Contents
Abstract
If using multiple operating systems (OS) simultaneously, it is often necessary to exchange files among them. Different systems may reside on different partitions on the same machine or on different machines across your network. There are various approaches to file exchange with different basic instructions and possible pitfalls.
![]() | Scenarios for Private Home Networks Only |
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Do not use the following scenarios in networks other than your own private and trusted home network that is protected by a firewall. Implementing high security measures for the configurations featured in the following sections is beyond the scope of this document. |
Exchanging data may encompass either one of the following tasks:
To copy your data means to transfer your data from one system to the other. This results in identical objects on both the source and the target system.
Synchronizing data is a special way to copy data. If you change a file on one computer, it is automatically changed on the other computer after the synchronization. For example, think of a laptop that contains your modified files and you want to have the same contents on your desktop computer.
Sharing your files means establishing a client/server relationship. The server provides files that can be accessed by the client. When changing a file, you modify it on the server, not locally on the client. File servers typically serve a large number of clients simultaneously.
The following list provides a number of possible scenarios involving file transfer:
Many users have an operating system preinstalled by their vendor and run Linux in a separate partition. Refer to Section 11.3, “Accessing Files on Different OS on the Same Computer” for more information.
Save the data to any media (CD, DVD, USB flash drive, or external hard disk) and connect these to the target machine to copy your files. This solution is inexpensive, intuitive, and straightforward. However, you need the appropriate drives or ports on both computers. Media are suited to occasional file transfers with limited file size. If you need a more permanent solution, consider connecting them with a network.
Set up a server of any kind on one computer, connect the server and the client, and transfer the files from server to client. Choose from various protocols available and pick the one that best matches your needs and expertise.
The client/server setup requires more expertise and maintenance efforts, but is better suited to routine transfer needs and exchange with multiple systems. If you are looking for a permanent file exchange, choose a client/server-based method. This method does not impose any limits on the amount of data that can be transferred. See Section 11.2, “Access Methods”.
This scenario requires connection of different networks and is beyond the scope of this document. Transfer files as if the computers were not connected to a network.