Computer mirroring ...
Some of what you're trying to do is possible, while other stuff may not work too well. First, you're working with different hardware platforms: Laptop and desktop. One advantage of Windows is that it surrounds your hardware and isolates it from your applications. In creating applications, developers only need consider how Windows works and are free to ignore the almost infinite hardware combinations available today. This is how software can work identically on both your desk and lap: Windows makes it possible.
So --- Each machine will need it's own Windows, adapted to its own unique hardware. Beyond this level, your machines are consistent: below this level, things vary. One size fits all doesn't work here.
For best results, maintain separate Windows installations on each machine.
You should install your software on each machine separately, (and legally too.) You can make choices which result in identical software environments, or you can choose to take advantage of unique features of each machine: the choice is yours. If you upgrade, you should upgrade machines separately too. Upgrades usually consist of more than simply replacing or adding files: Eg. registry settings get changed. You want to take advantage of any automation designed to make the job go smoothly.
Generally, you wouldn't need to re-download upgrades, but only copy what you downloaded to each machine. You would, however, need to install each upgrade separately. I'd be tempted to do one, make sure I'm happy with the results, then do the second one, but then again, I'm cautious.
As far as data files, this is one place where you can keep your machines synchronized quite easily. Many packages are available to address this need. Win98 has Briefcase. I don't need this functionality, nor have I ever used any of these packages, so I cannot comment on the utility of any or recommend one over another. If anyone can fill this gap in my knowledge, please jump in.
Cheers, PW.
|
