Upgrade StorageStorage & backup/sync options
Hello everyone,
I have a quick question regarding the storage: as far as I understand, Zotero actually saves a copy of a file in the storage subfolder, when I link an entry to a file, right? So when I completely backup the zotero folder (I'm using it standalone right now), then the linked files are backed up as well?
If that is the case, I could also use a private syncing option, when I try to sync my local database with my notebook e.g.? That means, I'd backup the local database with my webserver and sync that backup with my notebook when I'm working somewhere else - would that work?
I'd prefer a private syncing option over the webservices of zotero for storage and for privacy reasons.
Any feedback is appreciated, thanks in advance,
saphear
I have a quick question regarding the storage: as far as I understand, Zotero actually saves a copy of a file in the storage subfolder, when I link an entry to a file, right? So when I completely backup the zotero folder (I'm using it standalone right now), then the linked files are backed up as well?
If that is the case, I could also use a private syncing option, when I try to sync my local database with my notebook e.g.? That means, I'd backup the local database with my webserver and sync that backup with my notebook when I'm working somewhere else - would that work?
I'd prefer a private syncing option over the webservices of zotero for storage and for privacy reasons.
Any feedback is appreciated, thanks in advance,
saphear
The problem with private syncing is the zotero.sqlite. Using typical syncing like dropbox or any version of rsync is strongly discouraged and poses a very high risk for permanent and irreparable database corruption.
If you have a way to _just_ sync the storage sub-folder of the Zotero folder (one way e.g. is to place a symlink into your dropbox folder) then you're fine, yes. You would still have to sync the Zotero data through Zotero, which is free regardless of volume.
Syncing Zotero through private sync entirely is not practicable - it would require you to set up the entire Zotero server infrastructure locally. While that's open sourced, too, it's rather involved and likely only an option for groups or institutions with someone on staff to look after it.
It's interesting to hear adamsmith comment on the dangers of using e.g. rsync. I use this daily to backup my Zotero directory (as well as other work related directories) to an external hard disk to sync my Zotero between computers i.e. rsync from desktop to hard disk and then rsync from hard disk to laptop.
Is this risky? I've been doing it for years and have never had any problem yet. Or does the danger only occur if you're doing this over a network?
best
d
The serious problems occur when you're using real-time sync between two machines (or a network folder). If you accidentally have Zotero/FF open on both machines (and even if you're careful that can happen very easily) that'll mess with your database.