Multi-computer setup?

[stumped]

i agree there is not a complete multi user /multi device functionality built in, but its meant to be a library not an airline reservation system. if you can live with some self imposed delays i have seen various workaround solutions outlined in other threads, e.g. using staging areas in cloud , at then a batch update from a designated master device.

i also agree that" dropbox direct" is very robust for one sensible user. Even the free tier has a 30 day rollback. so if you are a regular user, you should be able to rollback most if not all problems.

you could add a weekly or monthly one way sync in the other direction to that setup e.g. from dropbox to your archiving device and make that a timed windows task

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by stumped

you could add a weekly or monthly one way sync in the other direction to that setup e.g. from dropbox to your archiving device and make that a timed windows task

Yes, I do backups regularly to multiple external drives. It's only sensible not to put all one's eggs in one basket.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Mirroring only helps if you work with your library on a single device only (I mean work with the files and metadata, not read). There is still no solution for working with your library on multiple computers and tablets. Other than Dropbox, which has its risks. Personally I'm willing to risk it. Others might not be.

There is a solution for multiple computers. Setup a network. I've been doing it for years. I make sure all the computer are accessing the same drive letter.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

There is a solution for multiple computers. Setup a network. I've been doing it for years. I make sure all the computer are accessing the same drive letter.

But putting your active library on a network drive has the same risks as keeping it in Dropbox.

[theducks]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Mirroring only helps if you work with your library on a single device only (I mean work with the files and metadata, not read). There is still no solution for working with your library on multiple computers and tablets. Other than Dropbox, which has its risks. Personally I'm willing to risk it. Others might not be.

Remote desktop connection (Calibre host has to be Windows PRO). Remote clients are free for common OS.

VNC (there are versions that are more secure). I like this for supporting users, because their screen can stay active and either end can 'drive' . "Show me what you are doing"

Anyone remember PCAnywhere?

Remote solutions DO have some security issues. Proper configuration (including the Router pinhole) can reduce exposure.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by theducks

Remote desktop connection (Calibre host has to be Windows PRO). Remote clients are free for common OS.

VNC (there are versions that are more secure). I like this for supporting users, because their screen can stay active and either end can 'drive' . "Show me what you are doing"

Anyone remember PCAnywhere?

Remote solutions DO have some security issues. Proper configuration (including the Router pinhole) can reduce exposure.

For this to work at least one of the computers has to be online 24/7, doesn't it? That's not feasible for me.

Edit: I might try it. My main laptop is Windows 10 Pro. But I'd still like to let it sleep sometimes, poor thing.

[PeterT]

My approach (and again this is just mine) is to use FFS to do a one way sync from my PC to my QNAP server that runs a COPS instance. I use FFSs ability to monitor for change and do a real time sync when the calibre library is stable (no changes detected for 5 minutes).

[ilovejedd]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

But putting your active library on a network drive has the same risks as keeping it in Dropbox.

Exactly. Dropbox is a syncing service so Calibre is still working off off a local copy. The only risk is when multiple Calibre instances try to access it at the same time and that's a risk you run with network shares as well.