There is one fundamental problem that computing has been trying to solve for quite some time.  How do you keep information up to date on multiple computers.  Referred to as synchronization, this problem has a long and troubled history.  And unfortunately, it has never been definitively solved.  Don’t believe me, go type “File Synchronization Solutions” into Google.  In less than a second, you will be presented with millions (if not billions) of hits covering everything from syncing personal information (appointments, contacts, e-mail) to transferring files and parts of files.  And while there are many programs which do a good job on individual data components, there is nothing that can be used on all types of data.

Mesh is a framework from Microsoft that is meant to change the current state of the art.  The idea is to make sync between multiple computers and the “cloud” happen in a generic and completely transparent manner.  Not only does this mean that it should be able to tackle any data thrown at it, but that it should be able to successfully manage conflicts without consistently disturbing the user.  Just in case you’re thinking it, yeah it’s audacious.

But strangely, it largely seems to work.    And while it can become difficult completely understand the vision that Microsoft is trying to sale; that’s okay. What the beta offers is extremely useful, namely: 1) simple and reliable file sync and 2) remote desktop.  (Oh, and did I mention that the file sync is cross platform?)

Here’s a more detailed rundown: 1) you get 5 GB of online storage, 2) there is no limit on the number of devices where you can install the client software (both Macs and PCs are supported, with plans for phones in the near future), 3) files are available from any computer via the web, 4) it is extremely simple to set up a file share with other users of Mesh, 5) it’s completely free.  And while the service is currently limited to 5 GB of online storage, you can use Mesh to synchronize an unlimited number of files between two PCs without creating an online copy.

Consider a few of the potential uses for a moment:

1. Offline blogging done right.  I like to use an offline blogging client called Windows Live Writer.  Unfortunately, Writer doesn’t include an easy way to sync drafts from one computer to another.  Mesh makes this trivial, however.  By syncing Writer’s data folder to all of my different machines, I have access to my blog drafts regardless of which computer I am working on: work desktop, home desktop, or laptop.
2. Synchronizing important folders between all computers.  I have most of my projects, important folders, and other materials set for sync.  If I am on a deadline, I can save a copy of a file on my work PC and know that it will be available for me after I arrive home.  Worries about whether the file on my flash drive is the most current are a thing of the past.
3. Instant access to all of your computers.  Have you ever needed access to your work computer while away from the office?  Mesh gives you an easy remote desktop without wrestling with firewalls, IP address and other technical headaches.

If this service sounds like it might be of some interest for you, then read on.  If not, please go have your head examined.  Put simply, Mesh is one of the coolest and most innovative pieces of software to come out of Redmond in a very long time.

Nuts and Bolts

Mesh consists of three parts: the web desktop, the device center, and file sync.  The web desktop might be thought of as online control central.  Through it, you can access all of the devices and files that are currently in your mesh from any computer that can run Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari; that is, any computer. The web interface is run by Silverlight and integrates features such as drag and drop upload/download of files.  From the online desktop, it’s also possible to move files from one folder to another and create new files/folders.  For pictures and other media, there is an attractive online slideshow, though I didn’t really find any use for this feature.

 

While the web layout is nice, it’s the desktop client and its tight integration with the Windows shell that really shines.   Other than adding new devices to my Mesh (which can be done by going to www.mesh.com), nearly all of my interaction with the service occurred without opening a browser window.  Setting up a local copy of the folders is as simple as clicking on the folder name in the control panel (left) and specifying the desired path to the local copy.  Nearly all other administrative tasks are just as easy.

To add new folders to sync, simply right click on the new folder and click, “Add to Live Mesh.”

Mesh will then ask what name you would like to give the new folder.  Once you click ok, the service immediately begins to upload the files to the online desktop.

Should you choose to stop synchronizing a given folder with a particular machine, it is as simple as right clicking on the folder and choosing, “Change Sync Settings.”  This action will load a dialog that allows you to edit how often the files in that folder are updated.  Conveniently, you can set the sync options for every other device in the Mesh.  If you wish to remove a folder from a given device completely, select “Change Sync Settings >> Delete Folder.”  Even if a folder is deleted from a given device, though, a copy is kept on the online server.  To remove the files from Mesh completely, they must be deleted from the online desktop.

The number of files per folder and individual file size are only limited by the practical tolerances of the system, which Microsoft estimates to be 100,000 items per Live Folder and Individual files up to 2 GB in size.  In other words, a lot and big, respectively.  In the past three months that I have been using Mesh, I have had no difficulties syncing files or folders: regardless of size or the number of files.  I’ve even been using Mesh to keep my music and video library in sync among three Windows computers – two with Windows XP and one with Windows Vista (64 bit version).  This includes the transfer of several very large video files that were substantially bigger than the “theoretical” 2 GB limit.

Remote Desktop Client

Even though Mesh file sync is very close to perfect, the remote desktop client (RDC) is still very much a work in progress.  There were two major limitations:

1. Though file sync supports both Windows and Mac, the remote desktop is Windows only.  Mac users are left out in the cold.
2. Getting the extensions for remote desktop to correctly install can be a bit of a challenge.

As you can see from the connection manager (right), I have installed mesh on a fairly large number of devices.  These include both Windows machines and Macs.  When doing so, however, I hit a couple of snags.

First, I found that the RDC and user account control (UAC) on Windows Vista don’t get along very well.  The client would only install and configure if installed into an “administrator” account.  If installed into a standard account (after proper administrator credentials were entered into a prompt), it would configure for the administrator account, not the for the limited account as expected.  While temporarily changing my account to an “administrator” account managed to circumvent the problem, I found this work-around to be frustrating.

Second, remote desktop connections often proved to be slightly erratic.  The most common problem I experienced was in screen resolution, though I also had problems with the keyboard or mouse intermittently dropping connectivity in the remote machine.  Whenever this happened, a few seconds of waiting was sufficient for activity to return to normal.  I was not able to find a solution for the screen resolution issues, however.

Despite these limitations, I found the remote desktop connection to be extremely convenient.  Once it is setup, there was no need to manually configure connection options on the two machines.  As long as they are both on and connected to the internet, setting up a connection proved to be as difficult as selecting “Connect to device” on the Device Pane.

Conclusion

Windows Live Mesh is simply fantastic and it is difficult to over praise it.  In the past few months since I have begun using the service, file sync headaches are largely a thing of the past.  The files I need are always up to date on every computer I use.  And though I experienced some hiccups using the remote desktop, these issues were rather few and far between.  It is also to be expected that there should be a few technical glitches, Mesh is still a beta after all.  But as neat as the current services are, Live Mesh is really a framework.  As such, it holds astounding possibility.  It appears that Microsoft may have finally solved the generic sync problem.

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Categories: Computer, Cool Stuff
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