Top
| Previous | Next
The Process
The process of synchronization
is very straightforward. Two independent folders, known as targets, are analyzed
for their file contents. These contents are then compared to each other and
the synchronizer determines what needs to be done to make both target folders
identical.
In some cases, a file may exist in one target but not the other. This file will
thus need to be copied in order to make the targets identical to each other.
In other cases, a file may exist in both targets, but is more recently modified
than the other. The more recent file will then need to be copied in order to
bring both targets up-to-date. In rarer cases, a file may have been modified
in both targets. This is determined by comparing their modification date to
the date and time of the last successful synchronization. This case is known
as a conflict, and ChronoSync will ask you which file is the 'real' one.
The above process describes a complete, bi-directional synchronization between
two targets. ChronoSync also allows an unbalanced, unidirectional synchronization
to be performed. This is more common when ChronoSync is tasked with maintaining
duplicate copies of files for redundancy or backup purposes. The setting that
controls this behavior is called "Synchronizing Direction".
To use ChronoSync, your targets are specified in the Targets Tab Panel. We use
the terminology "Local" and "Remote" to identify the targets. It's important
to note that this is just identifying terminology and that either or neither
target can be locally stored on your computer. Some people prefer the terms
'left' and 'right' targets, which, not-so-coincidentally, have the same initials
as 'local' and 'remote'.
Once the targets have been set, all you need to do is choose the desired synchronizing
direction in the Options drawer and click "Synchronize". Of course, ChronoSync
has a sophisticated rule base and analysis tools that allow you to fine tune
and interact with your synchronization. These tools, though, do not need to
be used for basic synchronization tasks.
Top
| Previous | Next