Microsoft have just released the updated version of their free file sync application called SyncToy.

The current version is 2.0, There was a beta version of 2.0 available for some time but this marks latest stable release version.

SyncToy is great at keeping folders and files in sync on two machines.

Example

A Desktop PC’s My Documents Folder

to a

Laptop My Documents Folder

I use SyncToy to do just that. I keep all my files on my Desktop PC and when I go mobile I do a quick Sync to my laptop ensuring it’s up to date.

SyncToy looks at the files in both locations and only copies across files that have changed.

Another practical application would be keeping picture files/folders up to date on various machines.

Download Link: Link

Documentation PDF: Link

Forums: Link

SyncToy is a freebie from Microsoft so don’t expect any technical support.

Important Note for existing SyncToy Users Upgrading:

“If upgrading from an earlier version of SyncToy (e.g. SyncToy 1.4 or SyncToy 2.0 Beta), it is **CRITICAL** to ensure that all folder pairs are fully synchronized using the previous version before running SyncToy 2.0 setup. Not following this guideline can lead to unintended behavior and partial data loss when running SyncToy 2.0 for the first time after upgrade. All folder pairs must also be fully synchronized at least once right after the upgrade is done.”

**Update See the comments, as this is beta software only install it on a test machine to keep yourself safe**

Live mesh is a Microsoft Internet based technology that allows you to keep all your digital content online and you can access it from any Windows enabled device.

For example a Windows PC at home, Windows Mobile on the move and a Windows PC in the office as well as Live Desktop.

It comes with 5gb of online storage.

As this is now open to UK residents I am going to sign up and try it out.

I will future posts about Live Mesh here:  View all posts in Live Mesh

Link: https://www.mesh.com/Welcome/LearnMore.aspx

When you ask customers to pay $99 for an online service it better deliver.

Having to report the loss of 10% of the affected customers e-mail over a multiple day period is frankly both shocking and embarrassing for any large tech company.

I think the only way  Apple can turn this around is to make Mobile Me free for six months. Iron out the bugs then let the consumer decide at the end of the term.

As it stands. Avoid.

Link: http://www.apple.com/mobileme/status/

Finding the real news in today’s media is getting more complicated.

This is extends to tech reporting.

Check these 597 news articles about UK ISP’s sending out warning letters to music file sharers.

Link: all 579 news articles »

Check out these 299 news articles about a DNS flaw that puts every Internet user at risk.

Link: all 299 news articles »

One of these stories is important…

What is DNS? Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_Name_System

It turns names like  www.mysitewhatever.com into an ip address example 111.222.121.12

The DNS exploit allows hackers to divert your web traffic to another site without you knowing.

So you may think your on www.mybank.co.uk but you could be invisibly re-directed to a site the hackers set up to capture your data.

Typically your ISP needs to patch/update their own DNS servers as you use these to route your web traffic around the Internet.

So how do you know if you are vulnerable?

Tech Tip:

There is a DNS checker on this site (http://www.doxpara.com/)

Look for this in the right hand side of the page.

or

On this really useful site  (http://www.dnsstuff.com/)

Look for this at the bottom left:

If you find your are vulnerable send an e-mail to you ISP asking when they will patch their DNS servers to protect you.

In the mean time be extra careful. Oh and stop downloading music.

Note this is Dell’s Offer Price and is likely to change.

This is my recommended buy with a couple of caveats.

1) Some users have reported banding where the colours on the left and right aren’t as strong as those in the middle.

2) There may be an Input Lag issue (bad for fast moving objects like video games).

Both these things would perhaps rule out the 2709W for graphic designers or gamers.

However less demanding users may not even notice and outside of these issues the monitor gets a good write up (see cnet review below).

The price is what makes this a recommended buy.

If you purchase this through Dell’s Home and Home Office (i.e. not the business channel). Distance Selling regulations should protect you in the event you are unhappy with your purchase.

You will need to return the goods immediately and I would recommend you purchase with a credit card for additional protection.

Check with Dell prior to ordering your consumer rights in relation to returning goods.

No modern appliance is perfect so do some homework.

Product Link:

http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=dhs&cs=ukdhs1&sku=170559

Review Link:

http://www.cnet.com.au/desktops/monitors/0,239029427,339289509,00.htm

If you don’t know what input lag is:-

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dell+input+lag&search_type=&aq=f