Multiple computer developement setup

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

I'm constantly sitting behind one of four different computers all the time.
One in my basement Prop-shop, one in work shop across town, a laptop
which sits in my livingroom. (due to the fact it weighs 11lbs!) and another
laptop which is devoted to just being used on the road. (IE: expos, etc)

I'm constantly fighting the problem of having multiple copies of .spin code,
(some out of date, different devs.) and related tools, and bookmarks on
all computers. It's an impossible task to make them all sync! (Three windows
boxes and 1 linux machine)

I think I've discovered a method that appears to be working.
(Shared here for other geeks)

Over the weekend I obtained WMware Workstation (the free player would have worked
just as well) I've setup a 4gig flash drive with an install of Windows XP, and another
flash drive as my data drive. (I figure that the XP install *will* shorten the life of
the 4gig due to disk access. -- To be replaced with a USB hdd if this works)

The result is a Propeller development setup which stays up-to-date and can
follow me from machine to machine. (in my pocket)

It appears to work reasonably and I've had zero problems programming the Prop
from it.

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.

Harrison.

I recommend using some sort of code version control system (like subversion, cvs, mercurial, etc..). I store all my source code on remote subversion repositories so I can always have access to them.

You could also use something like getdropbox.com/. It's an excellent alternative for people who just want remote file storage coupled with simple file versioning. I use it for collaborative projects and for storing documentation (word docs, etc).

Post Edited (Harrison.) : 5/11/2009 4:02:47 AM GMT

BradC

I use Unison to synchronise between my machines and I have a vpn between my laptop and other machines so I can sync on the road if I have to, but I just generally sync up when I get home and before I go out. That way I have a copy of all my code, all the time.

I like Harrisons idea also, and I've been toying with svn for a while, but I've used this for _ages_ and it works so I'm loathe to change it.

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"VOOM"?!? Mate, this bird wouldn't "voom" if you put four million volts through it! 'E's bleedin' demised!

John Bond

This idea works very well, I’ve been doing this with my SX code for some time and the minuscule little memory stick lives in the money pouch of my wallet. All the original code is on the stick (my one is more like a memory card but half the size) and is also backed up on the last computer I worked on (yes, all my code, under 3 Meg. Private letters and documents are only backed up on computers I own and that have VERY limited access – only me).
I hate laptops so my work associates, friends and associates refer to this memory stick as “John’s Laptop”. You don’t have to lug a laptop briefcase filled with bricks, just borrow·the nearest·computer when you get there.·I love·walking in to a situation/customer/problem with empty hands and·be working at·solving it within 20 seconds.·It matches our South African "Can Do" ethic (typified by·Charlise Theron - South Africa filmstar). I was recently robbed, a common thing here in Africa, so I went back to the last computer I worked on and restored a new memory stick. I wish you could replace credit cards, drivers’ licenses and security cards that easily.
I have tried 2 or·3 synchronisation packages but find doing it the old fashioned way quick and painless.·Those dozens of·Directories and Hundred files take up·only·2.8 Meg after all...
You also have all your code at all times. I also keep essential documents, letters, stock market prices and a variety of other essential stuff this way, even my CV and qualifications.·(Encrypt what you don’t want to become common knowledge in case of theft. Don’t back ANYTHING PERSONAL up on insecure computers).

It works well for me...
Kind regards from Darkest Africa


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Humanoido

This is a very good idea. I do something similar using a USB Flash Drive which contains tiny portable apps, including some standard apps which I made portable. The drive holds 30 or 40 choice selected programs, data, PBASIC programming, various files, and word processing, in addition to articles, books I'm writing, other source development material, and now all the Propeller stuff I'm reviewing. I can take it to any computer with a usb slot, then work on and update the files. This is what syncs every computer that I work on. A tiny 2Mb drive has kept going for many months, though I plan to get a 16Mb or larger one this weekend to include the offline storage of Parallax Research that can be accessed without internet.

humanoido

stamptrol

I use the USB memory stick for all my project work. It lets me float easily from the computer at the office, shop, and home. On the road I take along my ASUS (with XP) for easy access to the Internet or to do programming or a bit of word processing.

Cheers,

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Tom Sisk

http://www.siskconsult.com


Post Edited (stamptrol) : 5/15/2009 12:34:25 PM GMT

Beau Schwabe

Oldbitcollector,

Don't forget the often forgotten MSDOS command subst.... This command is useful for making installs common mode between different computers that might have different disk drive structures.

The same anology could apply to a USB-Thumb-drive, but I use subst on our home network drive to assign a common drive letter that all server and host computers install to. That way, the bulk of the instillation installs to a common drive letter on the main server. (in your case the USB Thumb Drive)


Also... make backups regularly, and observe proper mounting/dismounting of your USB-Thumb-Drive

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Beau Schwabe

IC Layout Engineer
Parallax, Inc.

Post Edited (Beau Schwabe (Parallax)) : 5/11/2009 3:12:29 PM GMT

RiJoRi

Slight thread drift. John Bond wrote, " I wish you could replace credit cards, drivers’ licenses and security cards that easily."

If I'm traveling in a "not-so-nice" locale, I keep such things as my driver's license and credit cards hidden away. I have an old wallet with some money, expired credit cards, etc. to placate any bad guys.

--Rich

Oldbitcollector (Jeff)

Ok, I think I just one-bettered VMware.

I discovered a little program called "MojoPAC" this morning.
Version 2.0 gives you a installable that creates a mini Windows XP computer
on a USB stick. It requires the hosting computer to be XP, as it uses many
windows support .dll's whiles it's running.

The memory overhead compared to my vmware solution works perfectly
even on a minimal XP box. Also I can now directly access the same flash
stick for files while I'm running from it.

Propeller tool crashes, but BradC's BST works fine. Just programmed a
propeller without difficulty. Might need to install the FTDI drivers in the host
before using it under Mojo. (still testing various configurations.)

OBC

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New to the Propeller?

Visit the: The Propeller Pages @ Warranty Void.

Timothy D. Swieter

My day job also uses VMWare for development environments and laptop backup. A couple coworkers have laptops running Vista, but the coworkers spend 99% of there day working in a virtual PC WinXP environment. This solutions works great for laptop or computer migration as well as archiving project information for passing off to those working in the field when commissioning a system.

Personally I backup some to Virtual PC. I only have one computer though I am setting up a NAS (network attached storage) for my wife and I to use for backup and archiving documents. I was thinking of setting up some sort of file/versioning system on the NAS for my Propeller and other code/microcontroller related projects as well as Brilldea stuff.

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Timothy D. Swieter, E.I.
www.brilldea.com - Prop Blade, LED Painter, RGB LEDs, 3.0" LCD Composite video display, eProto for SunSPOT
www.tdswieter.com

Chris Savage

I'm with Tom...I carry a 4GB PNY Attache' around with me everywhere and all files that are currently being updated or worked on reside on that drive until they are completed. I've never lost any data and always keep it safe wherever I go.

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Chris Savage
Parallax Engineering

TonyD

I agree with Chris and Tom, I've found USB Memory sticks to be the easiest way to carry my programs and data from PC to PC. I've a small padded bag which stays in my case with a 1G, a 4G mini disk, 8G and a 16G stick.

I have my programs installed in their own "Program Files" directory on the USB stick and just click into the folder and start them. For those programs that can't work "standalone" i.e. need to integrate into windows, I have a Microsoft VirtualPC also on a USB stick. It runs slow but its handy to have around.

I tried using online storage sites and google apps etc but nothing beats the convenience of having the your data with you. I work in the oil/gas offshore industry so can be weeks away without a decent internet connection.

- Tony

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- Tony

http://zuzebox.wordpress.com/

QuattroRS4

OBC,
I tend to use a USB drive .. But I have also a mapped drive via VPN to my server where I usually store my source files - All the .NET stuff is versioned and also stored there in sourcesafe - has to be checked in / out..

I also use RADMIN when I need full remote access .

Regards,
John

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'Necessity is the mother of invention'

Those who can, do.Those who can’t, teach.

Ugha

I guess I'm overly simple.

I just have one computer on my home network on at all times, store everything
on that comp and have the directory set so I can access it on all my other comps.

The slowdown is barely noticable and I have yet to have any problems.

Javalin

Free from MS.... http://www.microsoft.com/DOWNLOADS/details.aspx?familyid=C26EFA36-98E0-4EE9-A7C5-98D0592D8C52&displaylang=en

I keep a copy locally and use SyncToy to sync the folders I want onto a USB HDD for backup. I also keep periodic DVD backups...

You're only as good as your last backup!

James

CounterRotatingProps

If you just need file syncing, throw a copy into google docs (assuming you don't mind their bots reading your code... then again, maybe they'd spin outta control ;-P )

- H

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No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.