any way to "sync" 2 computers

im looking at getting a flagship alienware model as a DTR for college, but because i need a more portable "netbook" to take notes on, i need a said netbook. but i am going to need copy's of things on the two computers and i dont want to type everything need twice. so i would like to sync the 2 computers so they can have the same information on them between the two. it doesnt need to copy settings and everything too, even if it just copied the Microsoft office software, is there a way to do this without manually moving files over everyday.

 

Yes, a couple of options are:
Unison: requires gtk, also multi-platform friendly, on demand sync, detailed info
Microsoft Live Sync/Mesh: fairly robust, does not sync some files, MS only, automatic
Spoon.net: beta, has some additional features for a price, automatic and ondemand
Dropbox: multi-platform, automatic, didn't like this one the last time I used it

 

Thanks I'll check them out.

 

There are numerous rsync implementations for windows. I use rsync on all of my PCs for syncing files.

rsync - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

You could just access the files over the network from the other computer.

 

Having used rsync a lot in the unix universe, I highly recommend it as well.

 

Does rsync keep track of deleted files?

I thought that was a drawback for rsync if you use both computers as a regular user rather than one regular computer and a backup machine (where you can make the backup mirror the regular computer).

 

Yes, see the --delete or --delete-before options in the manual.

 

You might find using just one current 14" notebook more practical... the typical college student doesn't have the time or space to maintain desktop and mobile computing. And mobile computing is mandatory. You could sync or mirror some data folders but you will not be synchronizing program settings... you'll likely end up using your DTR most of the time... stuck at a little desk. And you'll get tired of syncing files, especially if it's not wireless... routers and wireless routers are typically not welcome on campus. Finally when you do have to travel or go home, you'll be hauling that 18.4" DTR and hating it.

GK

 

While rsync is nice I find dropbox to be easier to handle and the files are also available online.

 

I like dropbox too. It's a sync and a backup in one and it's also available across different platforms and OSes (including mobile devices).
Free version of Dropbox (2GB) should be enough for most people especially in terms of Office documents and such being synchronized.

 

If you want to sync files or folders in your local network with your wired/wireless router then Robocopy (command-line batch file) with Windows Task Scheduler or Microsoft's RichCopy works very well.

Use DropBox if you want to upload/download files or folders across the Internet.

Tonido also works well if you want to access your computer through an Internet browser with a free custom HTTP Internet address; however, your computer must turned on for this to work and it must not be blocked by your college campus.

 

Dropbox is ok, but after trying out both I ended up sticking with Syncplicity: File Sync & Backup Software | File Management | Syncplicity

Eventually though, when it was time for new machines, instead of getting two machines I instead bought a HP 2540p. It's kinda pricey, but it's both light and fast. Only thing it doesn't do is newer 3D games. But I'm planning to solve this with a viDock

 

Goodsync, doesn't do cloud so no additional fees.

 

you could use (insert your sync program of choice here) and a USB memory stick as well.

The software and the 'intelligence' of the sync process is more important than the intermediate hookup (network, cloud, whatever).

I personally use a USB stick that has a truecrypt volume occupying 100% of the available space. My software is FreeFileSync.

 

You don't need a spare machine to run rsync. It can run on a local set of file systems on a single machine just great. i.e. backing up to a USB drive etc. OR did you mean something else?