Sync Files Between Computers - No Cloud Needed

Maintaining File Synchronization Without Cloud Storage

If you operate with several computers and require consistent file updates across them, yet prefer to avoid reliance on third-party servers, a direct synchronization solution is ideal.

These services facilitate the upkeep of an unlimited number of files, enhancing security by preventing unauthorized access through compromised server accounts and web interfaces.

The Need for Direct Synchronization

Our focus is on file synchronization conducted directly over a network, be it a local area network or the wider Internet.

The goal is to identify alternatives to platforms like Dropbox, which centralize file storage on their own servers.

Benefits of Peer-to-Peer File Sync

• Enhanced Security: Files remain under your direct control, minimizing the risk of external breaches.
• Unlimited Storage: Synchronization isn't constrained by the storage limits of a cloud provider.
• Privacy: Data isn't stored on a third-party server, preserving your privacy.

By choosing a service that synchronizes files directly between your machines, you gain greater control over your data and its security.

This approach offers a robust alternative to cloud-based solutions for those prioritizing privacy and unlimited storage capacity.

BitTorrent Sync: A Secure File Synchronization Solution

BitTorrent Sync leverages the BitTorrent protocol for file transfer, ensuring privacy and security through encryption. Files are transmitted without the possibility of unauthorized access. Installation is straightforward; simply choose a folder and create a unique secret key.

Sharing this secret key with trusted parties – be it your own devices or collaborators – initiates automatic synchronization across all connected computers. This direct transfer occurs either locally on your network or across the internet, utilizing the speed and efficiency of BitTorrent technology.

Platform Compatibility and Cost

Clients are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, enabling seamless file synchronization between computers running these widely-used operating systems. A significant advantage of BitTorrent Sync is its completely free feature set.

Unlike many competing services, it eliminates the need for maintaining a dedicated server infrastructure. This makes it a cost-effective and accessible solution for individuals and teams alike.

• Key Features: Secure, encrypted file transfer.
• Synchronization: Automatic and continuous across devices.
• Platform Support: Windows, Mac, and Linux.
• Cost: Completely free to use.

The system ensures that your data remains private and under your control, offering a robust alternative to cloud-based storage solutions. It provides a direct peer-to-peer connection for enhanced speed and reliability.

AeroFS

AeroFS offers a free tier of service, though access to its more sophisticated functionalities requires a subscription. The software establishes a folder on your system that functions similarly to Dropbox, enabling automatic file synchronization across designated computers.

Folder sharing is permitted with a single additional user; however, extending sharing capabilities to more individuals necessitates upgrading to the premium version. Unlike some services, AeroFS does not utilize BitTorrent technology.

Instead, it employs a user account system, relying on a central server for account management and sharing coordination. Importantly, files are not stored on AeroFS servers themselves, remaining exclusively on your personal devices.

AeroFS emphasizes user privacy, asserting that it has no visibility into the names of your files. This commitment to data security is a key feature of the platform.

Interface and Compatibility

The user interface closely resembles that of Dropbox, including a guided tour upon initial installation. It provides a comparable user experience to Dropbox, but circumvents cloud storage, allowing for the synchronization of an unlimited number of files.

AeroFS maintains compatibility with a wide range of operating systems, supporting Windows, macOS, and Linux environments.

• Key Feature: Direct synchronization between devices.
• Privacy Focus: Files remain on user's computers.
• Platform Support: Windows, Mac, and Linux.

This makes it a versatile solution for users across different platforms who prioritize local file storage and control.

Cubby

Cubby, a product from LogMeIn, provides cloud-based file storage capabilities. However, a distinctive feature of Cubby is its "DirectSync" functionality.

DirectSync facilitates the synchronization of an unlimited quantity of files directly between computers, bypassing cloud storage altogether. A similar service, Windows Live Mesh from Microsoft, previously offered this capability, but has since been discontinued.

Currently, Cubby is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, though support for Linux is not available.

Account Creation and DirectSync

Establishing an account is a prerequisite for using Cubby. Cloud storage is activated by default upon account creation.

While DirectSync was once offered without charge, particularly when suggested as a replacement for Windows Live Mesh, it is now a subscription-based service. For users not heavily invested in the Cubby ecosystem, exploring alternative solutions may prove more beneficial.

Creating a Personal Server for File Synchronization

When considering file synchronization across devices, two primary approaches often come to mind. However, these aren't the sole methods available for directly syncing files between your personal computers.

Alternative solutions exist, though they generally demand a greater degree of technical expertise and more involved manual setup.

Exploring Alternative Synchronization Methods

• SparkleShare: This open-source software provides functionality similar to Dropbox, but with a key distinction – it's self-hosted. You maintain complete control by hosting SparkleShare on one of your machines or a server you administer.
• rsync: While not offering real-time synchronization, rsync is a powerful tool for performing automated, incremental backups to a server. A scheduled nightly rsync job can efficiently synchronize your files to a remote FTP server.

Numerous other possibilities can be employed. Any system featuring a self-hosted server component, or one that automatically generates incremental backups and uploads them to a remote location, will suffice.

However, in both scenarios, you'll be responsible for managing your own server software. Solutions like BitTorrent Sync and AeroFS offer greater convenience as they don't necessitate a dedicated server; they operate directly on your existing computers.

These alternatives prioritize user control and data privacy, but often at the cost of simplified setup and maintenance.

Drawbacks

Naturally, implementing this method presents several disadvantages. Maintaining backups of your data becomes your sole responsibility, as no centralized, cloud-based backup exists on external servers. Accessing your files via mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, is also not possible through dedicated applications, unlike services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or SkyDrive.

This is because the files aren't housed on a central server accessible by these apps; synchronization occurs directly between your computers.

Furthermore, for direct synchronization to occur, all involved computers must be operational simultaneously.

Conversely, this approach grants you the capacity to synchronize an unlimited quantity of files while retaining complete control over your data. The ultimate decision regarding these compromises rests with you.

Are you utilizing an alternative file synchronization method that bypasses cloud storage? Please share your experiences in the comments below!

Image Credit: Elliot Brown on Flickr