Keep Two Windows 7 Machines in Sync Over Network

Question

I have two Windows 7 PC's, one being a desktop and one being a laptop. While I am at home I mainly use my desktop PC, but while I head to university and other places I take my laptop. They are both connected to the same network.

My desktop machine is only on when I am at home, and my laptop is on when im out, however I wouldn't mind leaving my laptop for ten minutes before I go out to sync the files (preferably over Direct LAN or Wireless Connections).

Is there a way to sync both files and programs I install?

Dropbox isn't an option as it only syncs one folder, doesn't have enough space and like most other cloud solutions would be terribly slow.

Solution

If you can create a file share common to both bvckup works brilliantly - it does delta copies (so its fast) and is dead simple. You can set it to do the sync manually. I'd note the original sync has to be one way however.

Otherwise unison might work, but i found initial sync to take ages. Same thing though, does delta copies, but this has its own network backup method, so setting up a file share wouldn't be needed

Comments

[MichaelH]

I just had a quick look at bvckup. Will it be able to backup both ways?

[Thalys]

no, one way only. Unison is a better option there

[chuff]

Welcome to SuperUser! Looks like you've found a useful resource to meet MichaelH's needs. Consider adding to your answer to describe the capabilities of the software more fully and how it addresses the specific concerns he raises. That will make the answer more useful to both him and future readers of the post.