Keeping two filing systems in sync

Hi there,

I have used Macs for about 25 years, but I am a user with simple needs. My question is as follows:

I have two Macs and want to keep the files on both of them more or less in sync with each other. Not hourly or daily but every month or so. I do not believe in cloud storage as I prefer to keep my content loaded on my own systems in my own house. I am looking for an application which will compare two MAC filing systems and identify which files in each filing system are not on the other. Then allow me to transfer some or all of the missing files from the first system to the second. I have maintained the same directory structure and naming conventions on both Macs so the comparison exercise should be quite simple. I also have WIFI at home so in theory I could move the files that way.

Any tips or suggestions please?

Thanks in advance.

rsync is available from the terminal - here is a pretty good guide on how to use it
Geek Stuff - Synchronize two folders on a Mac and other Unix Systems with Rsync - Branko Jevti?'s Piece Of Web

Here is a gui for rsync
Download arRsync for Mac - GUI for rsync utility. MacUpdate.com

Better, easier solution: Chronosync.

Full disclosure: I know these guys. But their reputation is stellar without any help from me.

I should mention that you can use cron or calendar to setup syncing at certain times.
How to Backup Your Mac Using Rsync | Macinstruct
Definitely isn't as pretty as a $40 GUI tool but is still quite functional and cron and rsync have been around since time immemorial and they do what they do well.

I am using rsync to sync my MBA and my MBP documents - works well for keeping everything up to date.

Bit of a late post, but I'd recommend Super-Flexible.

Not too expensive ($34.90) and gives you quite a bit of flexibility. Also cross-platform if the need ever arises.

I'm currently using it to Sync between 2 Macs and a Windows PC, as well as a USB external disk and some Virtual Machines.

Hi guys,

Just wanted to say thanks for all your tips. I got a bit distracted back there and haven't done any of this. Now I will review each of your suggestions and decide what to do.

Since you refreshed it, I also use Chronosync and can recommend it highly.