiple computers. Works great in my opinion. They have a free 2gb account but can be upgraded to a larger amount for a price.

(Note: FYI, that is a referral link, don't want to seem shady)

Jibz · « **Reply #3 on:** July 29, 2010, 05:42 PM »

Quote from: nosh on July 29, 2010, 04:51 PM

I use Microsoft's SyncToy for this.

That might be an option. I would have to set up shared folders for that to work though wouldn't I?

Quote from: jazper on July 29, 2010, 05:29 PM

I use dropbox for folder syncing between multiple computers. Works great in my opinion. They have a free 2gb account but can be upgraded to a larger amount for a price.

One of the folders is 10 GB so at least the free account is not an option. I don't really want to have to upload to some remote server to do sync between two local computers either, that seems like a waste of bandwidth.

wraith808 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 29, 2010, 06:12 PM »

Quote from: Jibz on July 29, 2010, 05:42 PM

One of the folders is 10 GB so at least the free account is not an option. I don't really want to have to upload to some remote server to do sync between two local computers either, that seems like a waste of bandwidth.

Dropbox has an option to sync to local computers via lan.

Doesn't solve the other problem, but just wanted to point that out.

nosh · « **Reply #5 on:** July 29, 2010, 06:38 PM »

Quote

I would have to set up shared folders for that to work though wouldn't I?

I have simple file sharing disabled. The root drives have access permissions assigned to my login. But when I check the subfolder permissions within those drives the folders are not shared. File sharing has always been a bit of a grey area for me.

cmpm · « **Reply #6 on:** July 29, 2010, 07:41 PM »

I like GoodSync Pro as many here know.

http://www.goodsync.com/

It has scheduling abilities, running in the background, at 4mb of memory on this computer.
Or after creating 'Jobs' you can sync all jobs at once manually.
Or use the auto mode that has many options.
There is lots of options in this program.
$30 isn't too bad, lifetime updates.

And I've had to get more activations because of reformats or new OS's.
Emailing support had me with another activation in about 24 hours.

And I'm not getting paid to say how much I like it,
or some link that is coded to recognize me as the reference.

Worth checking out imo.

Free version as well-

http://www.goodsync.com/how-it-works/free-vs-pro

Or the try the trial from the home page.

Shades · « **Reply #7 on:** July 30, 2010, 02:23 AM »

Pathsync is my suggestion to the table.

Small, clean, simple, fast, portable and free. Very good qualities in software I would say.

At the time (2 years ago) I tried several freeware backup/synchronization software pieces as I had to sync between a Windows XP PC (source) and a Linux file-server. Most of them would not even copy, some would copy partially. And then I found Pathsync.

Not only did it copy everything, it also did it fast. Not the copying in itself per se, but checking which files that were changed/added/deleted. It still amazes me. As it is only in version 0.35 and not actively developed anymore, there is a lot to be desired in the software. Still, as it is the software will fit perfectly with you.

All the other suggested tools are fine too.

*EDIT*
It appears there is a new beta out since last month.

kartal · « **Reply #8 on:** July 30, 2010, 03:16 AM »

You might check out "Unison". I use Syncback on my Windows boxes, but Unison is cross platform and free. It also offers command line version. It iks available under Windows and Cygwin for Windows

SKA · « **Reply #9 on:** July 30, 2010, 02:47 PM »

Syncback Pro (USD 49.95) or SE (USD 30/-) are another option.

SE: http://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/sbse.html
Pro: http://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/sbpro.html

SKA

ha14 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 30, 2010, 05:54 PM »

Hi

ViceVersa File Synchronization, there is also VVEngine ( VVEngine makes it very easy to manage multiple ViceVersa profiles. Each profile can be scheduled separately and organized into categories.)
http://www.tgrmn.com/web/file_synchronization.htm

ifolder; free
http://www.ifolder.com/

kartal · « **Reply #11 on:** July 30, 2010, 07:18 PM »

There is also FreeFileSync, comes with a realtime watcher as well. I do use both on linux machines

http://sourceforge.net/projects/freefilesync/

cmpm · « **Reply #12 on:** July 30, 2010, 11:38 PM »

I think there is a difference between real time sync and scheduled sync.

Sometimes I'm not ready for the sync to happen.
Because of possible file deleting, although they should be found in the recycle bin.

I'd like opinions on GoodSync if anyone tries it,
and compared to the others, how it performs and options.

Has anyone tried it.

yksyks · « **Reply #13 on:** July 31, 2010, 09:14 AM »

Taking the risk of being stoned by some here I have to confess that I'm for a long time quite happy with Windows Live Sync. Easy to setup and then you can forget about it, it just works as expected. If you fit in the limit of 20 folders of up to 20.000 files (if I recall correctly) and if you don't need any special features like filtering and exclusions, I can only recommend this. It's free. Works on LAN as well as internet, but the internet connection is needed to connect to the account database. If you're not connected at the moment, never mind, the sync takes place as soon as you plug in.

Jibz · « **Reply #14 on:** July 31, 2010, 08:49 PM »

Thanks for all the suggestions, I am slowly looking through them

.

I would prefer not to have a program running all the time in the background, because as I mentioned the folders are only changed a few times a week at the most. It would be better if I could click a button to update them, or if I could schedule the program to perform a sync maybe once a day.

It would be nice if it could work without having to share folders, but I guess it would make it simpler.

housetier · « **Reply #15 on:** August 14, 2010, 09:16 PM »

I was about to suggest unison as well but kartal beat me to it

lifespurpose · « **Reply #16 on:** August 15, 2010, 01:36 AM »

I found that FolderMatch (about $30) has the easiest to understand interface, well worth it just for that. (www.foldermatch.com)

bootz15 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 16, 2010, 07:36 PM »

Have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_file_synchronization_software

sajman99 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 17, 2010, 07:23 PM »

Jibz, if I understand correctly that a simple folder synchronization utility is what your'e after, I can definitely recommend the freeware Karen's Replicator.

http://www.karenware.com/powertools/ptreplicator.asp

Quote

Automatically backup files, directories, even entire drives! Karen's Replicator copies selected files from one drive/folder to another. Source and Destination folders can reside anywhere on your network.

It is very easy to setup and use reliably, and it even has scheduling functionality.

No doubt there are more powerful and elaborate tools, but simplicity is the focus here.

sajman99 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 19, 2010, 08:08 PM »

I just discovered Bvckup and really like what I'm seeing with this beta synchronization software. Seems the features are well thought out and implemented in a simplified GUI.

Bvckup is currently free during the beta stage and will be $19.95 for a personal license/$49.95 for a commercial license.

BUT take note Bvckup beta testers are appreciated by the author.

Armando · « **Reply #20 on:** August 19, 2010, 09:52 PM »

Interesting find. Please keep us posted and tell us about your impressions.

brahman · « **Reply #21 on:** August 19, 2010, 10:27 PM »

QtdSync is IMO the best GUI front end for rsync available right now.

I wanted to bring it to the attention of the DC community for a while. It's a relatively unknown tool.

Gwen7 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 19, 2010, 11:41 PM »

i'll second...or third the recommendations for unison. i use it at work and at home. it just works. which is exactly what you want a file synchronization utility to do.

Armando · « **Reply #23 on:** August 29, 2010, 01:47 AM »

Jibz : so what did you choose exactly ?

sajman99 · « **Reply #24 on:** September 07, 2010, 05:57 PM »

Quote from: Armando on August 19, 2010, 09:52 PM

Interesting find. Please keep us posted and tell us about your impressions.

I can only report I've had no issues with the beta of Bvckup--it works as advertised. It offers easy to comprehend choices as to when, what, and how you backup your data. For example, you can "copy modified files in full" (ie. most reliable) or "copy only modified parts of the files" (ie. fastest).

btw I also like the free, small, and portable synchronization utility DSynchronize. Definitely enable "Preview mode" and "Save log" to see exactly how the app works before running a real job.

Regards