Often I have the issue where I have files on one of my computers that I need but have no access to the computer right at the moment. Well I have found an easy to use solution for this problem, it's called Windows Live FolderShare. This is a Microsoft website and desktop solution. Basically it lets you do three things: sync files between multiple computers, remotely access your computer files, and share files with others. I will explain these in more detail below.
First I better explain how the whole shebang works. It is pretty easy to setup - download and install the FolderShare application on either your PC or Mac (yes I said Mac). Next sign up for an account. Oh my! Your done. Now you can access your computer remotely through the browser at the FolderShare Site.
Wait, don't leave yet there's more. Next up, syncing files between computers. To get file syncing setup you're going to need a second computer. But really, who doesn't have 5 computers sitting around? Once you got that second computer go ahead and install the FolderShare application on it also. Done, ok good. Now you should see that computer on the FolderShare site, again you can now remotely access those files also. To setup a folder sync you need to create a Personal Library and go through the setup of choosing the original computer and folder and then the computer(s) to sync the files with. This is great feature which I use for syncing small project files between computers. Lifehacker has many other ideas for ways to utilize this feature.
Lifehacker's FolderShare Articles
- Hack Attack: Sync your Greasemonkey scripts across computers
- Sync your Firefox extensions and profiles across computers
- Free Ways to Synchronize Folders Between Computers
- Download of the Day: FolderShare
- Best Online File Sharing Services
The last feature we are going to take a look at is sharing folders with your friends. This is a little different from typical sharing applications as a Shared Library in FolderShare will sync the shared files onto one or more of your computers. For example, my friend has some pdf books (copyrights are out of date of course) that he wants to share with me. To do this, he creates a Shared Library and adds my email address to the list of people who can access it and sets my permissions. Then I get an email letting me know I have been added to a Shared Library. Finally I can choose which of my computers it syncs with and where.
Well that pretty much takes care of my overview of the product. Remember there are always tons of choices out there when it comes to software and I'm just expressing my opinion on this one. I would love to hear what everyone else uses to handle some of these tasks. Also feel free to leave questions or comments below.
Note: Before installing FolderShare or any other syncing software on your work computers check with your IT department.
08/18/2008 - 15:38
There is a neat free tool that allows you to access your pc through the internet. It's to be found at LogMeIn.com. The free version doesn't support file sharing though.
I use it alot to access data on my pc when i'm somewhere else. Hope you like it :)
Greets,
Hussam
04/23/2009 - 02:22
Another great example is Dropbox. It supports Windows, Mac and Linux. What is not to like? :)