Storing data on Mac and Windows

[circatee]

Curious on how others are handling this.
Currently I am running Mac OS (Mac Mini) and also have a Windows PC.

Data is stored in the cloud (iCloud, Google Drive and OneDrive).
Windows has a local copy on a USB drive. Mac has TimeMachine for backups.

Looking for suggestions to keep local copies of documents in sync between Mac and Windows.

Been thinking of purchasing a USB drive for the Mac. But, then how to keep both Mac and Windows docs in sync. I am constantly working on both computers. Hence, the question...

 

[velocityg4]

1. Setup a NAS. Connect each to the NAS. Use that as the data storage for both computers. With shortcuts to key folders.

Use Freefilesync to sync folders you also want stored locally for travel. You could even go so far as to setup a VPN. Then have secure access to your NAS worldwide.

You may also add drives to the NAS for backups.

2. Do as above. Instead of a prebuilt NAS. DIY one with an old computer.

3. Leave one computer always on and enable file sharing.

Basically all options follow the concept of setting up some sites of file server.

 

[circatee]

1. Setup a NAS. Connect each to the NAS. Use that as the data storage for both computers. With shortcuts to key folders.

Use Freefilesync to sync folders you also want stored locally for travel. You could even go so far as to setup a VPN. Then have secure access to your NAS worldwide.

You may also add drives to the NAS for backups.

2. Do as above. Instead of a prebuilt NAS. DIY one with an old computer.

3. Leave one computer always on and enable file sharing.

Basically all options follow the concept of setting up some sites of file server.

Brilliant ideas. Thanks for sharing.

 

[circatee]

I have a 2TB LaCie drive on my Windows desktop. To me, it makes sense to move that drive to my Mac Mini, then share it (since the Mac Mini is my primary). Thus, when using the Windows PC, I can access/copy data, as needed.

Now I need to look into a decent USB hub. With adding the LaCie to the Mac Mini, I would need another USB A port.
My idea is to purchase a USB C hub, with USB A ports on it. Then, connect my LaCie drive, Logitech Camera and my Samsung SSD for Time Machine backups to it.

Thoughts...

 

[Boyd01]

Probably not the answer you're looking for, but since you asked... I always found sharing data between my PC and Mac very frustrating. One year ago I got rid of the PC and replaced it with a Windows 10 virtual machine under Parallels on my 2018 Mini. Really happy with this, the Windows/MacOS integration is great and it's actually faster than my old PC. All my files are stored on the Mac where they get backed up with Time Machine and Carbon Copy.

But, of course, if you have an M1 Mac then this isn't a practical solution.

 

[velocityg4]

Probably not the answer you're looking for, but since you asked... I always found sharing data between my PC and Mac very frustrating. One year ago I got rid of the PC and replaced it with a Windows 10 virtual machine under Parallels on my 2018 Mini. Really happy with this, the Windows/MacOS integration is great and it's actually faster than my old PC. All my files are stored on the Mac where they get backed up with Time Machine and Carbon Copy.

But, of course, if you have an M1 Mac then this isn't a practical solution.

One trick is never to use the network browsing in the OS to find each other. Setup shortcuts tied to their IP addresses. Of course you have to set static addresses for both on the network. At least you no longer have to rely on them finding each other. Instead you're telling them exactly where to look.