File synchronization is the process of updating files in two different locations via a set of rules.  Two common forms of file synchronization are mirroring, where files are copied from a source to secondary locations, (as in the case of mirroring heavily-downloaded files across servers to decrease load) and bi-directional file syncing, where the contents of one directory are matched against the contents of another directory so that both have the same number and version of files.

The most common form of consumer file syncing involves syncing personal data (music, photographs, calendar data, etc.) to personal devices such as smart phones and tablets (such as uploading music playlists to an iPhone).  Another common practice is syncing data for backup to remote storage locations (such as syncing your family photos or client data to Dropbox or another cloud-based backup/syncing service).

For more information about file syncing and how you can leverage it to your benefit, check out the following How-To Geek articles:

• How To Remotely Backup Your Data for Free with CrashPlan
• The Best Websites for Backing Up and Sharing Your Data in the Cloud for Free
• How to Sync Specific Folders With Dropbox
• How to Sync Files & Fetch Unsynced Files with SkyDrive
• How To Access Your eBook Collection Anywhere in the World
• How To Access Your Ebook Library on Your iPad via Dropbox
• How to Sync Your Media Across Your Entire House with XBMC