Working "locally" with offline files...

>I think I know the answer to this, but I need to solve a bit of a debate on
>the way offline folders works. Does anyone know if this setup is possible?
>
>- I work locally on files on my hard drive and can sync to the server "when
>I feel like it".
>
>NOT
>
>- I work on my network drive when connected, and sync to my local drive.
>
>We are currently using the setup in it's native environment and the only way
>we know to set it up and the way MS expects it to work, but some higher ups
>would like to be able to do it the first way i mentioned. Currently, the
>only way to do that is to take your computer offiline, right?
>
>Just looking for written confirmation.
>
>Thanks!
>