Synchronizing files with Rsync
STAYING IN SYNC
Rsync lets you synchronize your data – on either a local or remote computer. You can even use Rsync with SSH to encrypt your data.
Rsync keeps your data up to date and helps you stay on top of confusing version changes. The Rsync synchronization tool gives you op tions that help you manage file proper ties; Rsync works well with SSH, and it is perfect for quickly transferring large volumes of data if the target computer already has a copy of a previous version. Rsync checks for differences between the source and target versions of the data and only transfers the data that has changed. In Sync Rsync compares the data on two ma chines. The generic syntax for this is rsync [options] source target. The choice of source and target is critical. Decide carefully in which direction you will be synchronizing to avoid loss of data. The box labeled "Data Unison" discusses an alternative to this one way street based on the Unison tool, which can sync in both directions.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
openSUSE Joins End of 10
openSUSE has decided to not only join the End of 10 movement but it also will no longer support the Deepin Desktop Environment.
-
New Version of Flatpak Released
Flatpak 1.16.1 is now available as the latest, stable version with various improvements.
-
IBM Announces Powerhouse Linux Server
IBM has unleashed a seriously powerful Linux server with the LinuxONE Emperor 5.
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.