• Google Drive is a cloud storage service. Google Drive - what is it?

    Cloud storage called Google Drive, aka Google Drive in bourgeois, also formerly known as Google Docs, is located at drive.google.com and provides fifteen gigabytes for free. Since the most effective and visual method of cognition is comparison with analogues, it is applicable. And at the same time, we will explain everything scrupulously to inexperienced, novice computer users.

    How to get started

    It all starts with mail. I mean, from registering with Gmail. This is the starting point for using any Google services; you can’t do without it.

    Then we go to a service called Disk. You can either find it in the list of products, if you don’t see it in the bar at the top, or type the address indicated in the preamble.

    Since it is extremely inconvenient to dump fifteen gigabytes into one pile, we create folders. For this purpose, on the left there is a red button with an obvious name that expands the list. In which we select “Folder”. All that remains is to enter its name and enter it.

    Next to “Create” there is another button, also red, but slightly smaller. It shows an up arrow. This means uploading something to the cloud storage in question. Don't believe me? Hover your pointer over it and the “Download” prompt will pop up.

    Click, select files, and wait for the process of uploading your data to the cloud to complete.

    Unlike the situation observed in Ubuntu One, the download window does not disappear by itself when finished; you need to close it manually. But the scripts do not run amok when adding files to the list, do not warm up the computer and do not force the browser to slow down.

    On Yandex.Disk, the fan at such a moment can roar like a wounded bear. But there, despite the service’s existence for quite a long time, everything is still so crooked, not optimized, buggy and faulty that there is nothing to be surprised about.

    In the Dropbox web interface, only the so-called basic uploader actually works, which allows you to upload one file at a time. However, there are only two free gigabytes.

    Download

    Method one, for several files: check the boxes next to the desired objects - expand the list under the “More” button on the panel at the top (it appears after checking the boxes) - agree to download as a zip archive - wait for archiving to complete - finally download.

    The second method is the simplest for any file: right-click on it - “Download”.

    Method three, if you clicked on something by accident: look at the darkened screen with a very meaningful message, they say, preview is impossible, there is nothing to open such a file, don’t blame me, - find the button with a down arrow in the lower right (this is how downloading is indicated) - click on it - get the desired result.

    Method four, for one document: click, wait for the document to open in the online application - “File - Download”.

    SkyDrive's interface is more obvious, more convenient, with the highest level intuitiveness. You can immediately see where you should click what, so as not to open the document in an online editor, but to download it immediately.

    Well, Ubuntu One is just a storage facility, where the download is started by simply clicking on the file. But you won’t be able to pick up several pieces through the web interface in one fell swoop. For the reason that you cannot select several pieces. Although the service is developing, we will see further.

    Let's go back to our Google Drive. What's really missing is the "Download" button next to "View" (with the stylized eye).

    Documents

    In fact, documents can also be opened in Microsoft SkyDrive. Moreover, the ODF format (*.odt) is supported there, which for some reason has not yet been implemented in Google Drive, despite Google’s favor towards Linux.

    When it comes to Google Drive, it's best to create documents from scratch rather than uploading ones made locally. It doesn't matter if the formatting gets lost. The problem is that tabs are thrown out at the beginning of each paragraph. Both in downloaded files created in LibreOffice Writer, and in text copied from LibreOffice.

    In what format to download the results to disk, this also raises questions. It seems that it turns out completely without any jambs, only in PDF.

    Photos

    These are best packaged in archives and uploaded to the cloud in the form of zip files. Since the Google+ social network is in a never-ending process of permanent development, photos may suddenly move to albums there (formerly Google Picasa). And in those albums, according to eyewitnesses, confusion often arises.

    However, when using mobile devices, of course, there is no particular choice. Either the photos are uploaded to Google+ (using an app) or to Google Drive (via another app) along with other file types.

    Moreover, it is quite difficult to predict further changes and nuances in the Google Drive application. But, of course, you can install it in Android and try it.

    How to share

    Right click on the file - “Sharing” - “Sharing” again. There are buttons for sending by mail to Gmail, as well as to social networks. But we are interested in specific, precise and controlled tuning. Therefore, in the “Access Levels” section, just below, click “Configure”. Everything is obvious there.

    You can share a whole bunch of files at once. We tick them and press the button that appears at the top with a little man and a plus at his left shoulder. Then many links will be offered for copying at once.

    Documents from links that you copy and place anywhere on the network will not be downloaded, but will be opened in the online editor. Therefore, to save them on a local disk (on a computer), the user will have to click “File - Download”.

    You should also remember that the documents you share will certainly and inevitably be indexed in a search engine (Google, what else).

    For the writer

    Is the service suitable for a writer who intends to compose something online, traveling around the world and logging into Google Drive? The answer is clear: no.

    For creative endeavors, only the Microsoft SkyDrive online editor in their cloud service is suitable.

    Why? To understand this, it is enough to read and compare the user agreements. Google gets the right to use all your content literally (no exaggeration!) however they want. In fact, the user agreement cancels the entire set of copyrights, property and non-property. Microsoft, fortunately, does not allow anything like this.

    The same applies to journalists, reporters writing dissertations, etc. Working on texts in the Google service under discussion is potentially unsafe.

    Let's summarize

    So, we made a comparison with similar services. Now, without breaking tradition, let's summarize.

    Disadvantages of Google Drive cloud storage: lack of ODF support, not very intuitive interface, confusion with photo albums, user agreement gives Google the rights to anything and everything.

    Advantages: fifteen gigabytes, convenient to share on Google+ and Twitter, convenient to send links by mail (Gmail), software is optimized and does not cause the computer to heat up, slow down, or glitch.

    That is, to put it differently, it is better to keep more or less confidential files in Ubuntu One, work with documents in Microsoft SkyDrive, and share something with the world’s population in Google Drive.

    IN lately Not only computer technologies are rapidly developing, but also mobile technologies. In this regard, a very pressing question arose safe storage relatively large amounts of information. And it is for this purpose that many IT corporations offer users of any type of device the use of so-called cloud services. How to use the cloud and services included in basic set any developer will now be considered.

    What is cloud storage?

    First, let’s define what kind of service this is. Roughly speaking, this is file storage in the form of allocated disk space on a remote server of a company providing such services.

    In other words, in a sense, it can be called a kind of virtual flash drive on which a certain amount of data is placed. However, if you need to constantly carry a USB device with you to access downloaded information, then such a service (for example, the Mail.Ru cloud or the corresponding Google service) can be accessed from both a computer and a mobile device. That is, the files are synchronized in the cloud itself, and you can view or download them simply by entering your registration data (although in some cases this is not required).

    Quite a lot has already been written about how to use the cloud. Now let’s pay attention to some main points, and also consider the simplest principles of its use, explaining the situation in detail.

    Most popular services

    It goes without saying that initially, to use such storages, you need to decide on a service provider, that is, choose the most suitable service for yourself

    Today you can find quite a lot of such services. The most popular are the following:

    Before we figure out how to use each type of cloud, it should be noted that these services are somewhat uneven when compared to each other. The fact is that some repositories can be accessed exclusively from a computer terminal, while others require synchronization of both computers and mobile devices. Sometimes you may need a specialized application that plays the role of a kind of conductor, sometimes just an Internet browser is enough.

    The same applies to freely allocated disk space for storing your files, as well as payment for additional space on a remote server. In any case, most services are very similar to each other.

    What should you pay attention to before starting work?

    Now let's look at some important points, without which the use of cloud services is out of the question.

    The very first and most important thing is pre-registration, and in some cases it does not matter at all whether it will be done via the Internet using a regular browser or a special computer or mobile application. The whole process takes a few minutes.

    Benefit from stationary systems Mobile devices with operating systems installed on them differ. The fact is that when you turn it on for the first time, to access some advanced functions or stores such as AppStore or Google Play (Play Market), the system initially prompts you to create account(registered email address and password). At the same time, your smartphone or tablet already has a preset installed application for working with cloud services. For convenience, you can install their desktop counterparts on a computer or laptop (although access can also be obtained through a browser).

    Allocable disk space

    Another important point- the amount of disk space that the user initially receives in free version. As a rule, the volume on different services ranges from 5 to 50 GB. If this is not enough, you will have to increase the storage capacity and pay a certain amount for it, which includes the cost of purchasing more volume and maintenance for a certain period of use, which, by the way, can also vary.

    General principles

    As for how to use the cloud in the broadest sense, everything is quite simple. After registration, the user only needs to add folders and files, contacts and much more to the storage.


    At the same time, in the settings section, he can add friends who, like him, will upload files to the server or edit them (the simplest example is Dropbox). Often new users can use own passwords to login.

    But here's what's interesting. When you install a special program on your computer, access to files in the cloud is much faster than when you launch the same Internet browser. The same can be said about synchronization. It is enough to place the files in the application folder, and synchronization will be performed instantly for all users who have access rights to the service. Let's look at the most popular storage facilities.

    Cloud Mail.Ru

    So, as mentioned above, you will first need to create a box email, after logging in, the cloud service will be displayed in the panel at the top in the projects tab. This is the Mile cloud. How to use it? It couldn't be simpler.


    Initially, 25 GB of disk space is offered. Uploading files is carried out using the corresponding button, which can be used to add several objects at once. The limitation concerns only the size of the uploaded file - it should not exceed 2 GB. Before starting the download, you can use additional features, for example, create and then just as easily files can be moved and deleted. Please note: it does not have a “Trash”, as in the same Yandex service, so it will not be possible to restore deleted information.

    The function of creating, viewing or editing files can be very useful. Let's say we have a Word document (or it is created directly in the repository). Changing it directly in the cloud can be as easy as if the user were launching the editor on a computer. Upon completion of work, we save the changes, after which synchronization occurs again.

    Yandex cloud: how to use?

    With the Yandex service, in principle, things are almost identical. The functional set, in general, does not differ much.


    But the developers of this service thought that the user could delete files completely by accident. This is where the so-called “Trash” comes to the rescue, into which information is placed when deleted. It works like a standard computer service. True, data recovery tools are not applicable to it if they have already been deleted from the Recycle Bin. Nevertheless, the function is very useful.

    Google Drive storage

    Now let's move on to another powerful service called Google Cloud. How to use Google Drive? Fundamental differences compared to other services, no. But here access can be obtained both from a mobile device (built-in service) and using a utility installed on a computer (not to mention logging in via an Internet browser). With a phone or tablet everything is simple, let’s look at the computer program.


    We assume that the account has already been created. After activation, the user receives 5 GB of storage. An increase to 25 GB will cost approximately 2.5 USD. We install the application on the computer, after which the service folder appears on the Desktop (it is also displayed in Explorer).

    As is already clear, just place the files in this directory and synchronization will occur. During operation, the program “hangs” in the system tray as an icon. Right click calls additional menu, where you can view the available space for downloading files, make personalized settings, expand storage space, shut down, etc.

    One point is especially worth noting here. As it turns out, copying files to the program folder on your computer and then downloading them from the cloud to your mobile device turns out to be much faster than connecting the gadget to your computer and then copying them using Windows.

    iCloud and iCloud Drive services

    Finally, let's see how to use Apple cloud. There are two services (iCloud and iCloud Drive), which are pre-installed on the iPhone or iPad in accordance with the version of the operating system installed on the device. Essentially, iCloud Drive is an updated version of iCloud, and for its correct operation I should take into account that mobile gadget must correspond to the stated technical requirements: iOS 8 on the device itself. Computer - with Windows 7 or higher with the iCloud for Windows extension, or a computer terminal with Mac OS X 10.10 or OS X Yosemite.


    Initially, after logging into the service, folders created by default will be displayed there. Their number may vary depending on the settings of the computer and the client on the mobile device. How to use the cloud on iPhone? In principle, there is nothing supernatural about this. It is enough to launch the application on the gadget (switch the launch slider to the enabled state) and log in using your account. It's another matter when the input is supposed to be from a computer. Here you will need to use the settings menu of the program itself and select enable there.

    Another disadvantage is the rather low synchronization speed (this is recognized by everyone). And one more, most unpleasant moment. If you switch from iCloud to iCloud Drive without updating all devices to the required configuration, the data in the old cloud will simply not be accessible, so be vigilant.

    Conclusion

    Here, in brief, is everything that concerns the question of how to use the Cloud application or services of the same name. Of course, not all the possibilities of such services are considered here, but, so to speak, only general principles(basics) of work. However, even with such minimal knowledge any newly registered user will be able to carry out basic operations within 5-10 minutes.

    Many companies provide free space in the cloud. This means that you can place your own files not on your computer’s hard drive, but on an external server owned, for example, by Mail.ru, Google, Yandex, Apple or other e-commerce giants. However, this does not mean that cloud gigabytes only they can offer. On at the moment Even not very well-known portals and hosters can guarantee cloud services. The only question that remains is the reliability and security of such proposals.

    How to use the Google.Disk cloud

    One of the most popular cloud storage is Google Drive. It guarantees 5 GB. free space for any personal needs, easily expandable up to 25 GB. for only 2.5 dollars (and beyond). How to use it? First of all, you need to register an account with Google. If you already have an email account on Gmail, its data will work. If not, fill in all the required fields via the link and click “Next”. After this, go to the Google Drive start page, entering your username and password. Now you can use the storage without any problems. Your documents will be displayed in the “Files” section, and they can be easily accessed by guests and other third-party visitors (for example, via a link or a request from a specific email).

    How to use the Google Drive cloud on your computer

    Access and management of the storage can be done through a special program installed on a PC. While on the Drive web page:

    • look for the “Download for PC” button at the bottom and left;
    • in the next window, click “Accept the terms and install”;
    • the installation process will begin;
    • when it is completed, click on the “Close” button;
    • launch the installed program and click on the “Login” button;
    • enter login ( email address) and password, and click on “Login” again;
    • in the new window, click “Forward” - the program will notify us that the data from Google Drive will be synchronized with the selected folder on the PC;
    • if you select “Advanced settings”, you can change the name and location of the folder on the hard drive, as well as allow/prohibit autorun after turning on the PC;
    • Click on “Synchronize”, after which the setup is complete.

    Next, any documents placed in the selected folder will be transferred to the cloud. You can use them online or on any other computer if you enter your login information. The same is true vice versa - once you place documents in Google Drive, you can easily take them to your home PC.


    How to use the Yandex cloud. Disk on computer and online

    Cloud storage from Yandex works similarly to Google Drive. Register on yandex.ru by clicking the “Mail” button and filling out the appropriate form. When an account is created, a “Drive” button will be available in the upper right corner. The file management program can be downloaded to your PC; to do this, from the main Disk window, click on the “Windows” button and go through all the standard installation steps. When the installation is complete, a folder with Yandex Disk documents will appear on your home computer. In the program settings you can choose:

    • on the “Basic” tab: launch when you turn on the PC and the path to the folder with files;
    • on the “Account” tab: login, password, number of remaining GB;
    • “Synchronization” - will display a list of all folders located on Yandex Drive and synchronized with hard drive(can be disabled by unchecking the checkboxes, and vice versa);
    • "Screenshots" following settings: Places desktop snapshots directly in the cloud;
    • “Advanced” - allows you to enable or disable updates, sending crash logs, and so on.

    You can get other cloud storage from well-known brands like Dropbox, Mega, Mail.ru, Amazon, iCloud Drive, 4shared, SugarSync, OpenDrive, Syncplicity, SpiderOak.

    Cloud file storage is a fairly convenient way to save your data on a remote server, saving space on your PC’s hard drive and at the same time being able to quickly access it from any computer or device that has Internet access. One of the most popular services for cloud data storage is Google Drive.

    Google Drive features

    Google Drive provides its users with up to 15 GB free space for storing any files. In case this is not enough, the volume can be expanded for a fee, up to 1 Terabyte. If you wish, you can give other users access to some files stored in the cloud storage and specify the level of access - they can edit the file or only view it.

    In addition, it is possible to open files directly in the browser window. Google Drive supports many common file formats, such as PDF, PSD, RAR, DOC, AVI, FLV and others. This feature is especially useful when you access a file storage service from a device that does not have the appropriate program to open the file.

    Google Drive also has a recovery feature. The service saves all the changes you have made to files over the last 30 days, and if necessary, you can return the file to one of previous versions.

    Among additional features The service should highlight the ability to work with documents jointly with other users and the advanced search function. During collaboration above the document, you can chat with other users via instant messages right in the document window. And advanced search on Google Drive includes search even in scanned documents.

    How to use Google Drive

    To start using the service cloud storage Google files Drive, you must first create an account on Google +. If you already have an account, you can immediately go to Google Drive and click the button Try it.



    Download the installation distribution to your computer and install the program. Next, enter your data: email address and password. When setting up Google Drive, you can choose the location of the folder to sync. To do this, click the button Advanced settings and at the top of the window indicate the location of your folder.

    After installation and configuration, folder synchronization will begin. The Google Drive icon should then appear in your taskbar. By clicking this icon, you can open a Google Drive folder on your local computer or on the Internet, expand cloud storage space, close Google Drive, or make some program settings.

    Any files you place in your Google Drive folder will be automatically copied to cloud storage Google and you can access them from any device that has internet.

    On your Google Drive web page, you can create new document, presentation, drawing or table - there is a special editor for this, with an interface similar to MS Office.

    To give other users access to specific file, right-click on it, select the item from the context menu Sharing and configure the access level. Then copy the link and send it to those you want to share the file with.


    If you delete a file from a Google Drive folder, it is placed in the Trash on local computer and to the cloud storage cart. To recover a deleted file from storage, go to the Google Drive page, click the button on the left menu More and select Basket. Go to the cart, check the box next to the items you want and click Restore.

    In this article, the tutorial Your-Smartphone will tell you how to use Google Drive cloud storage and what are the advantages of this cloud service.

    Google Drive cloud storage will replace any program for working with documents, a USB flash drive with a capacity of up to 15 GB, and will solve the problem of file transfer large size. Now you don’t need to remember where you saved your documents or files: at home, in the office or on your phone - they will always be at hand, you only need an Internet connection, and you can also give access to other users for collaboration.

    1. How to install Google Drive:

    For computer (PC)

    • First, you need to go to the official Google Drive website. There, enter your Google mail username and password. If you still don’t have it, you need to register - this article will help you with this:.
    • Install Google Drive by clicking the “Download Google Drive for PC” button.
    • Enter your username and password again, after which a Google Drive folder will be created on your computer.
    • Transfer everything into it necessary files and documents.

    For Android device

    Install the Google Drive app from the Play Store.

    Open the program, enter your username and password for your Google account.
    Now all changes that occur in this folder and in the files that are in it are displayed immediately on all your devices where the Google cloud storage application is installed.

    2. How to use Google cloud storage?

    1. Flash drive 15 GB.


    Initially free after registration 15 GB for storing files. Now you don’t need to buy a drive to transfer data; you just need to go to drive.google.com from any device (not necessarily your own) through a browser, enter your account information and you will immediately get access to all the files that are in your Google Drive. Moreover, they can be downloaded or edited directly on the Internet by clicking on required document or folder.

    You can also add to your cloud storage Google anyone file or folder from the device. If 15 GB is not enough for you, you can buy one for yourself more space: 100 GB and more by price from $4.99 .

    2. Automatic synchronization

    When you change files and folders on one of your devices, they will be available in the latest version on all the others. To do this, you only need to connect your devices to the Internet.

    3. Transferring files and folders

    Now you don’t need to think about how to transfer a large file or folder, since not all email programs can handle this. You just need to select the required element, select the “Sharing” option, enter a name (for SMS), or an email or group address in the field, and the users you specified will be sent a link where they can view, download, or edit ( depending on what rights you specify for them in the access menu) sent material.

    4. Real time operation

    Moreover, if you work on documents, spreadsheets and presentations with other users, you don't have to copy and forward them every time. You can create and edit documents in real time, as if your colleagues were at the same table with you.

    So, we looked at Google Drive cloud storage, how to download Google Drive and its capabilities.

    If you have questions about setting up or using the Google Drive service, write in the comments below.

    Most users, unfortunately, still have not been able to resolve the issue with proper storage files, in particular, ensuring their security. Most of the largest services have long offered cloud storage that can ensure the safety of your files even as a result of unforeseen circumstances (breakdown, hacking or loss of your computer). This article will discuss the cloud service offered by by Google.

    The development of the largest company received a rather simple name - Google Drive. The service is quite interesting, so it’s worth taking a closer look at it. Google allows you to store up to 5 GB of files for free, as well as upload files up to 10 GB in size (of course, in the paid version).

    1. Creating files. The program allows you to create files, for example, pdf format, various text files and presentations. And besides this, the service allows you to jointly edit files with your friends and colleagues who have a Google account.
    2. Provide access to files from various devices. Files located in Google Drive can be viewed both from a computer and from a tablet or smartphone, provided that you can connect to the Internet.
    3. Ability to recognize scanned pages or photographs with text and convert written text into speech.

    For heavy users of cloud storage, the free capacity may not be enough, so you can expand your storage space with a monthly subscription fee.

    How to use Google Drive

    In order to start using the cloud from Google, you must have a Google mail account. If this is not available, you need to go to the official Google page and go through the simple registration steps.

    Now log in under your account and click at the very top of the web page the icon with the image of tiles and select “Disk”.

    We will be redirected to another page where we will be asked to download the Google Drive program. In addition, you can find a link to download this program for Windows at the end of the article.


    By clicking on the “Download Drive” button, the download of the program installer will begin.


    Once the download is complete, run the installer and agree to the warning. The program will begin downloading from the network, followed by its installation.

    After the installation is complete, a welcome window will open in front of you. By clicking the “Next” button, you will need to log in using your account Google entry.


    This will be followed by a short course on the main features of the program. After viewing the course, click the “Done” button.

    Next will open Google folder disk and explorer window. On the right side of Explorer, you will see that the Google Drive icon has appeared.


    Now let's move on directly to working with Google Drive. Many cloud storage creators consider it their duty to add demo files. The Google Drive folder will greet you with dreary emptiness. To send your first file to the storage, you just need to copy it to this folder in the same way as you do in other folders.


    A blue sync icon will appear next to the transferred file, indicating that the file is currently being sent to Google servers. If the blue icon has changed green tick, which means the synchronization has been successfully completed and the file can now be viewed from any other device.


    Now let's go to the desktop. We see that our desktop has been replenished with three new icons, including our Google Drive folder, as well as new Google Docs, Google Slides and Google Sheets. These three programs are an office suite that runs on the Internet.


    That is, for example, you want to write a new text. You launch the blue icon and your browser launches, which redirects you to a web page with a full-fledged office editor, where you can easily type text and format it.


    While you are typing or editing text, seamless synchronization will occur, and all changes will be added to your Google Drive. This feature can be especially useful in situations where the computer freezes, the power goes out, or the laptop's battery runs out.


    We will not dwell much on the remaining programs. Google Sheets is similar to Excel, and Google Slides is similar to PowerPoint. The main difference from Microsoft's office suite is that Google distributes its online suite absolutely free.

    Conclusion.

    Google's goal is not just to create another cloud storage, of which there are already plenty today, but to release its own unique product, which will be useful to all users. Large quantity space for storing personal files and folders, an office suite for service users, fast sync, cross-platform and others useful features make this service one of the best today.

    At the end of April 2012 Google of the Year officially launched Google Drive cloud storage to store user files on the Internet. Google Drive cloud storage allows you to store files on your own storage space and access files online, from your computer or mobile device.

    Google Drive has replaced Google Docs. Storage usage is available for Windows, Mac OS X, Chrome OS, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.

    The first 15 GB of storage space in Drive is free. This size is the sum of Google Drive (5 GB) and Gmail (10 GB), which now share the same disk space. You will have to pay to increase disk space in Google Drive.

    When you change a file online, on your computer, or on a mobile device, the file is updated on every device you have Google Drive installed on. The files will be synchronized, and your data will always be available to you from anywhere.

    To start using the Google Drive cloud service, you will need to create an electronic mailbox in the mail Google Mail. After you have created an email account, or you already have one, you need to log into your mail.

    After logging in to your email, on the top panel, among Google services you will see new service- Disc. To enter the cloud storage, click on the “Disk” menu item.

    For more convenient use Google Drive, you can install it on your computer special application- program- Google client Disk.

    Log in to the cloud storage, and then follow the link where you will be prompted to “Install Google Drive” for your personal computer.

    The program installer is downloaded. Then you run it and the installer downloads and installs Google Drive on your computer. In the window that appears, enter your Gmail email information.

    You can enter the storage via the web interface from email, or by logging into the search engine Google system under your account. From your computer, you can access Google Drive from the program shortcut or through Explorer.

    After installing the application, the “Google Drive” folder appeared in Explorer, a program icon also appeared in the Notification Panel (tray), and a program shortcut on the Desktop.

    When synchronization is enabled, files are simultaneously in the cloud and on your computer.

    Files in the storage can be simply dragged and dropped with the mouse or moved in a standard way(copying or cutting). In this image, you can see that I have already dragged a folder with files there.

    You can delete files from cloud storage through the web interface, or using an application installed on your computer. Please note that deleted files are not immediately deleted from Disk, they first end up in the Recycle Bin, where they take up a useful amount of disk space. To completely delete a file from disk storage, you will need to empty the Recycle Bin.

    Documents hosted in Google Drive can be shared with other users and collaborated on them simultaneously from different places.

    When you click on the icon in the Notification Panel, program settings appear in the context menu. The service supports file search, recognizes images and scanned text.

    Cloud storage Google Drive is used to store files on the Internet and allows you to use data and work with documents stored on Drive from different places at the same time.

    Cloud storage services have been around for several years. And during this time, users fully experienced all the benefits of storing information in these services. Essentially, cloud storage gives people the opportunity to store files not on their computer's hard drive, but on external servers. Thus, two problems are solved at once. Firstly, you can save a decent amount of disk space. Secondly, you can insure yourself against data loss (if your entire computer breaks down or if your hard drive fails).

    One of the most popular and used cloud storage is Google Drive (or “Google Drive”, as they like to call it in RuNet). From the name it becomes clear that this service is provided by Google. The high popularity of this service among users is due to the easy registration procedure, high reliability of data storage, large amount of available space and other factors.

    Installation and registration

    Let's start with installation and registration. In order to register in the service, the user only needs to create a gmail mailbox and download the client for PC. After installing the client, you must enter the name of the mailbox and its password. If the data turns out to be correct, you can immediately begin working with the files. After launching the client, it will create a new icon in the tray, when you click on it, a context menu for working with “Disk” will appear. New files can be added in several ways. The simplest is to move files to a special temporary folder and then upload them to storage. You can also use the web interface. To do this, among all Google services (“Mail”, “Search”, etc.), select “Disk”. You can create several storage folders on the disk itself different types files and also upload necessary files(red button with an arrow at the top of the screen). The download speed depends only on the speed of your Internet connection. So if the files load slowly, then blame your provider.


    Some time ago, only 5 gigabytes of disk space was available to users to store data. However, then Google decided that people themselves have the right to distribute the space allocated to them. gmail, photographs and "Disk". Now the total amount of space available for one user is 15 GB.

    Working on downloaded files

    You can perform various manipulations with files downloaded to Disk. For example, you can view them directly from the browser (however, much depends on the format and type of file), open them using the necessary programs, download them to hard drive computer, move, rename, etc.


    Advantages

    One of the main Google benefits Drive ahead of other similar services - having a convenient mobile office. If you have internet access and a browser Google Chrome, then you can work with without problems a large number different types of documents (text, graphics, presentations, tables, etc.). There is no need to install Office package from Microsoft and store all files on your PC's hard drive. In addition to simply viewing and editing documents, the option is available sharing to them. For example, you wrote an article or compiled a table. Using the provided link, your friend can not only view it, but also edit it (which is very convenient). Using the corresponding menu item, you can insert the created documents into a website or blog.

    Technological progress does not stand still. One technology, which becomes impractical over time, goes away and is replaced by another, more advanced one. A clear example of this is the evolution of data storage methods. If previously CDs and DVDs, then that's it now more people prefers to store information on flash drives, which are more compact in size and can hold much more information, and also support multiple rewrites.

    There is also a more advanced technology that has not yet gained popularity among the masses, but has serious prospects - cloud information storage services.

    Any user who has created an account in such a service can upload his files to the server and access them from any computer or other supported device (tablet, smartphone, etc.) on which he logs into his account. Agree, it’s very practical: you can save time and money. There is only one drawback - you must have access to the Internet. Lack of connection will prevent you from accessing the downloaded information. Fortunately, almost everyone now has access to the Internet.

    Comparison of cloud storage services: Dropbox, Google Drive, Cloud Mail, MediaFire, Yandex Disk, Microsoft OneDrive, Copy Com, Apple iCloud

    This article will compare nine popular cloud storage services, which will be assessed according to the three most important parameters for users: workspace size, security of use and functionality. So let's get started.

    Size of space provided

    For those users who work with large files,Disk space size is a fundamental criterion. If a service cannot provide the necessary space, it will not be worthwhile for them to use it.

    Dropbox, which at one time was one of the founders cloud technologies, now we can confidently call it an outsider, which cannot compete with other participants in the comparison in terms of disk space. Only 2 gigabytes upon registration, one gigabyte per execution simple task and 13 gigabytes for attracting users through the referral program (500 megabytes per user who registered and installed the client).
    Google Drive did not show itself to be particularly generous, providing only 15 gigabytes of server space for free. And considering that the same space is used to store documents Google Docs and email, users will have to be content with little. You can increase your storage size by purchasing a subscription. For example, now 100 GB costs $2, 1 TB costs $10. The maximum you can get is several tens of terabytes (I wonder who might need that many).

    Mail.ru cloud – no matter what they say about Mail.ru cloud storage, and enough free space on the servers is allocated to users. Each person who connects to the service can use up to 100 gigabytes of space by uploading files of unlimited size.
    MediaFire – you can get 50 gigabytes of space in the MediaFire cloud, but the conditions for obtaining are quite complicated. The initial size of disk space is only 10 gigabytes. Another 8 gigabytes can be obtained by installing certain applications and extensions, and the remaining 32 by inviting other people to become clients of the service. 1 each extra gigabyte for each user.
    Yandex Disk - cloud storage of the domestic company Yandex initially gives 3 GB free space, which, through simple manipulations, can easily be turned into 10 GB. Additional space is opened by attracting active referrals (500 megabytes per person). It also makes sense to monitor various promotions on the Yandex website. For example, now any subscriber tariff plan OnLime from Rostelecom can open another 100 GB, and those who purchase Kingston flash drive with the Yandex logo - get as many additional gigabytes as the size of this flash drive.
    Microsoft OneDrive allows any registered user to use 15 gigabytes of information, and if he is also the owner of a PC with installed Windows 8, then the size increases by another 10 gigabytes.
    Mega gives new users 50 gigabytes free space for any files. Although this is not much, there is no need to carry out any additional fraud, unlike many other competing services.
    Copy.com is another cloud service with a referral program. Initially it gives out 15 gigabytes of free space, but for each attracted user you are credited not with 1 measly gigabyte, but as much as 5 gigabytes. If you want to remove all the restrictions inherent in the free version and get from 250 gigabytes to 1 terabyte of free space, you will have to subscribe, paying $5 monthly.
    Apple iCloud - unlike many others Apple services , the storage can also be used by PC holders, as well as mobile devices from other manufacturers. iCloud gives you 5 gigabytes of free space. An extension of 20 gigabytes will cost 39 Russian rubles per month, 200 GB – 140 rubles per month. You can get a maximum of 1 terabyte and it will cost 749 rubles monthly.

    Security and privacy

    Many people do not want to use cloud services because they are afraid of identity theft or are afraid that the information will be lost for some reason. Let's see what the creators of the services in question have done to prevent such situations.

    Dropbox uses modern data protection methods: SSL and 256-bit AES, which guarantees secure transfer and storage of any files uploaded to the server. All applications and service extensions are checked for vulnerabilities and updated periodically. It is possible to enable two-step authentication.
    Google Drive has no competitors in terms of technology protection. All data is securely encrypted, there is almost no risk of loss. Of course, this does not negate the need to adhere to certain security rules - configure confidentiality in the settings, log out of your account when you finish working on a public computer.

    Any files uploaded to the Mail.ru cloud are scanned by Kaspersky utility for the presence of viruses and other malicious code. When the utility databases are updated, the scan runs again. Files, as in other services, are encrypted. As for the disadvantages, it is worth noting the conditions license agreement services that relieve Mail.ru of all liability for any negative situations associated with unauthorized access, technical problems.
    Microsoft OneDrive creates multiple copies of your files at once, placing them on different servers. If one of them fails, you will not lose stored information. Protection against access by third parties is also presented at a decent level - two-step verification, account recovery using additional data. There is an operational service technical support.
    Yandex Disk. An encrypted connection prevents hackers from intercepting your personal data, and the ability to set a strong password prevents penetration into the account of third parties. If suddenly your device (from which you access the storage) is lost, access from it can be blocked using a special option.
    MediaFire has two-step authentication and encrypted connection. For those who do not really plan to store in the cloud important information, that's more than enough.
    Mega – all files that you upload to Mega servers, are automatically encrypted on your device, and an already encrypted version ends up in the storage, which even the administration of this service cannot access. To be honest, we are probably being deceived with the last statement, but it gives us additional confidence in security.
    Copy.com not only protects user files from intruders in, but also from one’s own carelessness. Over a certain period of time, you can roll back files to previous versions and restore accidentally deleted ones.
    Apple iCloud – any data that is uploaded to Apple iCloud, are encrypted using AES technology with 128-bit keys. The protection concerns not only the server itself where the files are stored - the process of uploading files to the server is also protected. If desired, you can enable two-step verification, which allows you to identify the storage user by the device from which he connects. On the other hand, everyone remembers the recent scandal with a huge number of explicit photos of celebrities stolen from their iCloud. The vulnerability was quickly fixed, but was it the only one?

    Functionality and additional features

    The ability to save files on a server is far from the only thing that modern cloud storage services are capable of. Almost any similar service has additional features that may be useful to users.

    Dropbox works fine both through the browser interface, and through the installed application. All tools for creating and editing files are fully supported. What's remarkable is mutable files loads very quickly. This effect is achieved through partial editing (only the modified part of the edited file, pre-compressed, is copied to the server).
    Google Drive is characterized by convenient and functional interface , which is intuitive even for novice users. Loading, sorting and editing files is done in a couple of keystrokes. There are built-in viewing and editing tools text documents and images various formats. Work with mobile devices and there are additional features designed specifically for them.

    Cloud Mail.ru - many complain about the inconvenience of working with storage via a browser, periodic errors and stuff like that. The problem is solved by installing software to work with the service. Otherwise, nothing special - there is mobile client, integration with mail and others standard features.
    Microsoft OneDrive – OneDrive has quite a lot of useful innovations. The most significant of them is the ability to create and edit Microsoft documents Office (Word, Excel, etc.) directly to the storage and sending files via Hotmail.
    Yandex Disk boasts advanced functionality and a wide range of supported systems, including even mobile Windows Phone and Linux. Yandex Disk is integrated with a number of other Yandex services, which makes your work much easier.
    MediaFire, in addition to its main function of storing files, allows you to share them on the Internet. More than 200 file formats are supported.
    Mega performed well on iOS and Android devices, and also relatively recently acquired an official client application(previously the work was carried out exclusively through the browser).
    Copy.com is quite similar in functionality to Dropbox discussed above, although it stands out for its beautiful and intuitive interface, as well as its wide cross-platform functionality.
    Only owners of devices from Apple . Automatic synchronization with the cloud greatly facilitates the storage of data (photos, contacts, documents, etc.), and there is no need to install additional software. Windows owners who want to use iCloud will have to install iTunes, which is a bit inconvenient.

    Let's summarize. What to choose?

    Which of the following services can be called the best? It's quite difficult to decide. Each storage has its own advantages and disadvantages. But if you choose the optimal (average) option that most people will like, then the choice will fall on Google Drive.

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