You might be in same shoes as I am:
- I have an external storage device (not always connected to computer)
- I have specific folders I want to be synced to external drive
- I don’t want syncing automated at certain intervals, but want them done at my command, instead, it should happen when I say it should = “automa-nual”
In my case, Osync (oSync? whatever) helps a lot.
A two way filesync script with fault tolerance, resuming, deletion backup and conflict backups running on linux and virtually any system supporting bash.
File synchronization is bidirectional, based on rsync, and can be run manually, by cron, or triggered whenever a file changes on master.
Built on top of rSync, I find its implementation of two-way folder syncing simple and straightforward. I have been using the oSync for over a week now, and the solution is tailored exactly to what I was expecting. Couldn’t wish for more (at least, at the moment).
I have been using the oSync for over a week now, and the solution is tailored exactly to what I was expecting. Couldn’t wish for more (at least, at the moment).
How I use Osync
Someone could spend all day trying to teach you how to use the tool. Well, we don’t have the luxury. Thus, I’ll be jumping straight into how I currently use the tool and in the situations, I have found osync to be priceless.
Obviously, you need it installed. At the time of writing, it’s as simple as:
$ git clone -b "v1.01" https://github.com/deajan/osync
$ sh install.sh
For quick usage approaches, check the writings on the wall.
To make life a bit easier for myself, tailored to what I need exactly, namely:
- Sync only when I tell/want you (folders) to (I could use `cron` and ensure PC is on at time of syncing, OR `anacron`, and have it run when PC is off at scheduled times. However, having PC on and having external connected is mutually exclusive most cases, thus the need for ‘automa-nual’
- Only specify what folders to sync every time a sync needs to be done. I restructure folders as needs be sometimes, thus having rigid folders to sync means compulsorily ‘forcing’ me to stick to a folder regime. I don’t like that
- Enjoy a master-slave sync relationship, whereby should I make changes on external drive when connected to another PC, changes reflect locally (duh! Ext4 format surrounded by Windows boxes, who cares!)
With the above in mind, I came up with this ultra-lazy-(perhaps-bad) solution:
Mind you, the above solution works, and I am happy with it unless you wanna help make it better 😉
