Main point of this post: Joplin+Syncthing initial setup can be a pain. First set up sync folder (the target folder for Joplin File System) on Syncthing. Then take main device offline (no sync). Then point Joplin towards target File System location on all devices, then enable encryption with same Master Pass on all devices. Finally write a test note on main device (where you might have other old notes imported from other services), then hit sync, then fire up Syncthing on main device to broadcast newest test file. Hit sync on all devices, disable fail-safe temporarily for first setup if prompted. If test is successful, import any old notes to main device and enjoy life as a certified hacker.
Background: So I am technologically handicapped, meaning the extent of my knowledge is limited to reading blogs or articles, with no coding experience. I have used Syncthing for a long time for music and ebooks syncing, and for a short period for Obsidian, but it always bothered me that Obsidian isn’t FOSS or encrypted even though it’s cool. Only recently discovered Joplin has encryption capabilities so I decided to dive in.
But first, I had to make the process harder for myself so I took out my dusty old 10 year old Dell laptop and installed Ubuntu (to support touchscreen), my first ever Linux experience. With the help of Gemini (dumb, I know) I got Syncthing and Joplin working on it. After 2 days of struggling to get the Sync to work without conflicts, I finally did it WOOHOO. Totally a hacker, that’s me.
I tried many different options 5 years ago and settled on straightforward text or markup files for all my notes. I use Qownnotes on desktop machines, Markor on Android and synching across all of them. It is very reliable and always in sync. I also do a compressed backup every night.
As others have said, your already streets ahead of the average person by being on Lemmy and knowing what questions to ask. The best way to learn is to try, make mistakes and learn from it. I find the fun is in the learning. I also find AI immensely useful for writing and fine tuning scripts along with specific software questions.
Because it wasn’t mentioned, I’ll just note that Joplin has also has the option to sync with a dedicated server component.
While it doesn’t work in a P2P configuration like a Syncthing setup allows, I’d recommend it for anyone with access to a server.
About that… That is why I took out the old Dell. Gonna convert it into a beginner server. But that’s probably gonna take months to figure out hahaha. But yes, it is the ultimate overarching goal here. I needed to get Joplin running first to segregate and catalogue new info/tips/terminal commands/guides.
I tried several other Google Keep replacements and settled on Joplin as well as the contents are encrypted at rest. I use Foldersync to keep the noted synchronised between my mobile devices.
Congrats. I would encourage you to not diminish your own technical skills — I think that existing on Lemmy can make it easy to feel comparatively tech illiterate, but the fact that you had the drive and stubbornness to figure out how to do this puts your technical skills pretty high, actually.
😁 thanks for the encouragement. I was afraid of getting ganged up on for using Ubuntu/Gemini hahaha
This. I too, self deprecate at times, but I hate to see others do it. LOL The duality of man I guess. I hear tons of people say ‘I’m not technological inclined.’ and leave it at that throwing up their hands in surrender. The fact that OP is here tells me they are in the process of self edification, and that’s always good.
I thought that Syncthing has its own encryption solution: https://docs.syncthing.net/users/untrusted.html
Otherwise, well done! It always feels great to have your perseverance and technical prowess benefit you directly.
Interesting, I will take a look at that. Thanks!
