Keeping backup files on secondary computers or USB flash drives prevents data loss, but finding ways to synchronize the thousands of files you may have can prove difficult. Windows users have a few ways--using built-in operating system features and downloadable Microsoft software--in which they can synchronize data on separate computers. Users can synchronize data for their own personal use while at home, at work or on the go, and can share synchronized folders with family and friends.
Briefcase
The Windows Briefcase synchronization tool--included with XP and later operating systems--allows you to sync updated files and folders between a primary and secondary computer. To sync files and folders between two computers, the two systems must either be physically connected or be connected over a network, or else you must have removable media (e.g. a USB flash drive) to help with the synchronization. Users can create a Briefcase by selecting "Briefcase" from the "New" menu in the desktop's right-click menu options. When the Briefcase is filled with folders and files that have the "sharing" permission set, it can be copied to the secondary computer. Briefcase files can be worked with and modified from either the primary or the secondary computer. Briefcase synchronizes file changes on each computer when the "Update All" option is selected from the Briefcase's right-click menu.
SyncToy
SyncToy is a free synchronization tool for the XP, Vista and 7 operating systems that Windows users can download from the Microsoft Website (see Resources). SyncToy can synchronize two folders on the same computer, two computers on a local network, or a computer and a USB flash drive. The SyncToy application must be downloaded on the computer that you wish to sync with the other. To sync folders, the application works with a "Left" side--the location of the source folder--and a "Right" side--the destination folder. Synchronization can occur either from "Left" to "Right," "Right" to "Left," or in both directions, and this setting is chosen when the folders are set up to sync. The application has a "Run" button which is clicked in order to start the process. Every time you open SyncToy, you can click "Run" on the pair of folders to update changed and modified data.
Windows Live Sync
Windows Live Sync is a free service that allows individuals to synchronize personal files and folders on two different computers, and also to create shared folders with family, friends or colleagues. Individuals can sync folders on either a Windows computer or Mac. Windows Live Sync has a software component, which the user must install on the hard drive, and a website component, where the syncing occurs. The service acts similarly to a peer-to-peer sharing network, transferring files from your hard drive on one computer--once you're connected to the Internet--and downloading the files to a second computer. Once a user opens the Windows Live Sync software, she signs in to the website, which detects the name of her computer. A user can choose to create either a personal or shared folder and can select the specific folder to be synced from the hard drive. When he--or a friend, if a shared folder has been created--runs Windows Live Sync from a second computer, the folders added automatically synchronize with each other.
Tags: Live Sync, Windows Live, Windows Live Sync, files folders, hard drive, secondary computer
