Sync’ing files between computers

I have recently started working on a mac mini in addition to my pc and found the need to work on the same files without changing back and forth or copying the files up and down. I could have created a network share on one of the computers, but that would require both computers to be turned on when working with one of them.

After a little searching I came across 2 free applications that solved my file syncing problem and more.

GetDropBox
Dropbox is a small application that supports windows,mac and linux that allows you to define a specific directory (and everything inside) and sync it with other computers, so that when you change or save a file, it is automatically updated on all of your other computers. Each computer has its own copy of the file and are always updated. Even if your other computers are OFF they will be sync’ed as soon as they are turned on. In addition to this newly discovered feature the files are also available online under your dropbox account. You may also define specific directories that you may sync with other dropbox friends and use a public directory to allow file access directly from the web.

By the time of writing this post the service is now out of beta anyone can sign up and join a free 2GB account. Be sure to invite your friends and get an additional 1GB per invite.

Note that there are additional applications in this category such as syncplicity

If you are just looking to backup your files to a secure place you might want to try the free 2GB account at Mozy

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