NedWolf’s Dog-Simple Guide to Cloud Storage - Part 1: The 800 Pound Gorillas

Cloud Storage. What is it?

Cloud storage is nothing more than storing files on the internet.

Why do I need it?

3 Reasons:

Backups
File Sharing
Access from anywhere

Is it free / How much does it cost?

Almost all services start out free, with options of paying for more storage.

Where do I get it?

If you’re in a hurry, and just want something that works. Scan the 800 Pound Gorilla section, and pick one. You can be up and running in two minutes.

If you want more information and options, stay tuned, this is part 1 of a multi-part article.

The 800 Pound Gorillas

Today, I'm focusing on the biggest players, Dropbox, Google Drive and Skydrive by Microsoft. There are a lot more options, but for Windows users, these guys are the dominant players.

Let's get started...

Dropbox

Dropbox.com

Dropbox tries really, really hard to make life easy for you. Once you install the lightweight Dropbox application, you will probably never notice it again. Until you want to.

Backups

By default, a new folder is created called, ahem, “Dropbox”. Any file you place in there will be automatically saved to the cloud. It really is as simple as that.

Sharing

Files that you want to share with others are placed in a sub-folder called “Public”. Right-click on a file, select “Copy public link”, and you have a URL that can sent to anyone.

Access From Anywhere

Any computer that has Dropbox installed (and signed in with your unique ID) will automatically download everything in the background. Any file changes you make on any computer, will automatically be synchronized to all your computers.

What do I get for free?

Storage: 2 GB plus 500 MB for each referral up to 16 GB.
Maximum Individual File Size: No limit with desktop application, 150 MB upload with web app.
Transfers: 20 GB/file/day
Expiration: Files expire after 90 days of account inactivity

Where It Stands Out

Integration with practically everything. There are many, many services and applications that piggyback on Dropbox. Photos you take on your phone can be automatically sent to your Dropbox folder. There are notepads, to-do-lists, email integrators and more. Files can be viewed, downloaded and uploaded on and from your smartphone. And, of course, you can access anything from a web browser.

I barely scratched the surface here. There are all kinds of customization options, probably more that you will ever use, but for an out-of-the-box Cloud Storage Service, you can’t go wrong.

Google Drive

drive.google.com

Install process is just as simple as Dropbox, and just as clean.

Backups

Drop your files in a folder called “Google Drive”. They are backed up. Easy.

Sharing

File sharing is done from the web interface. You have to go to https://drive.google.com and do it from there. Recipients must have a Google account, but you can designate them with view-only or edit privileges.

Access From Anywhere

Like Dropbox, you can install the application on multiple computers and have them synced automatically, or you can use the web-based application to manage your files.

What do I get for free?

Storage: 5 GB
Maximum Individual File Size: 10 GB
Transfers: No Limit
Expiration: Files expire after 90 days of account inactivity

Where It Stands Out

Integration with all things Google. Google Drive is an evolution of Google Docs and any files you have already saved in that app will be in Google Docs as well. In the short time that Google Drive has been out, I already find myself using it daily by dropping pdf’s or Word docs into the folder and using the Google Docs viewer / editor from my browser.

Because it’s Google, search is very easy and convenient. You can find anything in your Google Drive. All documents (including pdf’s) can be found by searching for words inside the document. Instantly. Just think how amazingly convenient this is.

Microsoft SkyDrive

skydrive.live.com

Backups

You know the story by now. Install the app and put your files in the “SkyDrive” folder

Sharing

Like Google Drive, you share files through a web app. Select a file, click share, and you can enter a recipient’s email address.

Access From Anywhere

Again, same thing. syc via the stand-alone application or via the web.

Where It Stands Out

Office Web Apps. With a Windows Live SkyDrive account, you can create Word, Excel, Powerpoint or OneNote files that you can download and share. For anyone that works or collaborates in a MS Office environment, this could wind up being indispensable.