In no way will I ever concede that Microsoft operating systems are superior. I have some form of all OS’s installed including OS-x and Linux. However, Windows is the dominate PC operating system. There are some really great applications Microsoft gives away free that many do not know about. The average windows user would really have to dig to find these, though they are super simple and effective to use.
Windows Live Skydrive.
A lot of us carry around a flash drive or portable hard disk to take important files with us. Some people use email attachments to shuttle pictures or documents back and forth. Some people just keep a folder on their work PC filled with stuff and occasionally burn a CD.
{This is an example of “Cloud computing”, in which I believe is the future of all computing needs. It will redefine all of our social, personal, and work synergy between PC’s and internet.}
Skydrive can eliminate all of that provided you workplace does not block Windows live webpages ( I would think most would not).
Skydrive is basically an online hard drive. Accessible through any browser and with any type of internet connection. You can have private folders or public ones in which anybody can view or download files within. Anything from pictures, documents, mp3’s, and even .exe files.
It’s tethered to your Live account. Live accounts are free and start by creating a email address. http://login.live.com/login.srf?wa=wsignin1.0&rpsnv=10&ct=1240461151&rver=5.5.4177.0&wp=MBI&wreply=http:%2F%2Fhome.live.com%2Fdefault.aspx%3Flc%3D1033&lc=1033&id=251248 You can add any of the live services, but in this article we will focus on skydrive.
The skydrive page is here: skydrive.live.com It does have an “active X” that will be installed to your browser. It will prompt you to do this and it’s ok. However, if you do not want to install this active X or are on a browser you cannot modify, you can still take advantage of all the functions.
You get 25gb of online storage and can create as many folders, subfolders, or public folders you want. The use of public folders can be a godsend when you have photos to share. Family members don’t have to sign up for any service, just provide the link to the public folder. They don’t even have to have a Live account.
It’s also a great way to backup important files and pics. While 25GB will not serve everyone’s picture collections, Microsoft seems to expand the amount of storage every 6 months or so. Since all data in non public folders is only accessible to the account holder, this is a very safe way to keep backups “off site”. It’s also a great way to migrate files to new PC’s or take work document home with you for further editing.
A 8gb flash drive will cost around 20 bucks these days. Skydrive is free and allows 25gb. Seems like a great deal to me.
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