How to Set Up File Synchronization with Cinnamon Desktop on Linux Mint

Linux Mint is a popular and user-friendly Linux distribution, and its Cinnamon desktop environment provides a polished, traditional interface. One common requirement for users is file synchronization, whether for backups, accessing files across multiple devices, or sharing files between systems. This guide will walk you through setting up file synchronization on Linux Mint with Cinnamon using various tools, ensuring your data is secure and up-to-date across all your devices.

Why File Synchronization is Important

File synchronization ensures that your data is backed up, accessible, and consistent across different devices or locations. Whether you’re working on multiple machines, need real-time backups, or want to share files efficiently, synchronization solutions help prevent data loss and maintain workflow continuity.

Choosing the Right Synchronization Tool

There are multiple ways to synchronize files on Linux Mint with Cinnamon. The right tool depends on your specific needs:

• rsync – A powerful command-line tool for local and remote file synchronization.
• Syncthing – A peer-to-peer solution for real-time file synchronization.
• Nextcloud – A self-hosted cloud storage solution with file syncing capabilities.
• Dropbox/Google Drive – Cloud-based synchronization for easy accessibility.
• Unison – A bidirectional file synchronization tool.

Let’s explore how to set up file synchronization using some of these options.

1. Setting Up File Synchronization with rsync

rsync is a robust command-line utility that efficiently synchronizes files and directories between local and remote locations.

Installing rsync

Linux Mint comes with rsync pre-installed. If it’s missing, install it using:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install rsync

Basic rsync Usage

To synchronize a local folder to another local folder:

rsync -av --progress /source/directory/ /destination/directory/

• -a: Archive mode (preserves permissions, timestamps, symbolic links, etc.).
• -v: Verbose output.
• --progress: Shows file transfer progress.

Remote Synchronization with rsync

To sync files from a local machine to a remote server:

rsync -avz -e ssh /local/directory/ user@remote:/remote/directory/

• -z: Compresses data during transfer.
• -e ssh: Uses SSH for secure data transfer.

To automate rsync, set up a cron job:

crontab -e

Add a line like:

0 2 * * * rsync -av --delete /source/directory/ /destination/directory/

This runs synchronization every day at 2 AM.

2. Real-Time Synchronization with Syncthing

Syncthing is an open-source, peer-to-peer file synchronization tool that works in real-time without cloud storage.

Installing Syncthing

Install Syncthing on Linux Mint:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install syncthing

Start Syncthing:

syncthing

Access the web interface at http://127.0.0.1:8384/.

Configuring Syncthing

1. Open the Syncthing web UI.
2. Click “Add Remote Device” to add other devices.
3. Click “Add Folder” to specify folders for synchronization.
4. Set file-sharing permissions and choose synchronization options (Send Only, Receive Only, or Full Sync).
5. Accept the connection on the other device to start syncing.

3. Cloud-Based Synchronization with Nextcloud

Nextcloud is a self-hosted cloud solution offering file synchronization similar to Dropbox but with full control over data.

Installing Nextcloud

Use the Snap package to install Nextcloud easily:

sudo snap install nextcloud

Start Nextcloud and complete the setup via the web UI at http://localhost.

Syncing Files with Nextcloud

1. Install the Nextcloud desktop client:

   sudo apt install nextcloud-desktop
   

2. Open the Nextcloud client, log in, and select folders for synchronization.

3. Your files will now be synced between the server and your devices.

4. Using Dropbox and Google Drive

If you prefer cloud-based solutions, you can use Dropbox or Google Drive.

Dropbox Installation

1. Download the Dropbox Linux client:

   sudo apt install nautilus-dropbox
   

2. Launch Dropbox and sign in to start syncing files.

Google Drive with rclone

rclone enables Google Drive access on Linux.

1. Install rclone:

   sudo apt install rclone
   

2. Configure Google Drive:

   rclone config
   

   • Follow the prompts to authenticate with Google Drive.

3. Mount Google Drive:

   rclone mount mydrive: ~/GoogleDrive --daemon
   

   Replace mydrive with your configured remote name.

5. Two-Way Synchronization with Unison

Unison allows bidirectional synchronization, making it a great choice for keeping two systems in sync.

Installing Unison

sudo apt install unison

Setting Up Unison Synchronization

Run the following command to synchronize two directories:

unison /path/to/folder1 /path/to/folder2

For remote synchronization:

unison ssh://user@remote//path/to/folder /local/folder

This keeps changes in sync between local and remote systems.

Conclusion

Setting up file synchronization on Linux Mint with the Cinnamon desktop offers multiple solutions, whether you prefer command-line tools like rsync, real-time peer-to-peer sync with Syncthing, cloud-based solutions like Nextcloud, or mainstream services like Dropbox and Google Drive. The best method depends on your needs—whether local backups, real-time synchronization, or cloud access.

By implementing these synchronization solutions, you can ensure your files are always up to date, secure, and accessible across all your devices. Experiment with these tools and find the one that fits your workflow best!