The other requirements are a Windows Live ID and Microsoft Internet Explorer to access the contents on the Internet. Users who might find those restrictions to strict are better off with Dropbox who is less restrictive in this regard.

Live Mesh works by adding computer devices to the Mesh. The Mesh are all devices that synchronize data. It basically works by adding devices to the Mesh in first place, e.g. a local computer running Windows XP. That computer is then added to the Mesh that the user has access to. The process finishes with the installation of the Live Mesh software on the local computer.

Live Mesh will create a system folder on the computer system containing all folders that have been selected for synchronization by the user. That’s different from Dropbox which makes use of one static folder with the requirement that all synchronized folders are created in that folder. Some users have posted workarounds by using symbolic links but that’s pretty advanced and not recommended for beginners or inexperienced computer users.

Folders can be added by right-clicking them and selecting “Add folder to Live Mesh” from the context menu. It takes a few seconds before the newly selected folder appears in the global system folder. Synchronization with the Live Mesh online service usually starts immediately afterwards.

Live Mesh is currently providing 5 Gigabytes of storage space to its users, 3 Gigabytes more than what Dropbox is currently offering.

Another interesting option is the ability to invite members. Inviting members will give them access to selected folders – and their files. That’s interesting if documents need to be shared with several computer users regularly.

Live Mesh does have its shortcomings. The main being the concentration on the Windows platform and the Internet Explorer requirement for browsing the data online. While Internet Explorer will surely remain a requirement the prospect of being able to add mobile devices and Macs looks interesting. It remains to be seen though if mobile devices are limited to the Windows Mobile platform.

As of now Live Mesh provides a fast way of synchronizing data online for Windows users. It works intuitive, the performance is fine and the storage space is enough for a lots of data.

What I find most interesting is that both developments have a very similar aim or goal, but at the same time are very different. G.ho.st is not so ambitious as to try and become the next major web platform like Mesh, but it is trying to become the focal point of all our web interactions.

G.ho.st began as an online desktop with some uploading and synchronising capabilities while Live Mesh is a synchronisation service with some form of online desktop.

You can access the new release of G.ho.st at test.g.ho.st although be warned that it is currently even more alpha then the existing release. I actually didn’t notice any increases in instability but maybe that’s just me.

So far the changes I have noticed seem to be largely cosmetic. I requested the desktop context menu be simplified a few months ago and that seems to have happened, the start menu has also been streamlined slightly and I have noticed a few new icons scattered around the place. It could possibly be a little faster as well, but I really am not sure on that one.

I had a look around for some release notes, or a blog post from the G.ho.st developers but couldn’t seem to find one anywhere, so beyond what I’ve noticed so far I couldn’t tell you any additional changes although I’m sure there are many. I’ll keep fiddling around and see what I find.

Have any of you been using G.ho.st lately?

We are doubling the upper limit of our technology preview program. Our technology preview is still limited to ensure great performance and experience for our customers. You can now use Live Mesh just by signing in to www.mesh.com with a valid Windows Live ID. No waiting list at this time!

If, like me, you are a non-US citizen then you can still register by changing system language localisation settings to US, just find the ‘Regional and Language Options’ in the start menu.

What’s so great about Mesh?

I hear this a lot, and all I can think of is the Internet sceptics of the early 90’s. Constant synchronisation of our data across devices is just the next natural extension of what the Internet has done for our productivity and communication.

More then that, Mesh is very very simple to understand and use. I even managed to get my girlfriend using it, she knows nothing about computers but she can install a program and then add folders to a ‘mesh’ and that’s all it takes, from then on background synchronisation takes care of it all and she doesn’t have to worry about backing up her folders.

How can I use it?

There are hundreds of ways you can use Mesh, the current technical preview is only scratching the surface of what this technology is capable of. Already Live Mesh tutorials and scenarios are popping up around the place.

Redmond Pie has just started a Live Mesh Scenarios Directory which compiles all the tutorials from around the web, its a useful resource. Liveside.net also has some good resources.

I use it mainly for backing up documents and photos as well as keeping my documents accessible from multiple places.

Windows Live Mesh

If you managed to get into the Mesh Technical Preview a few months ago then you would have seen the possibilities of Live Mesh, a very impressive release from Microsoft.

Since then there have been 3 updates including the latest. Bugs have been fixed, its no longer necessary to have UAC activated to use Mesh, File sharing across networks was added and now Mesh is open for any US user, and any one else if they change their localisation language settings to English (US). Very basic support for mobile devices has also been incorporated and although isn’t too functional at the moment it looks very promising.

You can see all your directories, files and even upload photos you’ve taken from your mobile into your mesh. This is actually a great feature, because if you can have photos stored in the cloud then space on your phone is saved, although it all depends on the cost of data transfer from your phone.

You no longer have to go though Microsoft Connect to get a mesh account either, a welcome change.

Windows Live Calendar

A minor update to Windows Live Calendar has introduced some ‘catch up’ features and enhancements but nothing too useful like synchronisation between Windows Calendar and Live Calendar. According to Liveside.net the update includes:

• Firefox 3 support
• Subscribing to public calendars
• Automatic birthday calendar for contacts
• Working link between Hotmail and Live Calendar
• Printing in day/week/month view
• More language support