ChronoSync 4 to synch 1P between two machines

Mark Sealey

<div class="IPBDescription">Some tips and a question, please</div>[url="http://forum.agile.ws/index.php?/topic/3173-dropbox-alternatives/page__p__18412__hl__chronosync__fromsearch__1#entry18412"]This thread[/url] changed course towards security issues, so may I start another one on the topic of [url="http://www.econtechnologies.com/pages/cs/chrono_overview.html"][i]ChronoSync[/i][/url] synching of the 1P keychain between machines?



Relatively new to [i]1P[/i] (10.6.6, 3.5.7, 4.1.2).



Wanted to do a one-way synch from early 2008 Mac Pro to laptop.



Tried it with unsatisfactory results in two regards:

[list=1]

[*]the version on the laptop wasn't consistently receiving updates, and

[*]when I [url="http://forum.agile.ws/index.php?/topic/3173-dropbox-alternatives/page__p__18427#entry18427"]figured that out[/url] (Options > Dissect on does seem necessary), I still had different size [i]1P[/i] databases on each machine

[/list]

I think I solved that by running 'Preferences > Advanced > Rebuild Data File' on the target machine.



I'd really prefer [i]ChronoSync[/i] to DropBox ([b]am also worried about security: need I be?[/b])



Anyone else managed it consistently?

khad

Mark,



I don't have any personal experience with ChronoSync, but you might consider perusing our [url="http://help.agile.ws/1Password3/cloud_storage_security.html"]Security of storing 1Password data in the Cloud[/url] document. All of us at Agile sync securely via Dropbox every day. Also, ChronoSync will not sync with our iOS apps if that is a consideration for you.



You might need to contact ChronoSync support and inquire about file bundles. Your data file ([font="Menlo"]1Password.agilekeychain[/font]) is a file bundle and while it should sync properly the same as a folder, I know there have been/still are issues with other sync solutions in that regard.



Please let me know what you find out!

Mark Sealey

Hi Khad,



(In passing, I wonder if there's a fault in my Forum settings: I had emil me when someone replies checked, but didn't get a notification of your reply?)



[quote name='khad' timestamp='1298105533' post='20930']…I don't have any personal experience with ChronoSync, but you might consider perusing our [url="http://help.agile.ws/1Password3/cloud_storage_security.html"]Security of storing 1Password data in the Cloud[/url] document. All of us at Agile sync securely via Dropbox every day.[/quote]

Thanks, Yes; I'd considered DropBox. But am nervous of having a potentially unsupported-by-Apple extension to Mac OS. I keep a fanatically clean system and am worried that DropBox may potentially compromise that.



Could it be?



[quote name='khad' timestamp='1298105533' post='20930']Also, ChronoSync will not sync with our iOS apps if that is a consideration for you.[/quote]

It most certainly is a consideration; thanks.



[quote name='khad' timestamp='1298105533' post='20930']You might need to contact ChronoSync support and inquire about file bundles.[/quote]

Yes, I emailed Joe last night.



[quote name='khad' timestamp='1298105533' post='20930'] Your data file ([font="Menlo"]1Password.agilekeychain[/font]) is a file bundle and while it should sync properly the same as a folder, I know there have been/still are issues with other sync solutions in that regard.[/quote]

It really does seem as though, using ChronoSync, I have to Rebuild my 1Password Data File after each sync.



Is that what you'd expect?



(And, I suppose I have to ask, could I be risking the integrity of the data file by not doing so and working on it? I suspect, Yes <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_sadsmile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-(' />.)

khad

[quote](In passing, I wonder if there's a fault in my Forum settings: I had emil me when someone replies checked, but didn't get a notification of your reply?)[/quote]

I will investigate this. I know we have made some changes to the email settings recently (to fix a previous problem). Something may have been "bumped" in the process.



[quote]Thanks, Yes; I'd considered DropBox. But am nervous of having a potentially unsupported-by-Apple extension to Mac OS. I keep a fanatically clean system and am worried that DropBox may potentially compromise that.[/quote]

I try to keep my system tidy as well. However, Dropbox is one of the first applications I install when I reinstall OS X or purchase a new machine. It is not an "extension" or hack in any way. It is simply a background process the same as iTunesHelper. Where iTunesHelper is a part of iTunes that detects when you plug in an iOS device, Dropbox detects changes to your Dropbox folder and keeps them synchronized across all your computers and devices. It doesn't "hook into" the OS any more than any other application. It just always runs in the menu bar so it can do its job. I have used other sync solutions in the past and Dropbox is the best one I have ever tried. I assure you I don't say that lightly. As you may have noticed trying to set up ChronoSync, many sync solutions have a hard time matching their behavior with your expectations. If you have specific needs that Dropbox cannot meet, a product like ChronoSync is absolutely essential. However, Dropbox is lightweight, only shows up in the menu bar, and Just Works™. Put a file in the Dropbox folder and it shows up on your other computers. It really doesn't get any simpler. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />



[quote]It really does seem as though, using ChronoSync, I have to Rebuild my 1Password Data File after each sync. Is that what you'd expect?[/quote]

It is possible if ChronoSync does not support resource forks and/or file bundles. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_sadsmile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-(' />



[quote](And, I suppose I have to ask, could I be risking the integrity of the data file by not doing so and working on it? I suspect, Yes .)[/quote]

Always make sure your 1Password data is backed up. By default, 1Password creates a backup any and every day there is a change since the previous backup. The most recent fifty backups are saved, but you can change this (Preferences > Backup). One of the many benefits of Dropbox is that in addition to syncing your data, it is effectively an automatic offsite backup as well.



Sorry if it sounds like I am trying to sell you on it. I promise I don't get a kickback from Dropbox or anything. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> I just really love its simplicity and the fact that I have never had to tweak any settings to get it to work.



Let me know if you hear back from ChronoSync. I'm sure some other folks would be interested to hear what they say. I know I am.

Mark Sealey

Khad,



Thanks very much for all that!



In fact, I'm rapidly moving towards DropBox. I spent an hour or two trying to find a bad word for it online. Drew a virtual blank.



Ryan at Econ is being extremely helpful. But so far, with 'Allow Package Selection' [b]un[/b]checked, 'Dissect Packages' [b]checked[/b] and the other settings I've come to know and love all as I think they should be, when I make a change in [i]1password[/i] on my MacPro and run a [i]Chronosync[/i] document, it isn't consistently reflected in my MacBook [i]1Password[/i] data <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_sadsmile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-(' />.



I suspect this speaks for itself.



[quote name='khad' timestamp='1298247214' post='21015']…Dropbox is one of the first applications I install when I reinstall OS X or purchase a new machine…Put a file in the Dropbox folder and it shows up on your other computers.…

It is possible if ChronoSync does not support resource forks and/or file bundles. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_sadsmile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-(' />…[/quote]

Not at all! I value your advice. Thanks.



[quote]Sorry if it sounds like I am selling you on it. I promise I don't get a kickback from Dropbox or anything…[/quote]

khad

I'm glad I could be of service. Please let me know if you give Dropbox a try. I would love to know how it goes for you!

Mark Sealey

Khad,



Thanks for your complimentary reply on the MUD posts <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />.



Just as everyone said it would, [i]1P[/i] has fast become one of my favourite pieces of s/w.



[b]I've now switched to DropBox[/b]. Again - just as you said it would - it obviously is the way to go.



I shall still pursue the [i]ChronoSync[/i] solution and post here if I get a satisfactory process.



All your help, again, so much appreciated <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_wink.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';-)' />.



[quote name='khad' timestamp='1298259231' post='21027']I'm glad I could be of service. Please let me know if you give Dropbox a try. I would love to know how it goes for you![/quote]

khad

Mark, that is just great! I'm glad you ended up trying Dropbox. I really do think you will love it. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_bigsmile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-D' />



It was my pleasure to see your post on MacUpdate. It means the world to us all that you would take the time.



Cheers!

Mark Sealey

Khad,



Really happy with DropBox.



[b]Is is safe to Quit [i]1Password[/i] even while DropBox is synching/updating any changes I just made in it?[/b]



Thanks!



[quote name='khad' timestamp='1298273805' post='21050']Mark, that is just great! I'm glad you ended up trying Dropbox. I really do think you will love it. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_bigsmile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-D' />[/quote]



My pleasure! Any anywhere else for that matter <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />.

[quote]It was my pleasure to see your post on MacUpdate. It means the world to us all that you would take the time. Cheers![/quote]

khad

[quote]Really happy with DropBox.[/quote]

Huzzah!



[quote]Is is safe to Quit 1Password even while DropBox is synching/updating any changes I just made in it?[/quote]

Yup. Dropbox only syncs changes after they have already been written safely to your drive. Dropbox works independently from 1Password. You just use 1Password as you would normally and don't give a thought to Dropbox. It's a big change from coddling and babysitting some other sync solutions — "Did I quit/disconnect/unplug too soon?!" — but eventually you will learn to relax. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' />



Dropbox is smart enough to handle closing your laptop and relocating to another part of town mid-sync. It works when it can and stays out of your way.

Mark Sealey

Khad,



You're so right. Thanks a lot!



Have for the first time made a massive set of changes on one machine today, and found them all mirrored on the other.



What would happen, though if I launched [i]1P[/i] before DropBox had finished its download to my DropBox folder?



[quote name='khad' timestamp='1298337523' post='21101']…Yup. Dropbox only syncs changes after they have already been written safely to your drive. Dropbox works independently from 1Password. You just use 1Password as you would normally and don't give a thought to Dropbox. It's a big change from coddling and babysitting some other sync solutions — "Did I quit/disconnect/unplug too soon?!" — but eventually you will learn to relax. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':lol:' /> Dropbox is smart enough to handle closing your laptop and relocating to another part of town mid-sync. It works when it can and stays out of your way.[/quote]

khad

The changes may take a moment to be reflected in that case. Fortunately, Dropbox syncs almost instantly, so you would almost have to [i]try[/i] to trip it up in order to do so. Although, even "tripping it up" doesn't actually break anything. That's the beauty of it. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />

Mark Sealey

Thanks.



Thinking back to [i]ChronoSync 4[/i], I'm 99% certain that the way to do it is by using one-way mirroring (so two files to do bidirectional synching) and Dissect Packages checked.



I tried this between two instances of [i]1P[/i] and compared the byte counts after such a synch: identical <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />.



[quote name='khad' timestamp='1298361030' post='21114']The changes may take a moment to be reflected in that case. Fortunately, Dropbox syncs almost instantly, so you would almost have to [i]try[/i] to trip it up in order to do so. Although, even "tripping it up" doesn't actually break anything. That's the beauty of it. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />[/quote]

mikebore

Just a "me too" type reply.



I had exactly the same problems with Chronosync that the OP described. In the end I did get it to work consistently, by chosing settings which forced Chronsosync to copy the whole file to the other computer every time. Can't recall the exact settings but it went pretty deep into the Chronosync menus. This was only a one way sync.



I was also very resistant to Dropbox, but tried it and never looked back. No problems, wonderful, iPhone as well.

khad

Thanks for letting us know, mikebore! <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/skype_smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':-)' />



I can't imagine going back to any other sync solution at this point. Remember device cradles and manual syncing?! Ugh. <img src='http://forum.agile.ws/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':blink:' />