Folder Syncing Software?

[Psy]

A few months ago I bought a NAS drive with the intent of using it to share files between a PC and Laptop.

At the moment I'm using TortoiseSVN to sync files between the devices but I'm honestly quite annoyed with it now. Whenever I change a folder's structure then commit the changes TortoiseSVN throws a tantrum about conflicts and all-sorts of crap.

I've been looking at alternative pieces of software that allow me to sync folders across a network. One which I'm particularly fond of is Dropbox. You install the software on the two PCs then you can drag files into the 'dropbox folder' and they both automatically sync.

However, this connects to the internet so transferring 2GB folders at 44KB/s is completely out of the picture.

What software would you guys recommend?

Here's what I'm looking for in some software.

• Allows folders and files across 3 network devices to sync without hassle. (1 PC, 1 Laptop, 1 NAS Drive)
• Can be used over LAN. (None of that 'cloud computing' crap please)
• Preferably freeware or open-source.

[Dionysos]

Windows, right? For linux I heard about rsync that I believe can do this...

[904]

yes rsync is what you need.
I'd assume the NAS can run the rsync daemon, and a quick google found this for windows: http://www.aboutmyip.com/AboutMyXApp/DeltaCopy.jsp
Personally, I use rsync from a cygwin environment on my windows boxes (allows for more customization and scripting)

[Mr. Happy]

I'm interested in this too but I have no idea whatsoever 904 just said.

[904]

Hmm, I'll try to explain a bit.
Cygwin is basically a set of unix(-like) tools, compiled and packaged for use with windows. This means you can have a unix-like environment (mostly command-line) on windows. And that includes the fine tool called rsync For me this eases my continuing irritation with Windows, since I'm a Unix adept by profession.

rsync in itself is a tool to sync data to a remote server (rsync = remote synchronization), it is often used for 'mirroring' websites, but can be used in numerous ways. Including a rudimentary backup. It implements some clever ways/methods to do this, it's a very versatile tool.

Most Network Attached Storage devices (NAS) run some sort of Linux inside and often provide the capability to function as an rsync server.

[dissonance]

I was gonna suggest a combination of SVN and cron, but rsync sounds better.