How can I sync a macbook with a desktop imac

Connect both of them to your local network, implement File Sharing on both, then use sync/backup software to keep them in sync.

Mac Basics- File Sharing

Mac 101- File sharing

Suggested Backup Software

1. Carbon Copy Cloner

2. Data Backup

3. Deja Vu

4. SuperDuper!

5. Synk Pro

6. Tri-Backup

Others may be found at VersionTracker or MacUpdate.

Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on backup and restore. Also read How to Back Up and Restore Your Files.

Hi Kappy,

I really appreciate the help understanding how to do file sharing! That is wonderful and I have it all set-up.

Then I downloaded Carbon Copy Cloner and it seems it's really meant to back-up. If it does synch two machines I have not figured out how. I have different files on both my machines at this point and seems as if CCC is meant to write to a clean disk. I'm only a little techie so I'm getting into territory here that I'm not that familiar with.

I don't want to overwrite everything on either computer. I'll keep trying to understand how to use CCC but can you tell me if CCC will do a true synch where it compares files and creates identical complete sets on both systems?

Thanks!

It can only sync two machines if you place both on your local network, turn on File Sharing on both machines, then mount the "client" on the Desktop of the other, or "server" machine. You can now move files between them. Carbon Coby Cloner should now see the mounted drive from the client as any other usable device.

CCC can be configured to only delete files on the destination drive when they are being over-written by newer versions. Otherwise, CCC will not erase any other files. Here's what it may look like on my system:

Thanks Kappy!

I got side-tracked there for a while but will get up my courage and give this a try.

Dear Kappy,

I have just bought a new imac and also want to have both my imac and macbook Pro synced at all times. I have downloaded CCC.

If you don't mind, I have a few questions:

Will the two computers be synced at all times from now on when my file sharing is on, or would I need to back up to each other every day to have them sync again?

Would you suggest that I migrate or start up my new Imac with my back up on my time capsule from my Macbook pro or rather start it up as a new computer?

With file sharing, will this only be my files or iphoto, itunes etc as well?

Thanks for your help!

Danene

How to sync my iMac with my MacBook Air