Syncing new iMac M4 to 2019 Intel MacBook Pro

[Woodsman Rick]

I just purchased an iMac M4 and would like to be able to sync with my 2019 Intel MacBook Pro. iCloud seems to want to sync everything to ALL devices including our iPhone although I have really only tried syncing passwords and mail. What is the best, simple and secure way to do this. I do have ChronoSync I might use if needed. I really am not so sure about security with the cloud... I'm old fashioned.

 

[chabig]

iCloud is the easiest way. Turn on all syncing, especially the Desktop & Documents folders. Keep all of your data and documents in those two folders and iCloud will keep the machines in sync. Advanced data protection will keep your data secure:

Advanced Data Protection for iCloud

iCloud uses best-in-class security technologies and employs strict policies to protect user data, including end-to-end encryption for 14 data categories such as Health, passwords in iCloud Keychain, and more.

support.apple.com

How to turn on Advanced Data Protection for iCloud - Apple Support

Advanced Data Protection for iCloud offers our highest level of cloud data security and protects the majority of your iCloud data using end-to-end encryption.

support.apple.com

 

[Woodsman Rick]

The whole "home" folder is not an option?

 

[chabig]

No. Its not. When you turn on Desktop & Documents, your documents folder is moved out of your home folder and into the iCloud folder.

Music and Photos sync on their own. Other files you want synced need to be in the Documents folder.

 

[Woodsman Rick]

Interesting. So what if one no longer has access to the internet/iCloud for any number of reasons? Data is no longer on our Mac/s?

 

[chabig]

It depends on this setting:



Full description here:

Add your Desktop and Documents files to iCloud Drive - Apple Support

Learn how to share your files from your Mac Desktop and Documents folders to all of your devices with iCloud Drive.

support.apple.com

I keep my MacBook optimized and my Mac Mini not optimized. That way, all iCloud data exists on my Mini, which is backed up locally to a large external drive. This method means that I don't need a large SSD on my MacBook.

 

[Woodsman Rick]

Thank you very much! You have been very helpful. I guess I need to calculate how much iCloud storage I will need.

 

[gilby101]

I do have ChronoSync I might use if needed.

That would be one of my choice. That allows you sync precisely what you want.

I do use CS, but also Resilio Sync. I prefer that for instant sync of changes. It also works remotely if you need sync when using your MacBook Pro away from home.