Windows Live Mesh has had its gonads clipped

A bit of a rant here. Windows Live Mesh used to have a really nifty feature called "Remote". This allows one computer to remotely see the desktop and control another computer on the same network or across the web. The same software also had another feature called "Folder Sync" which enables directories on multiple computers or devices be continuously updated from every device that is 'linked'.

This is what the Live Mesh remote window looks (looked) like:

Now, Microsoft seems to assume that all everyone used Live Mesh for was "Sync", because in updating Windows Live Mesh, they've now essentially rolled it into SkyDrive, and in the process have removed the Remote access system completely.

This sucks

Why? Because academic institutions have major trust issues with people installing VNC software willy nilly (VNC software has been around for a very long time, and is essentially what Remote is). For reasons that many people would strongly disagree with, the same institutions have a more trusted attitude when it comes to Microsoft software -- which Remote is (was), a part of Live Mesh. This has saved my bones many times, being able to control microscopy machines from home, and do some work on my office PC by remoting in. Now it gets harder. I might have to go back to TeamViewer or something.

Screw you MS, for your shortsightedness.