How do you sync large libraries between PCs?

retval · 11-02-2025, 12:14 AM

In 2025, how will you sync a large Calibre library (150GB)? I know it can't be done with Google Drive, and Dropbox has very little storage. Synthinc doesn't work either.

Sirtel · 11-02-2025, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retval

In 2025, how will you sync a large Calibre library (150GB)? I know it can't be done with Google Drive, and Dropbox has very little storage. Synthinc doesn't work either.

I do it with Dropbox. I have a paid account with 3TB of storage.

retval · 11-02-2025, 01:59 AM

I'm looking for a free and efficient solution. Ideally, one that doesn't involve the cloud.

Sirtel · 11-02-2025, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retval

I'm looking for a free and efficient solution. Ideally, one that doesn't involve the cloud.

Well, you could use an external drive or set up your own server.

JSWolf · 11-02-2025, 07:47 AM

Get either a NAS, external USB drive, 1TB (or larger) SSD and and a case to be able to use it externally, or a memory card/stick that's at lest 512GB. Then you can use FreeFIleSync to keep your library synced.

However, this is not free. But it is a one time cost. There is no free solution.

Quoth · 11-02-2025, 11:12 AM

Get a free PC that can't be updated to Windows 11 and put Linux Mint with Mate Desktop and ext4 filesystem.

Minimum 32G storage + your library size. 512G is super.
Minimum 1G RAM, 4G is fine. 8G is super.
Almost any 64 bit CPU.
The windows File sharing is called SAMBA.

grsync uses rsync and is very simple.

theducks · 11-02-2025, 11:12 AM

NAS with more than 2 drives (RAID 5 or above) so if a drive fails, you just pop in a new one and it auto repairs

It also permits upsizing the drives. Replace 1 with a bigger drive and wait out the repair. Repeat for each old drive (it can take hours). Oh! Keep your NAS and NETWORK on a UPS to avoid power glitch damage.

11-02-2025, 12:14 AM	#1
retval Enthusiast Posts: 40 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: none	How do you sync large libraries between PCs? In 2025, how will you sync a large Calibre library (150GB)? I know it can't be done with Google Drive, and Dropbox has very little storage. Synthinc doesn't work either.

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11-02-2025, 01:59 AM	#3
retval Enthusiast Posts: 40 Karma: 10 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: none	I'm looking for a free and efficient solution. Ideally, one that doesn't involve the cloud.

11-02-2025, 07:47 AM	#5
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 80,789 Karma: 150249619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	Get either a NAS, external USB drive, 1TB (or larger) SSD and and a case to be able to use it externally, or a memory card/stick that's at lest 512GB. Then you can use FreeFIleSync to keep your library synced. However, this is not free. But it is a one time cost. There is no free solution.

11-02-2025, 11:12 AM	#6
Quoth Still reading Posts: 15,009 Karma: 111111255 Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Ireland Device: All 4 Kinds: epub eink, Kindle, android eink, NxtPaper	Get a free PC that can't be updated to Windows 11 and put Linux Mint with Mate Desktop and ext4 filesystem. Minimum 32G storage + your library size. 512G is super. Minimum 1G RAM, 4G is fine. 8G is super. Almost any 64 bit CPU. The windows File sharing is called SAMBA. grsync uses rsync and is very simple.

11-02-2025, 11:12 AM	#7
theducks Well trained by Cats Posts: 31,270 Karma: 61916422 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Central Coast of California Device: Kobo Libra2,Kobo Aura2v1, K4NT(Fixed: New Bat.), Galaxy Tab A	NAS with more than 2 drives (RAID 5 or above) so if a drive fails, you just pop in a new one and it auto repairs It also permits upsizing the drives. Replace 1 with a bigger drive and wait out the repair. Repeat for each old drive (it can take hours). Oh! Keep your NAS and NETWORK on a UPS to avoid power glitch damage.