Connecting 2 PCs, and file sharing

[GeordieJedi]

Hi all.

Ok, I'm wanting to share files between my two PCs.
(However, I reckon I've now overthought this. And I'm thinking round in circles).

For example,

I have 2 PCs (1 x desktop 1 x laptop). My laptop has become my main machine however, my
desktop has most of my data on it (music and photos in particular).

I would like to know the best way to connect and transfer files between the two machines
(preferably via a GUI).

E.G. I have new photos on my laptop and I'd like to transfer them to the desktop PC.
But I need to do this visually so that I can compare the two directories and just copy
what I need to across.

1.How do I connect my two PCs and and share my files ?
Can I use my router (downstairs) via wifi to connect both machines together ?

2.How do I transfer my files between my two PCs ?
Samba, SSH, remote desktop ? Ethernet cable ?


Useful Info

2 PCs both running Ubuntu 12.04 + KDE
1 x laptop
1 x desktop

Both PCs are located upstairs (next to each other), and use wifi to connect to the
internet via a (router which is downstairs).

Both PCs are not connected to one another.



Thanks in advance for any help.

[nelz]

If they are both connected to the router, they re potentially connected to one another. You could set up NFS or Samba to share directories, but for your needs, Unison may be a simpler option.

[bobthebob1234]

If they can ping each other then happy days

I just install ssh (server) on all my machines then I can just use sftp://hostname and boom i'm in. Access any file and no faffing with samba or the like.

[GregS]

Hi all.

Ok, I'm wanting to share files between my two PCs.
(However, I reckon I've now overthought this. And I'm thinking round in circles).

For example,

ave 2 PCs (1 x desktop 1 x laptop). My laptop has become my main machine however, my
desktop has most of my data on it (music and photos in particular).

I would like to know the best way to connect and transfer files between the two machines
(preferably via a GUI).

I have seen advertised a USB crossover cable that makes a second PC appear as a removable drive on the host PC. For a one-off connection you appear to want, that may be the less complex solution.

[Dutch_Master]

But he has to spend money, whereas the earlier solution is free

Anyway, given that both run Linux, connecting via NFS isn't a major obstacle. And configuring NFS isn't that difficult, using Webmin (even I can manage that )

[dandnsmith]

With Ubuntu 12.04, wouldn't CIFS be the easiest - there isn't really anything to set up (unlike there used to be for SAMBA)?

[wyliecoyoteuk]

CIFS is Samba.

[dandnsmith]

Apologies for my lack of understanding - caused by moderately recent use of the term CIFS instead of SAMBA, as if they were different. I should have researched it.

[wyliecoyoteuk]

No Probs.
CIFS is the new name for the SMB protocol.
Blame Microsoft.

[purplepenguin]

I like sshfs.

When I was new to Linux I was terrified by NFS/samba. I found sshfs to be really easy and stuck with it. It connects my XBMC to my mediaserver.

[GeordieJedi]

So can I get the (remote ?) HDD's/directories to show up like an external drive or a regular old HDD partition ?
(via a GUI). How would I achieve that ?

When I use network manager on my machines, they each see the SSID of the router.
Do I need to get the IP address of the machine that I want to connect to and then try to connect that way ?
Using what programme ?

Also, I had read (in an old LXF special) that NFS wasn't the best solution nower-days as it's insecure ??
Which seems a shame, as it looks like a good solution.


Thanks for the help so-far.

[Dutch_Master]

Yes, NFS is inherently insecure (hence the existence of sshfs) but on a local network (with decent, modern router) still a viable option... (I use it too )

Basic steps:

• edit the file /etc/exports on the server (the machine where the shared folder resides) and allow export of the directory to named clients, or all clients.
• edit the file /etc/fstab on the client (where the directory is to show up) to add the NFS share like a partition. The mount point for this "partition" needs to exist!
• reboot both.
• Double-click the Computer icon (on Debian, may have a different name in other distro's) and then double-click the icon for the NFS share. It now opens in a new window.

Read the man-page for NFS for studying various options.

Code: Select all

man nfs