Sync Explorer Settings
The Sync Explorer Settings category configures file synchronization from the server to client PCs. Use this feature to push game updates, configuration files, software installers, and any other files to your client machines without visiting each PC individually.
Overview
Sync Explorer provides a server-to-client file distribution system. You select directories and files on the server and HandyCafe handles transferring them to every connected client PC, or to specific clients you choose.
How Synchronization Works
Manifest-Based Synchronization
When you initiate a sync, the server creates a manifest (a list of all files to be synchronized along with their checksums and sizes). Each client compares the manifest against its local files and downloads only the files that are new or have changed since the last sync. Files that already match are skipped, minimizing bandwidth usage and transfer time.
Chunk-Based Transfer
Large files are automatically split into smaller chunks for transfer. This provides several benefits:
- Reliability -- If a transfer is interrupted, only the incomplete chunk needs to be re-sent rather than the entire file.
- Progress tracking -- Transfer progress can be reported at the chunk level, giving accurate feedback for large files.
- Network efficiency -- Chunk sizes are optimized for the local network to avoid overwhelming the connection.
The chunked transfer uses the dedicated File Port configured in Network Settings (default 5002).
Selecting Files to Sync
The Sync Explorer interface presents a file browser where you can navigate the server's file system and select directories or individual files for synchronization.
- Select entire directories to sync all their contents recursively.
- Select individual files for more targeted distribution.
- The selection is saved as part of the sync configuration.
Triggering a Sync
Manual Sync to All Clients
Click the sync button to push the selected files to all currently connected client PCs. Each client receives the manifest, determines which files it needs, and begins downloading.
Sync to Specific Clients
You can also target specific clients for synchronization. This is useful when a new PC has been added to the network and needs to catch up, or when you want to test a file push on a single machine before rolling it out to all clients.
Sync Reporting
Clients report their synchronization status back to the server. You can monitor:
- Which clients have completed the sync.
- Which clients are currently downloading.
- Whether any clients encountered errors during the transfer.
Use Cases
| Scenario | Description |
|---|---|
| Game updates | Push game patches or new game installations to all client PCs simultaneously |
| Configuration files | Distribute updated configuration files (e.g., app settings, hosts files) |
| Software deployment | Install or update utility software across all machines |
| Content distribution | Push media files, wallpapers, or promotional content to clients |
| Driver updates | Distribute driver packages to machines that need them |
Tips
- Schedule large sync operations during off-peak hours to minimize impact on active sessions and network performance.
- Verify a sync on a single client before pushing to all machines, especially for large or critical updates.
- Ensure the File Port (default 5002) is open in your firewall rules; blocked ports will prevent file transfers.
- The server and clients must be on the same LAN for sync to function.