Need suggestions for good synchronization solution

bobthemagicmoose

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Oct 20, 2011
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I currently use two computers (laptop and desktop) and I want them to be synchronized. I have about 300 gigs of photography and other media that I want to sync on both computers. When I say synchronize I don't mean backup one to the other or mirror the drives. I need it to be that when both machines have picture1.jpg and I rename it to something else on one machine that change will go to the other machine. Or, if I delete it, it will be deleted from the other.

I am currently trying live mesh but it seems to hang saying "processing changes"

Thanks in advance
 
Solution
Think you want some RSync implementation. Widely available under *nix and I think there are a variety of clients under Windows.

With Rsync it does clever diffs to figure out the changes so you only have to transfer those. I don't think there is a faster synchronisation method.

psaus

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Jun 13, 2006
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The fastest way to do this is to put the pictures on shared storage (such as a Drobo-type box). Sync tools that work via the cloud or even over your LAN are going to have a noticeable lag (which sounds like you're experiencing).
But if you put storage in a shared storage box, you only have data in one location, therefore you don't have to worry about it being in sync (plus most NAS solutions have a RAID implementation of one fashion or another, therefore you've got redundancy too).
I've got a drobo pro attached to my main machine, with 3 HTPCs and 2 laptops sharing over the LAN. But Drobo isn't the only way to skin this cat. :)
 

bobthemagicmoose

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Thanks for the reply, I have two reasons for not having a shared storage. The first is that I need a backup solution (without buying more disks) and the second is that I want to be truly mobile with my laptop. Was hoping that live mesh would be fast and reliable, but alas...
 

psaus

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Makes sense.
I've heard of an app called GoodSync, which I think is similar, but I have no comments towards it's actual performance/experience.

In a short amount of time, possibly Google's new Drive offering? (short amount of time because they're supposedly working on offline - not until that will it come close to what you're asking)
 

Rusting In Peace

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Think you want some RSync implementation. Widely available under *nix and I think there are a variety of clients under Windows.

With Rsync it does clever diffs to figure out the changes so you only have to transfer those. I don't think there is a faster synchronisation method.
 
Solution