Live Mesh - Sync Files Across Devices
Effortless File Access with Live Mesh
Do you desire the ability to instantly access your files from any location? Live Mesh provides a solution, enabling file synchronization across computers, mobile devices, and even Macs – a service that is both complimentary and user-friendly.
Understanding Live Mesh
Live Mesh is a free service offered by Microsoft, designed to synchronize files between PCs, Macs, Windows Phones, and an online desktop, offering 5GB of storage. You have the flexibility to synchronize any file or folder from any of these locations.
Control and Flexibility: Live Mesh grants you complete control over your files. They can be synchronized with two computers, a single computer and the cloud, or up to thirty computers – the choice is entirely yours!
Furthermore, you can remotely access the full desktop of any connected computer from any internet-connected computer globally through the web interface. Let's begin the setup process.
Navigate to Live Mesh and click the "Sign in" button. Log in using your Windows Live ID (which includes your Hotmail, Messenger, or Xbox login credentials), or create a new account if you don't currently have one.
Exploring the Live Mesh Interface
Welcome to Mesh! You are immediately presented with a link to your Live Desktop. This serves as your online desktop within Mesh, where you can store your files online and synchronize them across your computers.
Click "connect" to access it.
The online Desktop closely resembles your Windows desktop, incorporating the familiar Aero look and feel. Mesh assists you in quickly getting started with helpful tutorials upon your initial login.
Creating and Syncing Folders
Now, you can add a folder. Simply click the “Create New Folder” option and input the desired name for your folder.
Click the down arrow on the dialog box to determine where you want to synchronize your files. Remember, files and folders within Mesh can be synchronized between any two locations. You can choose to sync only between two computers, or include the online cloud storage – the decision is yours.
You can easily upload files directly from the “Explorer” window in Mesh, and also rename and move files as needed.
Alternatively, you can view a Silverlight-powered slideshow of your pictures by clicking the "Media View" button.
Connecting Devices
However, Live Mesh’s most valuable feature is its ability to directly connect with your computers and Windows Mobile devices. Click the "Devices" button to return to the main screen.
Now, click the “Add a device” link and select the appropriate download. Mesh supports Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7, including 64-bit versions. It also functions with Windows Mobile and offers a technology preview for Mac OS X.
Installing Mesh is a straightforward process. It operates quietly in the system tray, providing progress updates with a small indicator.
Once installed, simply sign in with your Windows Live ID (the same one used for online access).
Assign a name to your computer so you can easily identify it from the Live Desktop.
You can now effortlessly add files and folders to your Mesh for synchronization with other computers or the Live Desktop. Simply right-click on any folder and select “Add folder to Live Mesh,” which will present you with the same sharing options available on the Live Desktop.
Monitoring Sync Activity
All synchronized folders will display a Mesh sidebar, indicating recent activity within that folder. You can also access this bar by clicking the Mesh icon in your taskbar.
When you log into your Live Desktop, your computer will be listed among your devices. You can even remotely log in to your computer directly from the online Live Desktop if desired.
Mobile Synchronization
Mesh also extends its functionality to Windows Mobile devices. Simply visit the Live Mesh site from your phone’s browser, sign in with your Live ID, and download and install Mesh from there.
After installation, you can synchronize any folder from your phone or access other folders within your Mesh. This is an excellent way to keep your Windows Phone synchronized with your computer!
Conclusion
In summary: Mesh is a powerful tool for keeping files synchronized across your computers and mobile devices, and even in the cloud. Whether you need to maintain consistent documents on your desktop and laptop, or ensure a critical file is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection, Mesh offers a convenient solution. Explore its features and share your feedback!
Links: Sign up for Live Mesh