Synchronize your data across multiple devices with Syncthing

Sync or Swim

Article from Issue 267/2023
Author(s):

If you need a cloudless solution for syncing data across multiple devices, Syncthing could be just the thing.

You are probably familiar with the problems of using more than just one desktop computer. You also might have a laptop, a tablet, or other computer systems. If you use these devices regularly, large datasets will quickly accumulate, causing the need to keep data synchronized across the various devices.

Permanent synchronization of personal data across multiple terminal devices was previously the domain of cloud services or dedicated server instances. With Syncthing, you can keep all your devices up to date without the hassle of setting up your own server or sharing your data with public cloud services. Syncthing [1] syncs the data directly between the systems, although the folder structures can differ. The two devices only need to be switched on and accessible on the local network.

Getting Started

The cross-platform Syncthing software is available from the repositories of all the major distributions. In addition to the 32- and 64-bit versions for the x86 system architecture, you will also find packages for the ARM platform. And you can pick up an app for Android v4.1 or newer from the F-Droid store.

[...]

Use Express-Checkout link below to read the full article (PDF).

Buy this article as PDF

Express-Checkout as PDF
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

SINGLE ISSUES
 
SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
TABLET & SMARTPHONE APPS
Get it on Google Play

US / Canada

Get it on Google Play

UK / Australia

Related content

  • Syncthing

    Syncthing is a free alternative to BitTorrent Sync for synchronizing data on computers and mobile devices.

  • File Exchange

    For the occasional local file transfer, a few simple tools can do the job quickly and efficiently.

  • Apricity OS

    Apricity OS targets those who use cloud services and spend their digital life on the Internet.

  • Homegrown Notes Tool

    If you're tired of the privacy problems and feature bloat of high-end note-taking utilities, try rolling your own.

  • Charly's Column: Pulse

    Equal treatment, as sys admin Charly so boldly proposes, should be the norm. What he really wants is a free tool to sync user data across multiple computers.

comments powered by Disqus
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters

Support Our Work

Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

Learn More

News