How can I keep folders synchronized between several machines over my home network?
You're asking for a lot.
Since internet syncing is out, you can't go Dropbox which is what I would have voted for.
You could take a look at SyncToy, since from your tagging I'm assuming you are on Windows. It is free from Microsoft.
However, this MAY not fulfill your demand of "not being logged on". I am not quite sure how to interpret this. SyncToy does not work when you are not logged on on the machine that requires a sync. However, it can pull data form unattended machines (as long as these give access to the protocols that SyncToy uses.
SyncToy has worked for me and for my friends in the past. I am not currently using it, because I switched to a Mac.
Update: from Windows users, I also hear good stories about SyncBack, which offers a free version.
The options from Microsoft are Windows Live Foldershare and Live Mesh. Both are under development.
I used to use foldershare and found it quite snappy and reliable.
I currently use Live Mesh. It (currently) offers 5gb of cloud storage, and I use it day to day between 4 computers. It also allows you to remote desktop between computers through firewalls, and sharing folders with other users of the service.
To answer your points though, with Live Mesh:
- You need to be logged on
- Monitors folders
- Only copies changes
- Uses local connections when possible
- Doesn't care if there's no machine on the other end. Can use cloud storage at the same time
SyncBack is so good it deserves its own answer :)
I think it meets all your requirements. Almost. I'm not only sure if it fits Isn't limited beyond local available disk space. What do you mean by this?
Dropbox
- http://www.getdropbox.com/
- for Windows, Mac, and Linux