April 5th, 2009
Five Windows tools to keep your digital life in sync
Like many of my readers, I have a desktop PC and a notebook. I do most of my day-to-day work (like composing this post) on the desktop PC in my office. I use the notebook in the living room for casual web surfing, reading feeds, and sometimes writing, when I just want a change of environment or a more comfortable seat.
Keeping files, programs, bookmarks, and passwords in sync across two computers is a tricky task. It gets even tougher when I throw a third or fourth PC into the mix, as when I evaluate a new PC or install a new build of Windows (something I’ve been doing a lot lately). Right now I have two notebooks and two desktops in rotation, switching between different editions of Windows in different locations.
So how do I remain productive? Over the course of the last few years, I’ve built up an assortment of tools and techniques that help me keep track of files, bookmarks, passwords, RSS feeds, and other assorted data (mostly work-related) as I switch between PCs. In this post, I’ll share my favorite software, services, and shortcuts for keeping stuff in sync.
[Don't miss the screenshot gallery I've prepared to give
a closer look at how each of these programs works.]
Before I dive in, though, I want to offer a disclaimer: This is my personal strategy, developed over time because it works for me. I’m certainly not saying that this particular set of tools and techniques is right for everyone. On the contrary, I imagine that many of you have different tools and techniques that you use and prefer. I’m looking forward to reading the Takback section of this post and learning about some alternatives that I might not hear about otherwise.
On that same note, let me say right up front that I’m a Windows guy (just like, you know, about 90 percent of the world), so I don’t really have to worry about cross-platform issues that much. Even so, the majority of the tools I review here are available on platforms other than Windows, a fact I note in the system requirements section for each entry.
This isn’t a complete list, either. One of the key pieces of my data storage strategy is Windows Home Server, for example. But that complex product deserves a more in-depth look, which I’ll provide later. Likewise, I’m steering clear of the e-mail/contacts/calendar options (for the record, I use a hosted Microsoft Exchange account, but that option isn’t for everyone).
With those disclaimers out of the way, I present this list of my top 5 Windows tools for keeping your digital life in sync:
Offline Files The single most useful Windows feature you’ve never heard of, it allows you to work with files on a network share even when you’re disconnected.
Windows Live Mesh Another Microsoft file-sharing technology, this one is ideal for keeping folders in sync on two or more PCs, with online backup as a bonus.
LastPass Create random, unique, impossible-to-guess passwords for websites and store them in a secure online vault that automatically keeps other PCs in sync.
FeedDemon 3.0 If you get your news from RSS feeds, you need this brand-new update to one of my all-time favorite Windows programs.
Xmarks How do you keep bookmarks organized between multiple browsers on multiple PCs? This cross-platform add-in (formerly Foxmarks) is just the ticket.
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Ed Bott is an award-winning technology writer with more than two decades' experience writing for mainstream media outlets and online publications. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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| 04/06/09
