Several years ago the business community used laptops while working outdoors, or used desktop computers while in the office, and used similar PCs while at home. Perhaps the rich had
BlackBerry too. Today almost everyone carries a
smartphone, regardless if it runs iOS, Android,
Windows Phone 7, or even the
BlackBerry's OS. On different occasions you could carry a tablet PC that runs a different operating system than your
smartphone. And you could also have an ultralight MacBook Air to your Windows-based PC at home or in the office as well.
To manage these critical devices, plus their assorted OS, applications, including their connectivity alternatives, can be challenging. But of course with the correct blend of software and services, handling numerous platforms and mixing your data can be painless.
What to Sync?
Before you download a cluster of cloud-related apps, ensure you lay out your needs. For instance, if you often operate at home, and you don't attend meetings frequently, it won't be necessary to sync your calendar through multiple devices. But if you're a promising writer or a creative type, you'd consider ways to log your regular stream of ideas electronically. But if you're carrying on a joint project, it would be necessary to share a selection of documents with your coworkers.
The other vital thing is to know which of your platforms necessitate sharing of data, and what types of data are to be shared. Such as, a Wi-Fi-only
iPad 2 that you use solely as an email and a browsing tool; you don't access work data with it, though you use it occasionally as a note-taking device.
However if your activities are within a corporate environment, your company's IT policies have to be taken into consideration. IT supervisors would normally give directions on what sort of information the firm wants left in the cloud as opposed to its own servers. Ensure that you consult your IT department if you are about to share possibly sensitive or proprietary data across platforms.
The outcome is that your integration wants will differ depending on what your activities are, how often you travel, and which devices you carry with you.
Syncing Browser Data
Sometimes you don't create a load of documents, but you browse a lot. Luckily, you can now sync bookmarks, passwords, including other data through platforms with all major browsers. One of the most transparent browsers is the Google Chrome, and with a Gmail account- you just need to enable sync at Chrome options panel under the'Personal Stuff' tab.
Firefox is bit difficult to sync: You are required to enter a special passcode on all platforms you'd want to enable Firefox Sync. It's a sufficient amount of an annoyance that's why it's generally unpopular.
You can also sync Internet Explorer bookmarks, however the task requires you to have Windows Live Mesh downloaded and installed. Gainfully, Live Mesh also allows you to share additional settings: such as sync Office templates across PCs, including also sync vital folders with Windows Live SkyDrive, cloud-storage service by Microsoft.
