I am trying out Live Mesh, and so far have synced only my main computer with Live Desktop. I have created one Live Mesh folder with a variety of file types. When I try to open a file on the Live Desktop I get a window telling me the file will be opened with its native application. I take that to mean that the application will be opened on my computer in order to view the file. If that is the case, how would Live Mesh open a file on Live Desktop on a computer that does not have the native application? Can it be done? If not, the purpose of the Live Desktop is very much restricted.
The files on the Live Desktop are actually downloaded to the PC you are opening them from. There are no applications residing on the Live Desktop (yet - this is something we expect to see developed by 3rd parties and even Microsoft in the future). Currently, think of the Live Desktop as a repository of data that is in Sync with one or more devices in your Mesh that can be accessed from any computer with your LiveID. You can add a file to the folder on the Live Desktop from anywhere and it will replicate to your Mesh. Delete it from the Live Desktop, and it will be deleted from the Mesh. You can share a folder with others, too, and they can access the file without needing to install the Live Mesh client on their PC as long as they authenticate with their LiveID matching the invitation. -steveMicrosoft MVP Windows Live / Windows Live OneCare, Live Mesh, & MS Security Essentials Forums Moderator
