How to keep Laptop + Desktop full sync?

[dasx]

Hi! I work using an M1 Mac Mini, and I'm very happy with it.
Due to work, I am in the need of a laptop as well to work on the go, and I have one question.

Is there a way to keep both my Mac Mini and Macbook at full sync? Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) maybe?
I don't use the internal storage of the Mac Mini (besides config files, apps, legal documents and such). All the rest is stored and worked from a 4TB NVME external drive connected via Thunderbolt.

I thought about using CCC as follows:

I am working on mi Mini, and need to go for a couple of days.
1. Use CCC to backup Mini to a 30GB partition in the NVME.
2. Restore the Macbook from that backup.
3. Take with me the Macbook + NVME drive and work normally.
4. Once I'm back, use CCC to backup the Macbook to the NVME partition.
5. Restore the Mini from the Macbook backup.
6. Keep working as usual.

Would this work?

The intention of this is to kind of make the Macbook as a portable Mini when needed.

Thank you!

 

[astorre]

why just not use only MBP connected to displays to save you tons of work/time for sync?

 

[dasx]

why just not use only MBP connected to displays to save you tons of work/time for sync?

Because I usually have the Mini exporting 30+ 4K videos during easily 20-30h.
Not ideal work for a laptop.

Thanks for the response though!

 

[solouki]

Instead of using CCC, I just use the single line terminal commands: git and/or rsync, to backup my work from one machine to another --- fast and easy, and provides a distributed backup. And this way I don't have to worry about partitions or complete system backups.

EDIT: rsync provides an easy and fast way to keep a directory structure (folders, subfolders, and all files) synchronized among machines, and git provides a distributed backup database of a directory tree.

EDIT 2: In fact, CCC employs rsync to accomplish its backup tasks.

 

[Fishrrman]

What follows is my opinion only.

It can become an exercise in futility to try to keep 2 Macs "exactly the same as each other".

Better to let each Mac "be its own Mac", so to speak.

Set them up to be "similar", but not "the same"...

 

[velocityg4]

I'd just use Chronosync.

 

[dasx]

Instead of using CCC, I just use the single line terminal commands: git and/or rsync, to backup my work from one machine to another --- fast and easy, and provides a distributed backup. And this way I don't have to worry about partitions or complete system backups.

EDIT: rsync provides an easy and fast way to keep a directory structure (folders, subfolders, and all files) synchronized among machines, and git provides a distributed backup database of a directory tree.

EDIT 2: In fact, CCC employs rsync to accomplish its backup tasks.

I know rsync, I use it in my server to backup some editor's works.
I just didn't think it could be used to copy over configurations and settings. My idea is to kind of "clone" the mini into the laptop and keep going as if it was actually the Mini. Then put it back.

What follows is my opinion only.

It can become an exercise in futility to try to keep 2 Macs "exactly the same as each other".

Better to let each Mac "be its own Mac", so to speak.

Set them up to be "similar", but not "the same"...

I know, but my laptop would have close to no use at all at least 25/30 days a month. But those 5 days, I need it.
So, being able to "transfer" my Mac Mini to a laptop enclosure and then transfer it back... sounds pretty neat, at least without having tried it out.

I'd just use Chronosync.

Didn't know about that. I'll have to investigate.

-----------------

Thank you all for your inputs!

 

[L T]

Forgive me if I am missing something here, if everything is stored on external storage anyway then is it not just as simple as unplugging the storage from the mini and plugging it into the MacBook. For example when I had an iMac and MacBook I had my photo library stored on 1 external ssd which I could plug into either machine at anytime to work on it

Just do the initial set up on the MacBook to make it the same as your Mini.

 

[circatee]

To confirm, is it mainly the data you want to be in 'sync'? If so, why not merely have the data in the cloud (as well as multiple local copies for backup), and as you travel you have access to the data in the cloud.

If not connected to the internet (where you're going), place the data on your local MBP drive.

 

[petvas]

Hi! I work using an M1 Mac Mini, and I'm very happy with it.
Due to work, I am in the need of a laptop as well to work on the go, and I have one question.

Is there a way to keep both my Mac Mini and Macbook at full sync? Carbon Copy Cloner (CCC) maybe?
I don't use the internal storage of the Mac Mini (besides config files, apps, legal documents and such). All the rest is stored and worked from a 4TB NVME external drive connected via Thunderbolt.

I thought about using CCC as follows:

I am working on mi Mini, and need to go for a couple of days.
1. Use CCC to backup Mini to a 30GB partition in the NVME.
2. Restore the Macbook from that backup.
3. Take with me the Macbook + NVME drive and work normally.
4. Once I'm back, use CCC to backup the Macbook to the NVME partition.
5. Restore the Mini from the Macbook backup.
6. Keep working as usual.

Would this work?

The intention of this is to kind of make the Macbook as a portable Mini when needed.

Thank you!

I have a MacBook Pro and a Mac Studio which are for most of my data in sync. Why not use the Cloud for keeping your files synced? I use iCloud and it works great for that. Also my favorites, contacts and calendar are in iCloud. For Mail I use O365. The cloud is the answer.
If you have files though that are too big to upload, like movies, then you might consider having a NAS solution like Synology or QNap and store these kind of files centrally. For me having two computers in sync is not a problem, not at all. It has actually many advantages to have two computers, so that you can use the best one depending on the job or/and mood and situation.

 

[tskwara]

I've been using this for a few years: https://syncthing.net

Here's something with more capabilities: https://www.econtechnologies.com/chronosync/overview.html

 

[petvas]

I've been using this for a few years: https://syncthing.net

Here's something with more capabilities: https://www.econtechnologies.com/chronosync/overview.html

I had used Chronosync many many years ago and it worked very well. Highly recommended.

 

[solouki]

I know rsync, I use it in my server to backup some editor's works.
I just didn't think it could be used to copy over configurations and settings. My idea is to kind of "clone" the mini into the laptop and keep going as if it was actually the Mini. Then put it back.

Hi dasx, since everything under mach/*nix operating systems are files, and rsync will sync any files, then rsync is capable of sync-ing your configurations and settings. Depending on what configs you are actually wishing to sync will determine where they are located. All of the common Apple apps, such as Contacts, Notes, Reminders, Calendar, etc. can easily be sync-ed though Apple's iCloud. Many other apps employ the hidden directory, /Users/<userlogin>/Library, for caches and configurations. Some apps, things like GnuPG, CUPS, emacs, xfig, etc. employ their own hidden directory for caches and configurations, an example would be /Users/<userlogin>/.emacs.d. Any of these hidden directories can be sync-ed between machines using rsync. As I mentioned, CCC uses the rsync tool to accomplished precisely this -- it uses rsync to clone the machine's entire drive, including all of your personal settings. I'm not familiar with Chronosync, but I suspect it also may use rsync to perform its cloning tasks. Good luck with whatever method you settle on for your cloning.

P.S. I like the fact that rsync only has to copy newly added photos to the Photos Library and not the entire library.

 

[dasx]

Forgive me if I am missing something here, if everything is stored on external storage anyway then is it not just as simple as unplugging the storage from the mini and plugging it into the MacBook. For example when I had an iMac and MacBook I had my photo library stored on 1 external ssd which I could plug into either machine at anytime to work on it

Just do the initial set up on the MacBook to make it the same as your Mini.

Hi! Yes, you are correct, I have all the "main" working data in an external NVME, but I still have some data and -specially- config files, legal documents, taxes info, everything of that sort stored locally.

Why? Well, I like having it in the internal storage for its FireVault protection (you can protect an external too, but it would make the NVME not as convenient if I need to share it); also I have it synced with my server which I don't like to depend on an external source.

Yes, I could have the Macbook as a separate computer and treat it just like that, but if there's an "easy" way of working around my idea, I'd like to try. If I end up seeing that it's too inconvenient... then I'll just ditch the idea.

To confirm, is it mainly the data you want to be in 'sync'? If so, why not merely have the data in the cloud (as well as multiple local copies for backup), and as you travel you have access to the data in the cloud.

If not connected to the internet (where you're going), place the data on your local MBP drive.

Not just data, also configuration and settings. Even OS level. For instance, something as silly as Clear/Dark theme. If I switch the Mini's, I want my Macbook to be the same.

I literally want -if possible- to have the ability to clone my Mini into the Macbook on demand. Use the Macbook and then clone it back to the Mini, as if everything I did was to the Mini in the first place.

Specially useful if I install a new plugin for editing, or a new software for instance, and configure it (while working away with the Macbook).
Then when going back to the Mini, it'd just be the same because of this "cloning" method.

I have a MacBook Pro and a Mac Studio which are for most of my data in sync. Why not use the Cloud for keeping your files synced? I use iCloud and it works great for that. Also my favorites, contacts and calendar are in iCloud. For Mail I use O365. The cloud is the answer.
If you have files though that are too big to upload, like movies, then you might consider having a NAS solution like Synology or QNap and store these kind of files centrally. For me having two computers in sync is not a problem, not at all. It has actually many advantages to have two computers, so that you can use the best one depending on the job or/and mood and situation.

I do use the cloud, although not iCloud. We use Dropbox at work, so that is.
BUT, some files and some stuff can't go to Dropbox, specially certificates and stuff which we are to keep only locally.

I do also have a NAS solution, more than that actually, I build myself a server to use with unRAID. Very happy with it, but can't really be used if I'm away for whatever reason.

In the end it all comes down to the fact that I'd like my Macbook to become EXACTLY mi Mini when I have to leave.
Then, upon return, get back the Mini's soul (in the Macbook) back to its Mini chasis.

I know this might be a headache, that's why I'm just exploring the option. If it ends up being too much of a hassle, I'll just ditch the idea.

I've been using this for a few years: https://syncthing.net

Here's something with more capabilities: https://www.econtechnologies.com/chronosync/overview.html

Wow thanks, I'll take a look into it!

I had used Chronosync many many years ago and it worked very well. Highly recommended.

I see they have a 15 day trial. I'll probably install it and compare it to my trusty CCC.

Hi dasx, since everything under mach/*nix operating systems are files, and rsync will sync any files, then rsync is capable of sync-ing your configurations and settings. Depending on what configs you are actually wishing to sync will determine where they are located. All of the common Apple apps, such as Contacts, Notes, Reminders, Calendar, etc. can easily be sync-ed though Apple's iCloud. Many other apps employ the hidden directory, /Users/<userlogin>/Library, for caches and configurations. Some apps, things like GnuPG, CUPS, emacs, xfig, etc. employ their own hidden directory for caches and configurations, an example would be /Users/<userlogin>/.emacs.d. Any of these hidden directories can be sync-ed between machines using rsync. As I mentioned, CCC uses the rsync tool to accomplished precisely this -- it uses rsync to clone the machine's entire drive, including all of your personal settings. I'm not familiar with Chronosync, but I suspect it also may use rsync to perform its cloning tasks. Good luck with whatever method you settle on for your cloning.

P.S. I like the fact that rsync only has to copy newly added photos to the Photos Library and not the entire library.

Hi! I was aware of that file structure os macOS (and unix based systems), I guess I just didn't think about it when considering backups.

My idea is to clone literally everything. For instance, if I clone the Mini to the Macbook, go away and decide that I like dark theme better, when I come back and clone the Macbook back to the Mini, I want the Mini to switch to dark mode. That aside from all new files copied over, old files modified, FCPX settings that I might've changed also apply to the Mini, etc.

Another example. Say I go see a co-worker of mine and he shares some new compressor settings I want to try out.
I launch compressor in my Macbook, create a new preset and import it to FCPX in order to export some videos. Maybe I even set it as default.
Upon return, when cloning the Macbook back to the Mini, I want the Mini to also get the new Compressor preset, have it imported in FCPX and have it set as default as well. Just as I left the Macbook

I guess one way would be:

1. From Mini to external NVME:

rsync -avh / /Volumes/ExternalNVME/Vessel/

2. From Vessel to Macbook

rsync -avh /Volumes/ExternalNVME/Vessel/ /

3. When coming back to my desktop, the other way around.

EDIT: Not sure I'll be able to run #2 without $sudo. Even then, I'm not sure system will let me sync some files.

-------------------------

Thank you all for the responses, general consensus seems to be that it is possible, although maybe not very convenient. CCC and/or Chronosync seem to be viable options apparently, even directly using rsync.

I think I'll have to try it out and see!

 

[solouki]

Hi! I was aware of that file structure os macOS (and unix based systems), I guess I just didn't think about it when considering backups.

My idea is to clone literally everything. For instance, if I clone the Mini to the Macbook, go away and decide that I like dark theme better, when I come back and clone the Macbook back to the Mini, I want the Mini to switch to dark mode. That aside from all new files copied over, old files modified, FCPX settings that I might've changed also apply to the Mini, etc.

Another example. Say I go see a co-worker of mine and he shares some new compressor settings I want to try out.
I launch compressor in my Macbook, create a new preset and import it to FCPX in order to export some videos. Maybe I even set it as default.
Upon return, when cloning the Macbook back to the Mini, I want the Mini to also get the new Compressor preset, have it imported in FCPX and have it set as default as well. Just as I left the Macbook

I guess one way would be:

1. From Mini to external NVME:

rsync -avh / /Volumes/ExternalNVME/Vessel/

2. From Vessel to Macbook

rsync -avh /Volumes/ExternalNVME/Vessel/ /

3. When coming back to my desktop, the other way around.

EDIT: Not sure I'll be able to run #2 without $sudo. Even then, I'm not sure system will let me sync some files.

-------------------------

Thank you all for the responses, general consensus seems to be that it is possible, although maybe not very convenient. CCC and/or Chronosync seem to be viable options apparently, even directly using rsync.

I think I'll have to try it out and see!

Hi dasx,

I wouldn't copy the entire system, /, as the Mac mini and MacBook most likely will have differing systems, rather I would just copy your user login directory and its subdirectories, as these will contain any configurations that are specific to you whether on the Mac mini or the MacBook.

Thus the Terminal command I would use would be something like the following on <machine-1> (say the Mac mini) to copy to <machine-2> (say the MacBook). On <machine-1>:

rsync --rsh='ssh -p22' -avz /Users/<user-login> <machine-2>.local:/Users

and then to copy your login directory from <machine-2> back to your original login account on <machine-1> (say the Mac mini). On <machine-2>:

rsync --rsh='ssh -p22' -avz /Users/<user-login> <machine-1>.local:/Users

where <user-login> is your user's login name and <machine-1> is the Mac mini's hostname while <machine-2> is the MacBook's hostname. These commands allow you to copy over the network without requiring an external drive [System Preferences -> Sharing -> Remote Login has to be checked (turned on)]. (Of course, you could also use the intermediate external drive if you wished.). These commands will sync your user login directories on both machines, including any configurations/settings.

Again, I would not copy the entire / directory tree, as it is both unnecessary as well as the fact that the two systems will probably not be the same. And, there will likely be errors when you try to copy files that you normally aren't allowed to copy (system files) and that will require root privileges to copy.

Regards,
Solouki

 

[iamasmith]

Instead of using CCC, I just use the single line terminal commands: git and/or rsync, to backup my work from one machine to another --- fast and easy, and provides a distributed backup. And this way I don't have to worry about partitions or complete system backups.

EDIT: rsync provides an easy and fast way to keep a directory structure (folders, subfolders, and all files) synchronized among machines, and git provides a distributed backup database of a directory tree.

EDIT 2: In fact, CCC employs rsync to accomplish its backup tasks.

I really would not use git to maintain a directory tree of anything but text with changes. It's a source control system and can end up storing lots of excess data in diffs if more complex file formats are kept in it. It's also inherently designed to lose nothing so it will keep growing.
Seems (?) like the OP wants the current version so I would err on rsync being a good option. Just be careful if you have volumes formatted as case sensitive vs case insensitive.. I've not specifically tries that combination but I have seen rsync fail badly when one filesystem can't handle the exact binary representation of a filename (that's a 'drag up a sandbag soldier and I'll tell you the story' so maybe I won't go into it here)

 

[dasx]

Hi dasx,

I wouldn't copy the entire system, /, as the Mac mini and MacBook most likely will have differing systems, rather I would just copy your user login directory and its subdirectories, as these will contain any configurations that are specific to you whether on the Mac mini or the MacBook.

Thus the Terminal command I would use would be something like the following on <machine-1> (say the Mac mini) to copy to <machine-2> (say the MacBook). On <machine-1>:

rsync --rsh='ssh -p22' -avz /Users/<user-login> <machine-2>.local:/Users

and then to copy your login directory from <machine-2> back to your original login account on <machine-1> (say the Mac mini). On <machine-2>:

rsync --rsh='ssh -p22' -avz /Users/<user-login> <machine-1>.local:/Users

where <user-login> is your user's login name and <machine-1> is the Mac mini's hostname while <machine-2> is the MacBook's hostname. These commands allow you to copy over the network without requiring an external drive [System Preferences -> Sharing -> Remote Login has to be checked (turned on)]. (Of course, you could also use the intermediate external drive if you wished.). These commands will sync your user login directories on both machines, including any configurations/settings.

Again, I would not copy the entire / directory tree, as it is both unnecessary as well as the fact that the two systems will probably not be the same. And, there will likely be errors when you try to copy files that you normally aren't allowed to copy (system files) and that will require root privileges to copy.

Regards,
Solouki

Wow, thank you very much. I'll be definitely trying it out.
Would this also copy over any new application I might install in either machine? I'm assuming settings would, but not sure if the app itself is included in those directories.

I really would not use git to maintain a directory tree of anything but text with changes. It's a source control system and can end up storing lots of excess data in diffs if more complex file formats are kept in it. It's also inherently designed to lose nothing so it will keep growing.
Seems (?) like the OP wants the current version so I would err on rsync being a good option. Just be careful if you have volumes formatted as case sensitive vs case insensitive.. I've not specifically tries that combination but I have seen rsync fail badly when one filesystem can't handle the exact binary representation of a filename (that's a 'drag up a sandbag soldier and I'll tell you the story' so maybe I won't go into it here)

Thanks for the input. Your potential issue shouldn't apply in my case, but still, thanks for the heads up!

 

[solouki]

Wow, thank you very much. I'll be definitely trying it out.
Would this also copy over any new application I might install in either machine? I'm assuming settings would, but not sure if the app itself is included in those directories.

It depends on where the application is downloaded. The rsync commands I give in post #15 will only copy your login directory tree, not the /Applications directory tree. So, if the new application went into /Applications then it will not be copied. But, you could just add a similar rsync to copy the /Applications directory tree also:

rsync --rsh='ssh -p22' -avz /Applications <machine-2>.local:/

I haven't tried this rsync for the /Applications directory ... it will probably require root privileges which means that you may have to enable root on the machines and potentially even login as root in order to do the rsync. I know CCC uses rsync to clone the /Applications directory, so it is certainly possible, but I suspect that CCC also does some sort of privilege gain in order to perform its rsyncs.

But again, be careful copying the applications themselves as they could be for different CPUs (Intel and Applie Silicon).

Also, if you rsync the /Applications directory and don't download the new application from the Mac App Store, then the App Store's database will not be updated and so you probably won't get App Store updates to the software. On the other hand, if the new application is not a Mac App Store application, then it will copy over with rsync properly and work correctly, and the application itself will probably have its own update mechanism. An example would be something like Sage or Wireshark that you download separately and not from the App Store.

 

[subjonas]

I’ve wanted this same thing for a long time, to be able to keep a Mac desktop and laptop perfectly in sync. I’ve wondered why Apple doesn’t build such functionality into their ecosystem. You’d figure Apple wants to encourage as many people as possible to buy multiple Macs by making the experience as smooth as possible for everyone’s workflows. I’ve found that to be far from the case for me.

Continuity is great for the little things, and iCloud helps some with sync, but fall short in some important aspects:
- Many jobs do not allow cloud syncing for their proprietary data, so that makes iCloud a non-starter off the bat for many (this is me).
- Also as a user, one may not want to use a company’s (Apple’s) server to store their data (this is me). If all one wants is to automatically sync their data between their devices over a local network, then sending the data out into the world to be stored on a company’s servers unnecessarily exposes their data to exponentially more risk of unauthorized access, and it unnecessarily uses up internet data/bandwidth, and all this unwanted service requires a paid subscription.
- For those who deal with very large amounts of data (this is me), cloud sync becomes even less practical in terms of price and bandwidth.
- Correct me if I’m wrong on this— iCloud is limited to files you put in your iCloud folder. It doesn’t sync OS/application settings as far as I know.

Ideally, I want to use my Mac desktop, my fastest machine, at my desk with large monitors, without any concern about battery health, about half the time; and the other half of the time, I want to use my MBP, my portable fast enough machine, on the go. I want to be able to work on either machine and have it automatically sync in the background every so often while on the same wifi network so that I can switch to the other machine without missing a beat.

Right now it’s a huge chore trying to switch back and forth because I need to transfer data (cloud is not a viable option for me as I mentioned), match up certain settings on both machines (which change pretty often), and transfer my software licenses (but that one is not Apple’s fault). I haven’t been able to check out third party options like rsync in depth yet, but I plan to when I get a chance. In the meantime, I’m only using my MBP and hooking it up to the monitors and other peripherals when I’m at my desk. It’s a pain too, but the lesser pain of the two. My Mac Pro sits in limbo.

I consider this local sync functionality fundamental, at least for me, so I wish it was built-in by Apple so that I wouldn’t have to spend time researching third party solutions and setting it up and making sure it stays compatible with every software update, etc. That’s why I switched to Apple all those years ago, so that I can just concentrate on my job, and leave as much of the technical stuff to them as possible.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

I use iCloud to sync between an iMac and 3 MacBook Pros.
It all syncs in the background and it's safely stored on the cloud. And if I didn't have to wait for it to sync, it will sync from anywhere I go.
Also, the iMac backs up that same data to TimeMachine.

iCloud may not be the fastest, but it works.
There's also Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.

 

[iamasmith]

It depends on where the application is downloaded. The rsync commands I give in post #15 will only copy your login directory tree, not the /Applications directory tree. So, if the new application went into /Applications then it will not be copied. But, you could just add a similar rsync to copy the /Applications directory tree also:

rsync --rsh='ssh -p22' -avz /Applications <machine-2>.local:/

I haven't tried this rsync for the /Applications directory ... it will probably require root privileges which means that you may have to enable root on the machines and potentially even login as root in order to do the rsync. I know CCC uses rsync to clone the /Applications directory, so it is certainly possible, but I suspect that CCC also does some sort of privilege gain in order to perform its rsyncs.

But again, be careful copying the applications themselves as they could be for different CPUs (Intel and Applie Silicon).

Also, if you rsync the /Applications directory and don't download the new application from the Mac App Store, then the App Store's database will not be updated and so you probably won't get App Store updates to the software. On the other hand, if the new application is not a Mac App Store application, then it will copy over with rsync properly and work correctly, and the application itself will probably have its own update mechanism. An example would be something like Sage or Wireshark that you download separately and not from the App Store.

The only other thing to mention is that by default Terminal isn't allowed full disk access so you might need to add it in security settings for the Library folder to sync which includes contacts, mail and calendar etc. It's an innocuous security feature until you try something like this. I would err on going for subfolders of the user folder with just the stuff you want (and not enabling Terminal for full disk) as copying Library might give some glitches with already running stuff.

 

[solouki]

I’ve wanted this same thing for a long time, to be able to keep a Mac desktop and laptop perfectly in sync. I’ve wondered why Apple doesn’t build such functionality into their ecosystem. You’d figure Apple wants to encourage as many people as possible to buy multiple Macs by making the experience as smooth as possible for everyone’s workflows. I’ve found that to be far from the case for me.

Continuity is great for the little things, and iCloud helps some with sync, but fall short in some important aspects:
- Many jobs do not allow cloud syncing for their proprietary data, so that makes iCloud a non-starter off the bat for many (this is me).
- Also as a user, one may not want to use a company’s (Apple’s) server to store their data (this is me). If all one wants is to automatically sync their data between their devices over a local network, then sending the data out into the world to be stored on a company’s servers unnecessarily exposes their data to exponentially more risk of unauthorized access, and it unnecessarily uses up internet data/bandwidth, and all this unwanted service requires a paid subscription.
- For those who deal with very large amounts of data (this is me), cloud sync becomes even less practical in terms of price and bandwidth.
- Correct me if I’m wrong on this— iCloud is limited to files you put in your iCloud folder. It doesn’t sync OS/application settings as far as I know.

Ideally, I want to use my Mac desktop, my fastest machine, at my desk with large monitors, without any concern about battery health, about half the time; and the other half of the time, I want to use my MBP, my portable fast enough machine, on the go. I want to be able to work on either machine and have it automatically sync in the background every so often while on the same wifi network so that I can switch to the other machine without missing a beat.

Right now it’s a huge chore trying to switch back and forth because I need to transfer data (cloud is not a viable option for me as I mentioned), match up certain settings on both machines (which change pretty often), and transfer my software licenses (but that one is not Apple’s fault). I haven’t been able to check out third party options like rsync in depth yet, but I plan to when I get a chance. In the meantime, I’m only using my MBP and hooking it up to the monitors and other peripherals when I’m at my desk. It’s a pain too, but the lesser pain of the two. My Mac Pro sits in limbo.

I consider this local sync functionality fundamental, at least for me, so I wish it was built-in by Apple so that I wouldn’t have to spend time researching third party solutions and setting it up and making sure it stays compatible with every software update, etc. That’s why I switched to Apple all those years ago, so that I can just concentrate on my job, and leave as much of the technical stuff to them as possible.

Hi subjonas,

I use rsync to keep my accounts on about a dozen machines sync-ed (i.e., identical). I use a little shell script that performs all of the rsyncs, back-and-forth, that are required. In other words, everything is sync-ed up on all of the machines.

The nice thing about rsync is that it works differentially, that is, it will only copy the differences -- thus the first time you use it, it might copy many things, but after that first time it is only going to copy the things you have changed, thus minimizing bandwidth requirements.

What I do is I keep all of my personal work (my code, my writing, my financial and insurance data (encrypted with a 4096 bit public key), my letters, my photos, etc. in a "<username>/Personal" directory and then the shell script rsyncs this directory to all of the machines -- I only have to execute a short single Terminal command to perform these rsyncs, and the script can be executed from any of the machines.

[As an example, one of my coding projects is roughly 46GB in size, and I keep this project identical, down to the last file (of over 50000 files), on all of the machines.]

[I also use git to perform a distributed database backup of my code and writings. This provides a complete history of all versions of code and writing.]

Solouki

EDIT: The iCloud can be used to automatically keep your Apple Contacts, Reminders, Notes, etc. sync-ed between the machines.

EDIT: I should mention also that some of these machines are Linux boxes and not macOS -- rsync and git work under macOS, linux, and even Windows.

EDIT: And I should also mention that since I pipe my rsyncs through an ssh tunnel, all data transfers are encrypted and thus secure. You can thus securely rsync directories across the Internet and not just on your local LAN.

 

[MBAir2010]

last December, I performed step#2 from a MacBook air to Mac mini, both intel and running Mojave.
the only bonehead thing i did (or time machine switched) was not rename the Mac mini,
now i have 2 back ups, MBA and MBA(2)
and they are the same thing, GB and data wise.

maybe off topic, but is there a way to change the air drop avatars?
the iPad, mini and MacBook air have the same one.
thanks in advance

 

[iamasmith]

...
maybe off topic, but is there a way to change the air drop avatars?
the iPad, mini and MacBook air have the same one.
thanks in advance

Go into settings and click on your picture at the top, you can select Memoji etc. or another picture.

 

[MBAir2010]

Go into settings and click on your picture at the top, you can select Memoji etc. or another picture.

i did all that, i think?
i will look into this later when i find the settings for this

there is type that tells me what is being dropped from where, which is good.
thanks for the reply tho!