Offline Dropbox & Sync Ideas

Question

Is there any way to use Dropbox to sync selected local files? I like the idea of being able to switch some Dropbox folders to local. Because here, in Australia we still have data limits.

The scenario is that I need to sync Dropbox files on my iMac with my Macbook with only selected files syncing online (for client access). Because I work with a project code hierarchy, it's easier if all files (online & local) are in one folder. I usually just colour the completed jobs and archive by year.

I've tried Symbolic Links, but Dropbox just creates a copy. No idea how to implement Rsync, and I'm not sure what Git will involve. So just a note: I'm not all that savvy.

For now, all I need is to be able to effortlessly drag and drop files and let Dropbox do its thing when I turn Macbook on. The more I sync the better, because I forget things.

For later, I'm thinking of ways to fully sync my future Macbook Pro and iMac. I already sync BusyCal, Address Book, Billings etc., but there are a few flaws. Not happy with ChronoSync either. So... any thoughts on this one? Thanks!

Answer 1

I'm not sure if I understand exactly what you are asking. If you are trying to sync files without using the Internet, because both computers are on the same network, then Dropbox has a feature for that called LAN sync. If 2 machines are on the same LAN, Dropbox will sync files between them without using the Internet; instead, it will go through your local network.

Oftentimes, though, tools like scp are used for copying files around like this, but not necessarily for syncing.