9.1 Understanding iSync

One way to look at the whole synchronization process is to assign generic terms to the process. Since your Mac will most likely be the place from which all of the synced data will originate, it can be considered the source . On the other hand, the device that you want to sync data with can be called the destination . It's kind of like the old math equation where you want to get from Point A to Point C, but first you need to go through Point B. In this case, the source (your Mac) is Point A, the destination (the device) is Point C, and in the middle, you have iSync (Point B) acting as a conduit to shuttle the data from here to there. Figure 9-1 illustrates this relationship.

Figure 9-1. The synchronization process is as simple as getting from Point A to Point C, with iSync in the middle as Point B.

With iSync, you're not just limited to synchronizing your data with your .Mac account. You can synchronize your data with personal data assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, an iPod, and with other Macs, as shown in Figure 9-2.

Figure 9-2. iSync also works as a conduit to shuttle data from your Mac to a variety of devices, including cell phones, iPods, and other Macs.

And the synchronization process is a two-way street, meaning that the data on your Mac is compared with any existing data on the device. If there is a slight change or something new, iSync will alert you to those changes and allow them to be made to the data on your Mac.

The important thing to remember is that iSync is mostly responsible for getting your data from Point A to Point C and back again. iSync enables you to use the contacts in your Address Book, iCal calendars and To Do lists, and Safari bookmarks on multiple devices. As such, iSync is an integral part of Apple's "Digital Hub" strategy, by fitting your Mac into your digital lifestyle.

Now that you know the basics of how iSync works, let's take a quick run-through of the application itself and show you how to put iSync to work.