I feel kinda stupid asking this, Because basically I just want help on what to search google for. I want to figure how to do this on my own, but need assistance in what direction to start. Here's the run down:

I want to be able to access my girlfriends laptop (and have her access mine if needed), but do not want to be able to change settings or anything. I want to be able to put files (roms for emulators, wallpapers, documents,etc) in a shared folder that she can open and put in whatever directory she wants them in. She has a Dell Latitude D420 with XP (service pack 3) and I have Fujitsu lifebook series 5 - s6240 (distros info to left under my name) with the 2.6.35 kernel. If this can be done wirelessly that would be prefered.

So do I want to look for instructions on how to network the 2? or is there some other way to go about this? Networking is the only way I can think of, But haven't set up a network since windows95/98, cords, and a dell 256 was the norm, never have I done it with linux, and have no idea how linux/windows should or will interact with each other.

Links, tutorials, or just a general search string for me to enter in google would be appreciated to the fullest extent.

Hi,

If you want it to be easy to maintain, bi-directional, propagating updates only, working across platforms, then have a look at Unison File Synchronizer. After setting it up, just drop whatever file you want to share in the synchronized directory, be it in Windows or in Linux, and it will be replicated to the other host automatically. Changes you or your girlfriend make in any document will be propagated to the other side too if you want it to, so at any time you both will have the same files.

Kind regards,

Eric

1 members found this post helpful.

The key word here is "samba" which is used to share data between linux and windows boxes.
http://www.linuxdoc.org/HOWTO/SMB-HOWTO.html#toc7

There are many other tutorials on the net.

1 members found this post helpful.

Eric:

Unison looks like a good bet! I'm reading the main page and FAQ now. Thanks alot for your help.


sycamorex:

I have heard (well read) about Samba and was already looking that up, it's good to see it recommended for my situation though. The link you gave looks pretty in-depth and will probably be my main consulting point (not to say I won't look up others though) I am grateful for the help.


If I where to get both unison and samba would it cause any contridictions or damage? or is this a case where I would be using one or the other?

Hi,

If you go with Samba you'd be sharing the same location so there would be no use for a synchronizer. I pointed you to Unison since it's very easy and involves very little configuration. You would have two copies (albeit synchronized) of the documents instead of one (shared over Samba).

Kind regards,

Eric

1 members found this post helpful.

I don't think they would clash with each other, but using both at the same time seems a bit pointless. Initially, you could set up both and then decide which one works better for you.

1 members found this post helpful.

That sounds like a plan. As Eric said I like the idea of very easy to use and little config needed. But I will install both, and see which tickles my fancy.
Marking as solved now. Thank you both for your quick and useful advice.

Hi,

You're welcome. Enjoy Linux.

Kind regards,

Eric