Synchronize the user folder between Macs via FileVault

Jun 16, '06 07:30:04AM

Contributed by: veloso

I recently bought a MacBook, and have run into the same issue that everyone who owns a desktop and a laptop has: how do you keep the machines in sync? I found out that it's pretty easy, thanks to FileVault. When you enable FileVault, the system creates an encrypted disk image of your user folder, which is automatically mounts when you log in. You can copy this disk image from machine to machine, which transfers your entire user folder in one blow.

There are some setup gotchas, though:

After everything is set up (whew), the basic idea is simple: log in as another user, and copy the disk image from one machine to another. Then log out and log in as yourself. You need to log in as the other user so Mac OS doesn't mount it.

You can use this script to automate the process somewhat. You need to put a copy on each machine, then adjust the REMOTE_HOST and LOCAL_HOST variables to the remote and local machines, respectively.

[robg adds: I haven't tested this one.]

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