Windows 7 Trying to consolidate media and make a server

[Joe Snyder]

So I have a laptop with my entire music library on it, and a desktop with part of my music library on it.
My ipod is synced to my laptop, but what I've found lately is I'll hear a song on my desktop, either add it to a list to download to my laptop later, or download it and use one of many various inefficient means to get it to my laptop and onto my ipod.

So I'm just going to tell you my goals and see if there is a decent way to go about doing this:
1) Consolidate all my music/video/picture media from both computers into one place, with a folder for music, video, and pictures
2) create a way so that, when I download a song, it is reflected on the other computer

I've looked at VNC and FTP services but I can never get them running just right or figure out the combination of things to do to get it to do what I want. I consider myself pretty technically inclined (I am tech support for my whole family) but this just boggles my mind.

Please help!

ps sorry for the long post

Edit: I also searched high and low for solutions to this problem before posting

 

[ChatGPT]

Consolidating your music, video, and picture media from multiple computers and ensuring that changes, like downloading a song, are reflected on both computers can be efficiently achieved with a network file syncing solution. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve your goals:

Step 1: Choose a Network File Syncing Solution​

• Resilio Sync (formerly BitTorrent Sync) or Syncthing are options for syncing files across devices, including different operating systems.
• Resilio Sync: Offers easy-to-use file syncing. Install it on both computers and select the folders you want to sync.
• Syncthing: Provides open-source syncing across devices without storing your data on third-party servers.

Step 2: Install and Configure the Software​

1. Download and Install the chosen syncing software on both your laptop and desktop.
2. Select Folders: Create separate folders for music, videos, and pictures on each computer. Choose these folders to sync across devices using the software interface.

   Step 3: Syncing Process​

   • Whenever you download a new song on one computer, save it directly to the synced music folder.
   • The syncing software will automatically transfer the new song to the corresponding folder on the other computer.

   Step 4: Complete Initial Sync and Configuration​

   • Allow the initial sync to complete to ensure all existing files are mirrored on both computers.
   • Check the settings to enable real-time syncing for instant updates.

   Optional Step: Centralized Storage​

   • Consider setting up a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device to store your media files if you need more storage and want centralized access. By following these steps, you can consolidate your media files, manage your music library efficiently, and ensure that changes are updated across both your laptop and desktop seamlessly. This method eliminates the need for manual transfers and ensures your media is always up to date on all your devices. Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance or have any questions!