Manual Sync

File synchronization is its basic form is called automatic copying. Files from one storage system are generally copied to another system. When you modify one of these systems, changes are applied to both at a specified time. The computers communicate and share the same files and change automatically with every modification to the directory. If you create one file on one system, the other replicates it. The synchronization may happen even if one of the computers is offline. Once the connection has been made, any changes made to the other it will automatically be replicated.

Workers who use both their laptops and their office computer need this feature. It allows them to work on both computers instantly. Both computers updates regularly, so you won’t have to keep copying office files to your home computers and vice versa. File synchronization also does not just work on two computers. File synchronization can be applied to a network drive to store shared documents. In this way, authorized personnel will be able to work at home and make certain changes on documents after office hours and have these changes replicated automatically the next day, giving other people access to the newly updated files.

Methods of file synchronization

There are two basic methods of synchronizing your files between multiple computers: the offline file synchronization over the internet sharing and the briefcase application.

The briefcase synchronization is very easy to understand but not so easy to use. This is a simplified version of manual sync because you only have to use an external hard drive, connected by a USB, to hold copies of your files saved in your computer. For example, if you are working on something, you can simply save a copy of it to your memory stick that is synchronized into your computer, and then take it home with you.

You can change and update all the files you have and then save changes into the memory stick. The following day you can simply place the memory stick into your PC and then open your briefcase and then click ‘update all’. Your computer will automatically update all the files that you copied and save it according to your modification.

Offline file synchronization process

This method is a little more complicated, but very flexible as compared to briefcase application. One of the reasons is because it can be used over the network. All files that need to be accessible to everyone can be placed in the file sharing system. For example, your office has a server where all the important files are stored. All employees can access these documents over their local network using all computers, via network drives. Employees can modify their files and then the next day manually sync them to the network and it will automatically update.

Over the internet synchronization

Files can also be synchronized over the internet using a virtual private network connection. You can share your files from your office computer to your home computer automatically using internet synchronization. You don’t have to bring your computer to your office or use a briefcase to transfer one file to another, you just need an internet connection and you’re good to go. There is software available that will make this task easier.