Microsoft’s image of the future makes Windows 8, supported by cloud services, the hub integrating all devices and personalization in the user’s life. The key is the new log-in method, which requires Windows Live ID. Metro application, user settings, Start Screen layout, desktop icons and user files follow the user wherever he or she signs in with Windows Live ID. Microsoft plans one consistent experience across devices. Apple and Google use similar identity mechanisms for iOS and Android devices and syncing content among them.
The problem, and perhaps it's one of those beta things, the process doesn't work so well. Then there's this: everything has to be stored within the Microsoft cloud -- that's Windows Live and SkyDrive, with the optional integration of DropBox. This is all nice if you don’t mind storing you information on someone else's server, with an unknown location and, even worse, risk some unknown people snooping inside your stuff. Do you really trust your files in someone else's hands? Even Microsoft's? There is another way to achieve this lifestyle.
I've done what Microsoft wants everyone to do, but without taking the big cloud risks. I've gotten Windows 8 going on three different devices -- desktop, laptop and tablet -- and in the video above demonstrate how to consolidate your Windows 8 life into one simple package, where your user experience will be the same across all devices and you have access to all your files. This digital lifestyle works on your files in real time without ever having to retrieve anything from third-party cloud-based services. Everything I demonstrate is instant with no download or wait time.
So before we get started I wish to point out that all this is accomplished with:
- No cloud-based service required -- SkyDrive, Windows Live or Dropbox
- No Internet connection required
- No domain setup required
- None of the three devices sharing files or folders
- No remote desktop used (and this is not an illusion of any sort)
- All Data stored locally, I have physical access to all my data within the network and home
The setup did take roughly a week to get up and running. There is a little magic happening in the background to make this all happen. Since it’s still a work in progress, I don't reveal my secret recipe yet. This is just a demonstration that my theory does in fact work. The only thing left to test is outside communication behind the router and firewall. I should be able to take my tablet or laptop anywhere and still have on-the-fly access to all my files and changes. Again, without storing anything in the cloud.
I did have to invest some money to get this all to work. For anyone in IT, in administration, it's well worth the investment when running multiple devices on one user account or ensuring all files are never lost.
Travis Boyko has worked with computers since he was 3 years old. While other children played with toys, he learned DOS commands. He has used every Windows version, as well as Linux, OS/2, OS X, Unix and Windows Server. His software collection goes back to the 1980s and includes original boxes of Windows 1.0, Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0, Lotus 1-2-3 and Windows 7 Signature Edition 32-bit and 64-bit full versions.