MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Multi-computer setup?

JenniferSoucy · 07-18-2020, 12:46 PM

OK, I have a slightly unusual use case that I'm trying to decide what the best way to set it up is. My setup:

1. "Server" Mac: Runs calibre, has the database and library stored on a local drive and synced with Dropbox. (I've been syncing Calibre with Dropbox for years and not had a problem.) Is a bit out of the way in my house, so I don't want to go to where the computer is to sync my Kobo Libra H2O. I also have this Mac set up with an external IP and a few people who occasionally access the Calibre content / web server, so *ideally* it ought to be running as much as possible for maximum access. Have considered setting up calibre-web on this computer instead. Also have one local user that uses the web server for wirelessly adding books to a Kindle; also have this setup where downloaded books are automatically imported to Calibre as soon as they are added to a folder.

In an absolutely ideal world I'd be able to not make the web server read-only, as I have both Kindle and iPhones accessing it and I don't have ALL of my books in both ePub and AZW3, so being able to hit the "convert this" button is pretty handy. On the other hand if read-only web access is better I can just set this thing to running a pretty massive conversion on everything and call it good.

2. "My" Mac - on my desk, currently best way to add books to my Kobo. Obviously if I run Calibre here I have to turn it off on the "Server" Mac before using it to prevent data corruption.

3. Kobo Libra H2o which I - ideally - want to leave as stock as possible, but would also like to be able to add books to wirelessly. As far as I can tell this is not possible without using KOReader; if anyone knows elsewise I'd love to know that.

So.... all that explained, what is the *best* way of setting up Calibre and on which computer to accomplish all this - autoadding books, externally facing web server, ability to manage books and sync Kobo on separate computer. I suspect there's a better answer than just turning Calibre on and off in each place hen I want to use it, I just don't know what it is.

(While I'm at it, if there's a way to automate Calibre checking all books to see if there's both an ePub and an AZW3, convert as needed, and remove other formats, that would be AMAZING. But I don't know enough scripting to do it.)

07-18-2020, 12:46 PM	#1
JenniferSoucy Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jun 2018 Device: Kindle Paperwhite, iPhone	Multi-computer setup? OK, I have a slightly unusual use case that I'm trying to decide what the best way to set it up is. My setup: 1. "Server" Mac: Runs calibre, has the database and library stored on a local drive and synced with Dropbox. (I've been syncing Calibre with Dropbox for years and not had a problem.) Is a bit out of the way in my house, so I don't want to go to where the computer is to sync my Kobo Libra H2O. I also have this Mac set up with an external IP and a few people who occasionally access the Calibre content / web server, so ideally it ought to be running as much as possible for maximum access. Have considered setting up calibre-web on this computer instead. Also have one local user that uses the web server for wirelessly adding books to a Kindle; also have this setup where downloaded books are automatically imported to Calibre as soon as they are added to a folder. In an absolutely ideal world I'd be able to not make the web server read-only, as I have both Kindle and iPhones accessing it and I don't have ALL of my books in both ePub and AZW3, so being able to hit the "convert this" button is pretty handy. On the other hand if read-only web access is better I can just set this thing to running a pretty massive conversion on everything and call it good. 2. "My" Mac - on my desk, currently best way to add books to my Kobo. Obviously if I run Calibre here I have to turn it off on the "Server" Mac before using it to prevent data corruption. 3. Kobo Libra H2o which I - ideally - want to leave as stock as possible, but would also like to be able to add books to wirelessly. As far as I can tell this is not possible without using KOReader; if anyone knows elsewise I'd love to know that. So.... all that explained, what is the best way of setting up Calibre and on which computer to accomplish all this - autoadding books, externally facing web server, ability to manage books and sync Kobo on separate computer. I suspect there's a better answer than just turning Calibre on and off in each place hen I want to use it, I just don't know what it is. (While I'm at it, if there's a way to automate Calibre checking all books to see if there's both an ePub and an AZW3, convert as needed, and remove other formats, that would be AMAZING. But I don't know enough scripting to do it.)