I have two macs on two different floors of an appartment building.  Is
there any program that will allow me to sync chosen folders through
the internet (not a network)?  I know of FolderShare for windows, is
there something similar that will work with macs?

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Request for Question Clarification by maniac-ga on 08 Nov 2004 15:07 PST

Hello Betz,

Could you provide a little more information about your set up?

 - which version of MacOS you are using (both systems)
 - do you have any firewalls between the two systems
 - do you have a common username on both systems
 - do you want changes to be "one way" or "bi directional"? For
example, if machine A updates a file, it will be moved to B, but not
the other direction.

There are a few different methods that can be used but which one will
depend on how you expect to use the connection.
  --Maniac

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Clarification of Question by betz-ga on 08 Nov 2004 17:06 PST

The powerbookG4 has Mac OS 10.2.8.  The iMac is brand new and has the
latest version of OS X.  There isn't a firewall between the systems. 
Both systems have the same username, but they aren't set up such that
you have to login to use the machines.  I would like that the changes
be bi-directional.
Thanks!

Hello Betz,

Let me give you a few alternatives that somewhat span the range in
ease of use and cost.

[1] A commercial product such as
  http://www.academicsuperstore.com/market/marketdisp.html?PartNo=711327
You Synchronize - provides a nice user interface, has several options
and the price is not too high ($35).

[2] A free product w/ GUI such as
  http://archive.macosxlabs.org:16080/rsyncx/intro.html
which describes a GUI add on to rsync. Includes instructions as well
as a web cast describing it. Appears to be free.

[3] A stock system should include
  rsync
From a terminal window, entering something like
  man rsync
will provide some basic instruction. This is the program that runs
underneath rsyncx (#2 above). Depending on your skill with Unix
commands, you can set this up to run periodically if that is desired.

For both #2 and #3, see the notes about running securely using ssh.
You may also have to turn on the sharing protocols (default to off)
and allow the firewall to pass the protocols through. Use System
Preferences -> Sharing to make those changes. Enable ssh through the
item titled "Remote Login".

This should get you started on synchronizing files between the two
systems. Make a clarification request if you need further information.

  --Maniac