I have a small home network which consists of my desktop and laptop. Its a basic one where my desktop is connected with a router and my laptop has a wifi card.

I have set up the shared documents so that I can put files in so both computers can see them but there is a problem; both computers have to be switched on to put a file in the other.

I want to know whether:

• Is there a way where I can put files into the desktop/laptop when one or the other is switched off?
  
• If not, is there some sort of synchronization system where I can 'drop' files somewhere and it will automatically send when both devices are switched on?
  
• Or is there any other feasible way to do it that I have just not thought of?

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Originally posted by hmaster
Is there a way where I can put files into the desktop/laptop when one or the other is switched off?

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Originally posted by hmaster
If not, is there some sort of synchronization system where I can 'drop' files somewhere and it will automatically send when both devices are switched on?

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Originally posted by saralk

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Originally posted by hmaster
If not, is there some sort of synchronization system where I can 'drop' files somewhere and it will automatically send when both devices are switched on?

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Briefcases do that exact thing, right click in a shared folder, i.e. on your laptop, and click "New > Briefcase" then drag the files you want to synchronise from the desktop, into the briefcase. Then, form then on, whenever you update a file, open the briefcase, and click "update all", and it will automatically update any files that have been changed, both ways (so if you edit a file in the briefcase, then it'll be transfered back to the desktop PC)

An interesting fact - a briefcase is called a briefcase, because it was used by lawyers to carry briefs to court cases

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But with a briefcase the file has to be in the folder to update. I cant just throw a file in there and expect it to be on the briefcase on the other computer.

Yes, the briefcase support is sort of limited in its capabilities.

You can look forward to better file synchronization with Windows Vista.

For now, I'd recommend you take a look at SyncBackSE ( http://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/sbse-features.html ) which is what I've used on Windows in the past.

[edit] There are also many other third party synchronization applications which you can find via Google or CNET Downloads

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Originally posted by Chris Boulton
Yes, the briefcase support is sort of limited in its capabilities.

You can look forward to better file synchronization with Windows Vista.

For now, I'd recommend you take a look at SyncBackSE ( http://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/sbse-features.html ) which is what I've used on Windows in the past.

[edit] There are also many other third party synchronization applications which you can find via Google or CNET Downloads

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You could get an old computer (or Xbox) and stick that in a corner/basement/roof cavity where you don't need to access it and can leave it on always, and stick a server on that.