I need to know the best way to sync a folder between my computer and a shared folder on a separate machine, actually a QNAP NAS but I may do this with other machines and folders.

I do have Acronis True Image 2020 as well.

Here is an example of what I want to do:

If I put a Pictures folder on my desktop where I add photos from my camera, I would like it to automatically have a copy placed in the folder on the other machine - the NAS in this case.

What I would prefer not to be possible or at least minimized is the chance that the folder on the NAS could lose any of the files either via accidentally deleting if possible, by avoiding them being overwritten.

I would prefer this be via my copy of owned software and not with a third party storage box.

As mentioned, I may also use this means for a similar scenario involving Word documents and PDF files.

DFS?

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-...system-dfs-functions

Outside of my SOP at work & our network guy is out today.

If you are doing this to a NAS, why not just use a share provided by the NAS?

I've used a (Unix/Linux) utility called rsync to do that. It was designed for that kind of thing. It's got extensive configuration options. But configuring and deploying it is not for the faint of heart.

Rsync I believe is now available for every extant platform on the market.

But I'm curious as to why you'd want to do that in this case? Other than for redundancy/backup purposes, I'd instead create the repository on the NAS and share it to the computer(s) to which I wanted to grant access.

In general terms it is unwise to have the same files exist in multiple places. Particularly if the files are subject to modification. (E.g.: Living documents.) Had many people at my old job disregard that caution. They inevitably ended-up shooting themselves in the foot.

Win 10?

Sync

DropBox?

^^^^^^
I was thinking along the lines of TeamViewer (file copy/transfer function), but I think the OP wants the sync done automatically without having to physically intervene and babysit the sync process...

Plus he's asking about local mirroring, not something out on the 'net.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
DropBox?

Exactly. As well as iCloud. Except ...

I would prefer this be via my copy of owned software and not with a third party storage box.

Government specification, no doubt. Hush-hush. Black cloak operation.

If you simply add the file to a folder in either MS OneDrive or Google Drive it will automatically move between all your machines. Short of that, just have Acronis do an incremental backup of your desktop machine daily to the NAS. Not as quick as the online options, but the files will end up where you want them daily.

Git?

Assuming this is on the same network, it sounds like Syncthing would probably be a good fit. I think there is even a QNAP app/installer for it (may depend on the QNAP NAS model?).

https://syncthing.net/

Sounds like it would be perfect for your purpose. You can set the transfers as a one way sync (changes only sync one direction) or not to delete files on the remote copy if deleted on the source. Lots of flexibility in the configuration options. Can setup multiple folders to sync as well.

Google Drive does this for me.

Here’s my understanding of syncing files in two locations. If you change a file, the mirror gets changed automatically even if the change is not something you intended. Same for file deletions.

Here’s what I do: when I’m done working for the day, I copy my documents folder into a drive with folders for Monday, Tuesday, etc. When I drag and drop, I get a message for same file names, I select let me decide for each file, I then select to override the files. The ones with same size and dates aren’t processed.

This way if I discover an oops, I have 6 directories I can go back to.

I think I found the answer. QNAP has a addon called QSync. It lets me pair two folders and keep them synced. I can add an option where if I delete a file in the synced folder on my computer it will still stay in the NAS folder. I am testing it.

If your files are available through the network then why do you need them on your computer or multiple computers?
Backup strategy?

If you're using Macs, there are a couple of very good, free programs available on MacUpdate.

Two that I have used, when I had a need to, were FreeFileSync (and its companion program, RealTimeSync) and SyncTwoFolders (which, coincidentally, is the subject of your post!) .

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
If your files are available through the network then why do you need them on your computer or multiple computers?
Backup strategy?

We want to be able to access them from multiple computers and add more photos from any computer. It’s also a second copy that will be used for a third backup to a portable hard drive to take elsewhere.

Also, the NAS can be accessed from anywhere.

quote:

Originally posted by senza nome:
Git?

You're kidding ---right?