How to Sync Files in Ubuntu With a Laptop
When you use multiple computers, syncing files between them is a must. It helps cut down on storage space, and ensures that you're never out and about with the most recent version of the file you need. There are a couple of services that make syncing your files between a desktop and laptop simple, including Ubuntu's cloud service Ubuntu One, which comes integrated into the system, and the third-party Dropbox.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Ubuntu One
-
1
Set up Ubuntu One on both your desktop and your laptop. If you don't have an Ubuntu One account, you can sign up for a free account at one.ubuntu.com, with additional space available for purchase. Ubuntu One options can be found under "System," then "Preferences," then "Ubuntu One."
-
2
Open your Home folder, and right-click on the file or folder that you want to sync to Ubuntu One. You will have to set each file or folder to sync one at a time; selecting multiple files does not work.
-
-
3
Go to "Ubuntu One," then "Synchronize This Folder." Synchronization may take some time, depending upon the size of your folder. When you open the folder, you will see a ribbon that says "Ubuntu One," and shows a checkbox next to "Synchronize This Folder."
Dropbox
-
4
Download Dropbox on both your desktop and your laptop. Dropbox is a multi-platform online back-up service that offers a free two GB account, with 50 GB and 100 GB plans available for purchase.
-
5
Copy the files that you want to back up into the "Dropbox" folder in your Home directory. This folder will behave like a regular folder, except that any files copied into this folder will be backed-up on the Dropbox server.
-
6
Sync folders from Dropbox by first moving them into the Dropbox folder, then creating a shortcut in your Home folder. This allows you to access files within the folder (such as "Documents") without having to open Dropbox, and ensures that every time you save a file it is appropriately backed-up.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Ubuntu One currently has a Windows beta version, which can further help you sync files between multiple operating systems.
Dropbox works on Windows, Linux, and Mac computers.
Google Sync is a service that allows you to sync your Gmail and calendar with Google, making it easy to use on multiple computers; this service does not extend to files.
You will need an active Internet connection to sync files -- if you copy or modify files while your Internet is disable or out of reach, the files will wait until you're connected again to sync.
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
