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Sharing Multi User Resources

Overview

The E-Learning Lab documentation explains how to synchronize multi-user resource folders across machines using Syncthing, which functions both online and offline over local networks.

Installation and Setup Process

Step 1: Install Syncthing

  • Download from syncthing.net or use your OS package manager
  • Run once to generate a Device ID and configuration
  • Access the web interface at http://127.0.0.1:8384
  • Note: The SightLab installer can handle automatic installation

Step 2: Designate a Primary Machine

The primary machine holds the master resources folder. Users should:

  • Click "Add Folder" in Syncthing
  • Point to the resources directory path
  • Assign a simple Folder ID like "resources"
  • Optionally add a display label
  • Save the configuration

Step 3: Pair Devices

Each client machine needs its Device ID copied from Actions → Show ID. The primary machine then adds these clients as remote devices, and each client accepts the connection request.

Step 4: Share the Folder

On the primary machine, edit the resources folder settings and enable sharing with desired client devices. Optionally set the primary as "Send Only" and clients as "Receive Only" to prevent accidental overwrites.

Key Operational Features

  • Automatic synchronization maintains consistency across machines
  • Changes propagate bidirectionally if clients have write access enabled
  • For local-only networks, disable Global Discovery and NAT Traversal in settings
  • Users can ignore specific subfolders using forward slash notation in Ignore Patterns

Conflict Resolution

When files are simultaneously modified on different devices, Syncthing creates ".sync-conflict" copies. These duplicates are safety measures and can be safely deleted once the correct version is confirmed. To minimize conflicts, designate one primary "writer" machine and keep others in read-only mode when possible.