FolderShare Beta a Windows Live Service
I was checking out the new site for the release of Microsoft's Origami project and I noticed a reference to a windows live service I hadn't seen before. On Nov 3, 2005 Microsoft Acquired FolderShare from ByteTaxi Inc. and made it available free as a beta product. There is a Windows and Mac version and claims "NO spyware or adware".
It is basically a Peer to Peer file synchronization application which can synchronize specified folders across multiple computers and between a PC and Mac. It also has the ability to provide access to files in synchronized folders from the web but the file transfer is not secure yet. The folder synchronization is authenticated via RSA and encrypted via AES over SSL. You can also set up folders to share with friends and send them an invitation with a link to download FolderShare so they can access you files. There are four user permission levels you can give to friends:
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Reader (can only download and open files, cannot alter your files)
Contributor (can add new files)
Editor (can edit and delete files)
Senior Editor (can invite other users to this library)
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There is a maximum of 10,000 files per library, and you may create up to 10 libraries and works with any file type, although FolderShare can not transfer files larger than 2GB.
I have been using it for a couple days now and I got to say it doesn't use much resources and transfers files quickly. As I mentioned at the beginning of the post FolderShare will be installed on Microsoft's new Ultra-Mobile PC's which deserve there own post.  
Firefox 1.5 Released
Firefox 1.5 is boasting about a host of new and improved features including but not limited to:
- A Better Web Experience
- Faster Browsing
- Automatic Updates
- Tabbed Browsing
- Improved Pop-up Blocking
- Integrated Search
- Stronger Security
- Clear Private Data
- Live Bookmarks
- Next Generation Web Support
Firefox 1.5 is currently available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linix in 35 different languages.
Know issue that affected me:
"Older versions of Adblock may cause the Clear Private Data confirmation window to appear when Firefox 1.5 starts. If you experience this, make sure you are using the newest version of Adblock or Adblock Plus."
 
Windows Live Beta
Everything Microsoft is live, at least that looks like the direction they are moving.
- Live.com beta
- Windows Live Mail beta
- Windows Live Safety Center beta
- Windows Live Favorites beta
- Windows OneCare Live beta
- Windows Live Messenger beta
- Windows Live Search beta-mobile
Lots to check out enjoy.
PS: Firefox Users
Firefox support is coming soon. Please be patient :-)
Update: More details about Microsoft’s Live Offerings
Visual Studio 2005 and .NET Framework Version 2.0 Shipped
Visual Studio & SQL Server 2005 Launch Events
If you can't go to one of the main launch events Microsoft is also hosting Special Edition Launch 2005 events in cities across America. The Best of Microsoft Ready Launch 2005 tour is actually two events: Best of SQL Server 2005 Launch Powered by TechNet EventsAnd
If taking the day off work isn't a good enough reason to go then free software should be.
If you attend the SQL Server Launch you will get a free copy of SQL Server™ 2005 Standard Edition and if you also attend the Visual Studio Launch you will get a free copy of Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition.
 
Kahuna Hotmail Beta
I've been running the Hotmail Beta Kahuna for about two weeks now and I got to say I have been impressed about how stable it is.
There are to many new features to mention here and the UI is an all new AJAX implementation.
If you want to try it for yourself you can sign up for the beta here. 
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