Synchronizing File Folders Between Two Computers

I am looking for an easy way to compare and synchronize file folders between my two computers. One is running XP and the other Vista. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks

 

Dropbox or Syncplicity.

 

Microsoft Live Mesh is nice product too

 

SyncBack (free version)

 

x2 for Live Mesh. It also allows you 5 gigs of storage to back up files online, and remote desktop logins for devices in your mesh.

 

Yea Groove is a nice platform for sync but bit complicated at time Live Mesh on the hand you can access your docs anywhere , anytime Online

 

I love Live Mesh. Sync is automatic and fast. But I try to avoid large files since my connection is not the best.

 

Thanks for everyone's input so far.

I am looking for the best program that will allow me to compare two sets of file folders side by side. I want to easily find any files that are different, view them, and then decided which to keep. I then want to be able to synchronize the folders. I don't want to store or utilize anything online.

Is there a way to simply connect the two computers together (i.e., with one cable) or do you have to copy the folders to a dvd and then compare them on one of the computers? I don't have a network setup.

 

hmm with a cable .. then try USB to USB Data transfer cables

 

dropbox is good, wish it had more storage
live mesh has more storage, but feels bloated.

How does groove work? Does it offer unlimited storage? Cause i need something to sync between computers, and something to sync with a database online:

Between computers: ??? I'ma guessing groove, could someone explain it?
Online and betweeen computers: Using Dropbox/ trying live mesh

 

dropbox is adding more storage soon and if you joined before 9/11 you can win a free 50 gb account.

 

aye, but the chances are extremely low

could someone explain groove?

 

When they release new storage, you can pay for more space either monthly or yearly. xD

 

yea you could, but still, free rulz

Has anyone here used/use groove?

 

Has anyone tried Window's Briefcase?

How well does it work for synchronizing file folders between two computers, particularily if one is running XP and the other Vista?

 

Briefcase requires that you sync using a third medium, like a flash disk or a dvd. If you only work on a few files, briefcase is great. You make a briefcase and you shortcut files you want to keep updated. If your computers are on the same network, copy the briefcase to both computers. You must right click the briefcase and click "update all" before that computer will compare and sync up the files marked in the briefcase.

Vista comes with a much more powerful version of briefcase called the Sync center. Essentiallly, it is Briefcase, except it will update automatically. This is what I use to keep my files synced. I actually keep all my documents on a file server and add a network drive link to my laptop. I drop the link in my favorites link so it shows up on every dialog. And then I save my files there and click the "available offline" option. Vista will then automatically sync up this whole folder everytime it detects my file server and vice versa. Changed made on the local copy on the file server are automatically updated on my laptop. Changes while I'm away from my network are stored in a local cache.

This is by far the most automated method I have found.

 

Thanks again for your input.

The folders I have in mind are large and contain thousands of files. Only a few are changed though. I work on two computers independently and can easily forget which computer has the most recent file. When I try to make a master backup for storage purposes it is difficult to determine which files have been changed or added as I am running two operating systems, XP & Vista. When I check the properties on the folders for a cumulative file total tally I get two very different totals. I think the different operating systems utilize different hidden system files as part of their tallies. My computers aren’t networked. I am looking to find a way to easily compare the files from the same named folders on each computer so I can recognize which ones are newer. I will then synchronize both computers with the newest files and make a dvd backup and store it.

Do you think Windows Briefcase will work or do I need to utilize another program like SyncBack that was mentioned earlier on page one of this thread?

Also, I don’t want to pay for or utilize an on-line storage company to house my files on.

I don’t know it if is possible to use a cable to connect the two computers together and a program will compare selected folders or do I need to copy the files to a dvd and then insert it in the 2nd computer and then a program will do the comparison there. The hard part is matching up all the files to find the ones that have been changed or added.

Thanks again for your and anyone else’s help on this question.