What file syncing software do you guys use? Advice?

**nobb** · 03-29-2007, 08:36 PM

Hi.
I am just curious as to what you guys use to sync your media on your carpc.

For me right now, I am using Microsoft's Synctoy (free). I really like how its easy to use, but there is a slight annoyance I have with it. Everytime I even make a slight change to the same music file (changing the ID3 tag information like artist, album), Synctoy does not recognize this and therefore overwrites the file completely on my carpc with the newer file. The problem with this is that this take alot of time, and I'd rather the sync process be much quicker, such as the software recognizing the small changes made to a file and only updating the file accordingly. I am so concerned for efficiency and quickness because I would prefer to be able to quickly sync my files with the carputer running off battery, rather than going through all the hassle of pulling out the carpc and plugging it into the wall each time I want to sync.
So does anyone have any suggestions? Does such "smart" sync software even exist? I already searched.

**DarquePervert** · 03-29-2007, 08:39 PM

I drag & drop in Windows Explorer.

Synching for me isn't an option. I've got some 140GB of MP3s and the HDD in my truckPC isn't that big (120GB). If I want to add music, I simply copy it across the LAN.

That's probably not the answer you wanted, but hey...

**henkbliek** · 03-29-2007, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by nobb

... such as the software recognizing the small changes made to a file and only updating the file accordingly...

It would be pointless for a synctool to do that since it would need to transfer the entire file anyway, in order to find the changes...
So it would actually take more data to transfer (and much more CPU time).

**Shotty** · 03-29-2007, 08:57 PM

You could install server 2003 on your carPC and homePC/Server and use a DFS :P

**nobb** · 03-29-2007, 10:17 PM

Originally Posted by henkbliek

It would be pointless for a synctool to do that since it would need to transfer the entire file anyway, in order to find the changes...
So it would actually take more data to transfer (and much more CPU time).

Good point, I never really thought about that. I guess I am too spoiled by software that does everything for me magically :/

**Sal R.** · 03-29-2007, 10:46 PM

I use Allway Sync (free).

Easy to use and TS friendly....once you've set up all folders you want to sync.

It's even skinnable.

I mainly use it for updating my calendar, skins, and camera-to-pc folder in my carPC.

I also use it on my desktop to sync my external 160GB USB hardrive to my desktop music,videos, & pictures.

**thefreeauction** · 03-30-2007, 07:59 PM

I use EZSync. http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/ezsync/ Easy to setup and works great, been using it for years with no problems.

**Wilco** · 04-03-2007, 12:13 AM

If you really care about keeping track of which files are updated, you could always use a free versioning system/repository like SVN or CVS, though that's more geared towards software development. It would have some advantages in this case, but not everyone would want to deal with learning it simply to sync files (unless they already know how). You can get GUI's to make the whole process easier though.

**zPilott** · 04-03-2007, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by henkbliek

It would be pointless for a synctool to do that since it would need to transfer the entire file anyway, in order to find the changes...
So it would actually take more data to transfer (and much more CPU time).

That is not true. rsync (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rsync) and applications derived from it transfer only a small amount more than the changed pieces.

I used to use a program called unison (which uses rsync) for syncing, but the problem I had with it is that it would take 2 minutes to run through my mp3 collection even when nothing has changed.

That being said rsync is a one way syncing tool, though with the proper setup you can usually get good two way syncing. It might also be a little too hard to set up for a lot of people.