So you have two computers that are not in the same place, and you want them to share the same synchronised folder, communicating directly with each other.


A 6 minute screencast showing how to share files between your computers in different locations, such as home and work.

You can add even more computers using the same method shown here.


If you have a laptop that is sometimes near another computer, you can speed up file transfers when it is by also connecting it using the local pairing walkthrough.

I've noticed that it is also possible to add an existing annex folder on a remote server without using syncing. Are there any dangers in doing this?

Could you explain what syncing does and when it is needed? Thanks.

I'm afraid I don't quite understand the question.
Comment by http://joeyh.name/ Tue Jul 30 18:08:38 2013

I try to understand how to setup git-annex for the following use case:

Two computers, that are paired via remote sharing, using some cloud repository for transfer, and a local NAS for backups.

These two computers are sometimes in the same network, sometimes in different networks, and sometimes even without network at all. From what I read, it should be possible to bypass the cloud when these two machines are on the same network, which sounds great.

Would it be possible to use a portable drive as "another link" between these two computers that can be used to sync them even if there is no network between them?

And as you write, if the pairing has been set up manually, then everything is fine - so could it be that it is really easy and only necessary to setup the git-annex on the local drive as an additional remote on both (or only one?) machine?

thanks for any insight!

You can easily use a removable drive as a transfer repository to sync two computers that have no network connection. Just use the webapp to add the drive on one computer. The drive will be set up as a transfer repository by default. The webapp will automatically start copying all your files to it. Then you can disconnect the drive, bring it to the other computer, and repeat the process. Everything from the first computer will then sync over from the drive to the second computer. And repeat moving the drive back and forth to keep things in sync.
Comment by http://joeyh.name/ Tue Nov 12 18:18:16 2013
Thanks - I was hoping that it is that easy. I'll try that as soon as I have a working version of the latest git-annex (trying to build with brew for Mac OS X 10.9, but without success so far).
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