What is the best way to synchronize a laptop with a home sys

[nikemen]

System?

I'd like to be able to setup a server like, with some folders and files, and possibly email.

We are using various pop3 mail, I have another system on the network which could be a host for files.

Any easy thoughts?

[jdhurst]

It is very diffult to synchronize a POP3 email system because sent mail lives only on the sending system. What I do it leave my mail on the server, pick it up on both systems, then delete from the server. I use PC Magazine's Mail Call tool.

With respect to files, that is much easier. I designate my desktop to be host, and then I created a Briefcase (standard Windows tool) on the laptop and synchronize a bunch of folder. Briefcase is a replicator, so you can change any file in either location (not both at the same time!), run the Briefcase and replicate at will.

Those two techniques above saved my bacon when my early 60GB 7200-rpm Hitachi drive failed. (History now and all is well). ... jdhurst

[hausman]

I use PC Magazine's Mail Call tool.

Could you please provide a reference or link. I didn't find anything with Google.

There are sophisticated file synchronization features in the Total Commander file manager (a replacement for Windows Explorer.) Users of the DOS-based Norton Commander and its variants, as well as oldtimers who grew up on IBM VM/CMS and its FileList command will be familiar with the interface.

[geobel]

Total commander rocks! I use it since those old days of Norton commander and never understood how people manage with windows explorer... Personally I synchronize desktop/USB flash drive/laptop every day. If your data does not fit on flash make you data directory shared on both laptop and desktop and synchronize over network, usb or infrared connection.
Gosha

[jdhurst]

I found Mail Call V2 (which I use) just now at:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,353,00.asp

Hope that helps, ... jdhurst

[nikemen]

Hey, with all the heavy duty exchange, server, host based networking we do I totally FORGOT about briefcase. I didn't know this could be enabled without a server but that rocks!
I'll checkout the mail call, that might work well.

I was thinking about setting up a local exchange, or just buying it from a third party. I have the software actually MSDN sub, but I think for about 50.00$ a year there are some companies that will do it for me, allowing exhange based sync, and OWA for example.

the Briefcase, I hope will allow just to have ALL the files I use in My documents and all the sub folders, synced normally when reconnecting to the network.

[hausman]

I found Mail Call V2 (which I use) just now at:

Aha! The name is "MailCall" (one word) rather than "Mail Call" (two words) that I used with Google. I'm disappointed that they couldn't figure that out

Many thanks. It looks like a really nifty tool with a lot more functionality than just POP3 synchronization.