PC-to-PC Synchronization
PC-to-PC Synchronization is the name of a file synchronization feature included in pre-release builds of the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. The feature was designed to replicate files in user profile folders across multiple machines on a home network without requiring a centralized server infrastructure.[1] In pre-release builds of Windows Vista, the PC-to-PC synchronization feature could be accessed from user profile folders via a Sync with Other PCs option located on the Command Bar or context menus of these folders in Windows Explorer.[1][2] Once a user established a sync relationship between PCs by using PC-to-PC Sync, data would automatically be replicated across the PCs without requiring user interaction.[1]
In June 2006, Microsoft announced that PC-to-PC synchronization would not be included in the RTM version of the operating system. A Microsoft spokeswoman stated that this decision was made because the feature did not have the level of quality that its customers desired, but added that Microsoft planned to deliver the feature in the future.[3]
Microsoft documentation explains that PC-to-PC synchronization was intended to be made available for all editions of Windows Vista excluding Starter and Home Basic.[1]
Availability
Windows Vista Build 5112 is the first build known to include this feature. It is available as a "Sync with other PCs..." option on the context menu of user profile folders including Desktop, Documents, Favorites, Music, Pictures, and Videos, but an option for the feature is not present on the Command Bar of Windows Explorer.
Starting with Windows Vista Build 5219, PC-to-PC synchronization works with a Contacts profile folder that was not present in previous versions, which allows users to sync contacts between PCs connected on the same network.
Gallery
An Aero Wizard for PC-to-PC Sync in Windows Vista Build 5112.
An option on the context menu of a user's Pictures profile folder to sync items with other PCs in Windows Vista Build 5112.
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Microsoft. "Windows Vista Beta 2 Product Guide" p. 115.
- ↑ Microsoft TechNet. "Windows Vista Self-Guided Tour"
- ↑ Foley, Mary. (June 8, 2006). "Another Windows Vista Feature Bites the Dust"
