data versus profile locations and access to multiple users

makunkel
We are using zotero to keep all our department references using one profile. Initially we were using the zotero storage for everything on several computers pointing to the same account, but recently ran out of space. We have moved the entire profile/data directory and file structure to one of our servers to store everything locally as we don't need internet access for referencing. We pointed (Zotero preferences, Data Directory Location) the standalone to this new location and also turned syncing off. This seems to be working but its confusing how and if standalone is updating the data files versus the PDF attachments (we never link files)? Also, can data syncing be left on without file syncing to Zotero servers or should we only use our local copy with all computers pointed to this one profile/data center?

Sorry, I am not IT savvy, so this may sound like gibberish.
  • adamsmith
    We have moved the entire profile/data directory and file structure to one of our servers
    no, dont' do that. Best case you'll get people running into locked databases and errors, worst case you'll corrupt your database.
  • makunkel
    ok, is there any way to use local storage safely as we don't need internet access to everything?
  • makunkel
    For example, if the files are stored on the server, can we only sync data to the zotero server using the same account? I don't entirely understand if Standalone is keeping data in the local directory, but storing the files on the server, ...I have to believe that this is the case.
  • makunkel
    Does it make a difference if only one computer is storing files to the server, or is the fact that the files are located on the server and not the local drive the real problem?
  • adamsmith
    the problem is that you're storing the database (zotero.sqlite) on the server. You should never do that.

    You can symlink the folder "storage" inside the data directory to the server. You can use Zotfile to generate linked attachments to the server, or you can set up a webDAV server for attachments locally. All of these are safe and all of these will have the Zotero data continue to sync with the Zotero server, only have you take care of attachment sync locally.

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