• How to create a cloud on your computer. What is cloud file storage? Where to buy cloud space for personal use

    In the modern world, a person constantly needs to keep a large amount of information at hand: photos, videos, documents, contacts. All this and much more may be required at any time. But carrying a computer or a bunch of storage devices everywhere with you is becoming increasingly cumbersome. Therefore, computer corporations have developed virtual data storage facilities, the so-called clouds. That's what we'll talk about today. What is a cloud on the Internet and how to use it, we will tell you in our article!

    What is a cloud on the Internet?

    First of all, you need to decide on the terminology. So, what is the cloud on the Internet? The cloud on the Internet is a virtual storage of information located on a remote company server. In simple terms, cloud storage is an online version of any storage device (flash drive/disk) you know. It also has a certain volume that you can use when working.

    To use the saved data, you will need to access the virtual space through a special website or application. And no matter what device you log in from and make changes, all data will be synchronized.

    Choosing free cloud storage

    If previously users did not have much choice of cloud storage, now almost everyone can choose it for themselves. At the same time, you can use either a free cloud or some paid analogue. The main thing you should pay attention to when choosing: the amount of space provided and the availability of a convenient service (the ability to use a mobile application or a design that is simply understandable to you personally).

    The most popular options:

    • Yandex.Disk.
    • Google.Disk (Drive)
    • Dropbox
    • Mail.ru
    • OneDrive
    • SkyDrive
    • iCloud and many others.

    It is clear that each of these services has its pros and cons. And they are all slightly different from each other. But what do they all have in common?

    First of all, the need for registration. For some of them, authorization is only possible in the browser, while others allow you to register in the system through a mobile application. But you will still have to register. However, it is worth noting that, as a rule, it does not take more than a couple of minutes.

    By the way, in this regard, it is worth noting the convenience of mobile devices - the vast majority of them already have cloud storage built into the system and they are there when they are turned on for the first time.

    Have you probably noticed that when you start Android you are prompted to create a Google account? Have you noticed that an iCloud account is immediately created on the iPhone? All this is nothing more than a cloud for data storage.

    Another point that all virtual storages have in common is the need to configure parameters. You can share with friends and family and let them use, edit and delete existing files or add new ones. For ease of use, many portals allow each user to set their own password for shared storage (for example, Google Drive).

    Perhaps it is worth dwelling on one more point. A constant connection is established between all devices and users allowed to the cloud. What does this mean for the user? The moment any changes are made to files stored in cloud storage, they are immediately committed and all data is synchronized in real time.

    We have reviewed the main common points for all virtual storages on the Internet. Now let's take a closer look at some popular services. And let's start with one of the most popular - Yandex.Disk.

    What is Yandex.disk?

    In the spring of 2012, the well-known search engine Yandex launched a cloud storage service, now known as Yandex.Disk. Basic features are available free of charge. This largely determined its popularity among users. What does the Yandex cloud offer?

    10 GB of virtual space is provided for free. If you need more space, you have several ways to increase the volume: you can buy a Yandex-PRO subscription or participate in portal promotions. For example, old users of the system still remember how Yandex provided an additional 10 GB for inviting friends or purchasing a music subscription.

    • Files are stored indefinitely and all changes on the disk are synchronized between devices. By the way, you can edit photos directly in the service using the built-in editor.
    • The ability to share cloud access with your friends, family and colleagues.
    • You can upload a photo to the cloud for others to download, and then view the files saved in the virtual space.
    • All downloaded files are checked for viruses. After verification, you can request a link to exchange data with your friends.
    • You can send a large file via the cloud and not worry about its size.
    • Documents are transferred through a secure channel, so users do not have to worry about the safety of information.

    And this is only a small part of what the user will receive if he decides to use the Yandex cloud.

    Yandex cloud: how to use the service?

    In order to start using the Yandex cloud, first of all, you will have to register. The easiest way to do this is for someone who already has an account in Yandex (mail, Zen or some other project). If you are not yet their client, then read our instructions:

    • On the Yandex main page, click “Create mail”;

    • Fill out a short form, create a username and password;
    • Click on the “Register” button.

    By the way, it is not necessary to use Yandex mail. You only need to log into your personal account on a remote server.

    You can go to it directly from the main page or use this button:

    You can also download the corresponding application to your computer and phone - just click on the button:

    To get to the data storage, click on your address in the top right and select “My drive” in the menu. A work area will open in front of you, divided into three parts.

      • Above is the general Yandex menu. There is also a link to installing an application for working with the disk not through a browser.
      • On the left is the menu for storage.

    - The last ones. All recently downloaded files.
    - Files. Everything downloaded to disk.
    - Photo . Photo album section.
    - General access. All files and folders of other users that are accessible to you.
    - Story . The history of absolutely all disk operations is shown.
    - Archive . Contains mail attachments from letters from the mailbox.
    - Basket . All deleted files go into it. Stored for 30 days.

    In the center is an area for storing files and folders.

    Folders are automatically created (they can be seen on the left):

    • Downloads. Files that were sent by mail or shared with you.
    • Screenshots. All screenshots taken from Yandex.Disk.
    • Camera Photos from the synchronized device are automatically uploaded here.
    • Ya.Pictures. When searching for pictures on the Internet, you can save them to this folder.
    • Photos from social networks. You can select a network and download all your photos from it.

    There are four main operations performed in clouds:

    • Creating folders. In Yandex, click the "Create" button and select "Folder". You can create office documents directly in the cloud, this is also a popular feature. You can use the context menu by right-clicking (RMB) directly in the work area.

    Click the "Download" button and select the desired file in the explorer window that opens. The command is available from the context menu.

    • Download files. When you select a file, a toolbar with a “Download” button appears at the top.

    Additionally, you can delete, move, rename or edit files and folders. All these commands are in the context menu (RMB on the file) and in the panel that pops up at the top.

    Mail.ru cloud: how to use?

    Another search engine, Mail, offers only 8GB for free. Although a couple of years ago this figure reached 25 GB. But the issue of lack of volume is easily resolved, because you can always purchase it for an additional fee.

    In order to take advantage of the provided volume, you will have to register your mailbox. In general, the registration process differs little from the described instructions for Yandex. Therefore, we will not dwell on this fact in detail, but will go straight to the question of how to use the Mail.ru cloud.

    You can go to the virtual space provided to you either through your personal email, or through the main page of Mail.ru (by navigation in the top field) or directly via the link:

    The functions are basically the same as on Yandex:

    In general, all search engines offer, plus or minus, the same functionality. Unless Rambler is one of the few services that has not yet developed its own cloud drive.

    Google.Disk - cloud for Android phone and PC

    Most often, the cloud on the Internet for storing data on Android is tied to Google. But in principle, you can use any other storage. Therefore, we will describe the answer to the question: what is a cloud on an Android phone and how to use it using the example of Google Drive.

    Google.Disk is one of the best deals available at the moment. In the free version you will receive 15 GB of virtual space. This volume is divided between mail, the disk itself and Google Photos. If this space is not enough for you, then you can purchase additional space (up to 30 TB in size). Google Virtual Storage is also tied to your mailbox, so first of all, you will need to create your own mail.

    Main sections:

    • Upload files and folders, as well as delete them.
    • Provide access to view or edit files;
    • Add additional notes;
    • Download to your computer.
    • And much more.

    By the way, Google has developed not only a browser version, but also a mobile application. So staying in touch with him will not be difficult. To use cloud storage on your Android phone, follow our instructions:

    • Go to PlayMarket.
    • Type “Google Drive” in the search bar.

    • Click Install.

    After this, a client icon will appear on the desktop. Open it up. To manage files and folders, you need to use the menu - three dots at the top right of the element’s label. There you will find the usual commands.

    The same menu for the entire disk (top right of the screen) will allow you to select all objects, sort them and view properties.

    There is no point in going into detail about how to use virtual storage on an Android phone, since there are no special differences compared to the web tool. Moreover, for convenience, most virtual space owners offer the same clients for computers.

    iCloud - virtual data storage for iOS

    As an example of a mobile cloud option, let's talk about iCloud. The main feature of this service is that it is built into the system from the very beginning (starting with the fifth version of iOS). Another interesting fact is that you do not have to register additionally. To access files in iCloud, use your AppleID login and password.

    In order to start working with iPhone cloud storage, first of all, check the boxes for all programs that require synchronization. This can be done in the settings of your device.

    Important! Before you add any synchronization software, think carefully. After all, only 5 GB are provided for free. And in the cloud, in addition to photos, there are also copies of the documents themselves, contacts and messages.

    After you configure the service for yourself, all devices linked to your AppleID, as well as everyone who knows this data, will be able to access your data in iCloud.

    Pros and cons of using

    We hope that now it has become more or less clear to you what a cloud on the Internet is and how to use it. And we only have one question left to answer: is such a service worth the time spent registering in the system and trying to “upload” information? Let's try to answer this question together!

    The obvious advantages of using the cloud include:

    • There is no need to have a laptop/computer with a bunch of information storage devices of any type and size on hand. Access to all the files you need will depend solely on the availability of the Internet.
    • Most services come with the ability to work both on a PC and from mobile devices, incl. and using special applications.
    • The software for the service is updated without your intervention. You no longer need to monitor and install updates to improve performance. And by the way, cloud storage is compatible with any OS.
    • You yourself regulate the amount of space available to you. Whether the free media space provided is enough for you or not, you decide for yourself.
    • You can give access to your friends, colleagues or family. And just as easily you can limit it.
    • Services that provide you with virtual space for your data guarantee your data safety.
    • For companies, using the cloud means significant savings on the purchase and maintenance of equipment.

    The main disadvantages of cloud (virtual) storage:

    1. If you want to use the cloud, you need Internet access with good and constant speed.
    2. If you can somehow influence the operation of your PC, install additional software or increase its speed, then you cannot influence a third-party service. If there are no functions there, then you will not add them there. If a server failure occurs, you cannot solve it yourself either.
    3. All additional options built into the cloud have reduced functionality. Excel on a PC has much more capabilities than Google Docs.
    4. The corporations providing you with space promise the safety and protection of your data. But in reality, you and I have all heard about data leaks. So everything is conditional.
      Lost data will be lost forever without the possibility of recovery.

    But if you asked us whether it is worth using the cloud for data storage, we would definitely answer yes! My personal experience with cloud storage is not very impressive: about 5 years. But during this time you have time to appreciate all the advantages of the service and stop worrying about some little things. No matter how many devices you have, no matter what OS is installed on them, thanks to the cloud you will always have constant access to your information on the Internet. So try it and find your ideal option!

    To exchange files between computers and mobile gadgets, you no longer need cables and flash drives. If devices have Internet access, files can “fly” between them “on the cloud.” More precisely, they can “settle” in cloud storage, which is a collection of servers scattered around the world (united into one virtual - cloud server), where users place their data for a fee or for free. In the cloud, files are stored in the same way as on a computer’s hard drive, but are accessible not from one, but from different devices that are able to connect to it.

    Every second or third Internet user has already adopted cloud data storage technology and uses it with pleasure, but some still resort to flash drives. After all, not everyone knows about this opportunity, and some simply cannot decide which service to choose and how to use it. Well, let's figure it out together.

    What are cloud storages from a user's point of view and how do they work?

    If you look through the eyes of an inexperienced user, cloud storage is an ordinary application. All it does is create a folder on the computer under its own name. But not simple. Everything you put into it is simultaneously copied to the same cloud Internet server and becomes accessible from other devices. The size of this folder is limited and can grow within the limits of the disk space allocated to you (on average from 2 GB).

    If the cloud storage application is running and the computer (mobile gadget) is connected to the global network, the data on the hard drive and in the cloud are synchronized in real time. When working offline, as well as when the application is not running, all changes are saved only in the local folder. When the machine is connected to the Internet, access to the storage becomes possible, including through a browser.

    Files and folders uploaded to the cloud are full-fledged web objects, the same as any content on Internet sites and FTP storages. You can link to them and share links with other people, even those who do not use this service. But only those to whom you have authorized it will be able to download or see an object from your storage. In the cloud, your data is hidden from prying eyes and is securely password protected.

    The majority of cloud services have additional functionality - a file viewer, built-in document editors, tools for creating screenshots, etc. This, plus the amount of space provided, creates the main differences between them.

    is a cloud data storage service that needs no introduction to Windows users. Of course, in the latest releases of this OS (in the top ten), it actually climbs on top of everything on the screen, since it is configured to autorun by default.

    For Windows users, the advantage of the Microsoft OneDrive service over its analogues is perhaps only one - it does not need to be installed. You also don’t need to create a separate account for it—to log into the cloud, you just need to enter your Microsoft account information.

    The owner of one Microsoft OneDrive account provides 5 GB of free disk space to store any information. To get additional volume, you will have to pay extra. The maximum is 5 TB and costs 3,399 rubles per year, but this package includes not only disk space, but also the Office 365 application (home edition). More affordable tariff plans are 1 TB (2,699 rubles per year - storage and Office 365 personal) and 50 GB (140 rubles per month - storage only).

    Additional features of all tariffs:

    • Support for other operating systems - Mac OS X, iOS and Android.
    • View and edit documents using built-in Office applications.
    • Remote access to the entire contents of the computer (not just the OneDrive folder) on which the service is installed and your Microsoft account is used.
    • Creation of photo albums.
    • Built-in messenger (Skype).
    • Creation and storage of text notes.
    • Search.

    Paid versions only:

    • Creating links with a limited validity period.
    • Offline folders.
    • Multi-page scanning and saving documents to a PDF file.

    In general, the service is not bad, but sometimes there are problems logging into your account. If you are going to work with the web version of the storage (via a browser) and log into it under a different IP address than you used before, Microsoft sometimes runs a check that the account belongs to you, which takes quite a lot of time.

    There have also been complaints about user content being removed from OneDrive when Microsoft suspected it was unlicensed.

    is one of the oldest cross-platform cloud storage services. Unlike the previous one, it supports all major operating systems, as well as some less commonly used ones, such as Symbian and MeeGo. The service is very easy to use, works quickly and stably.

    A DropBox user is provided with only 2 GB of disk space for free to store personal files, but this volume can be doubled by creating and attaching another account to your account - a work one (which can actually be personal). Together you get 4 GB.

    Switching between personal and work disk space on the DropBox website and in the application is carried out without logging out of your account (no need to enter your username and password each time). A separate folder is created on the computer for both accounts - 2 GB each.

    DropBox, as expected, also has several pricing plans. About free it was said above, Paid ones are “Plus” (1 TB, $8.25 per month, intended for personal use), “Standard” (2 TB, $12.50 per month, for business), “Advanced” (unlimited volume, $20 per month for 1 user) and “Enterprise” (unlimited volume, individually set price). The differences between the last two are in the set of additional options.

    In addition to storage, free users have access to:

    • Document collaboration service DropBox Paper.
    • Ability to share links and create public folders.
    • Log of file changes with the ability to restore them to the previous version (up to 30 days).
    • Commenting on files - both your own and other users, if the file is available for viewing.
    • Search function.
    • Receiving notifications about events (customizable individually).
    • Automatic uploading of photos from the camera (by the way, DropBox provided users with additional space for enabling this option some time ago).
    • Select full or selective synchronization.
    • Encryption of data during storage and transmission.

    The possibilities of paid tariffs can be listed for a very long time, so we will only note the main ones:

    • Remotely destroy data from DropBox on a lost or stolen device.
    • Limit the link's validity period.
    • Two-factor account authentication.
    • Setting access levels to different data.
    • Enhanced HIPAA/HITECH class information protection (secure storage of medical records).
    • 24/7 technical support.

    DropBox, if not the best, is a very worthy service. Despite the small amount of free space by today's standards, it is used by millions of people around the world.

    Mega (Megasync)

    As is clear from the description, Amazon Web Services is aimed only at the corporate sector and is not intended for storing albums with photographs of cats, although it is possible that someone uses it for this. After all, cloud file storage - Amazon Glacier, like Yandex disk, provides users with 10 free GB. The cost of additional volume is $0.004 per 1 GB per month.

    Comparing Amazon Glacier with the web resources described above is perhaps incorrect, since they have slightly different purposes. The functionality and capabilities of this service are determined by business objectives, including:

    • Uninterrupted operation, increased reliability.
    • Compliance with enhanced data protection standards.
    • Multilingual interface.
    • Unlimited volume (expansion for an additional fee).
    • Ease of use and flexible settings.
    • Integration with other Amazon Web Services.

    Those who are interested in Amazon's capabilities can read the complete documentation for AWS products, which is located on the official website.

    Mail.ru

    It ranks second or third in the popularity rating of file web storage among Russian-speaking audiences. In terms of its range of capabilities, it is comparable to Google Drive and Yandex Drive: like them, it contains web applications for creating and editing documents (texts, tables, presentations) and a screenshoter (a utility for taking screenshots). It is also integrated with other Mail.ru projects - mail, social networks “My World” and “Odnoklassniki”, the “Mail. Dating”, etc., has a convenient file viewer with a flash player and is also very affordable (for those who do not have enough allocated space).

    The size of the free disk space of the Mail cloud is 8 GB (previously this figure has changed several times). The premium tariff for 64 GB costs 690 rubles per year. For 128 GB you will have to pay 1,490 rubles per year, for 256 GB - 2,290 rubles per year. The maximum volume is 512 GB, which will cost 3,790 rubles per year.

    Other functions of the service are not much different from similar ones. This:

    • Shared folders.
    • Synchronization.
    • Built-in search.
    • Ability to share links.

    The Mail.ru client application works on Windows, OS X, iOS and Android.

    Cloud storage is a proprietary web service for owners of smartphones and tablets of the same manufacturer. Designed to store backup copies of data from mobile devices - multimedia content, OS files and other things at the user's discretion.

    The Samsung Cloud client application is pre-installed on phones and tablets released after the second half of 2016 (more precisely, after the release of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7). Registering an account on the service is only possible through it, apparently to weed out outsiders.

    The free storage capacity is 15 GB. An additional 50GB costs $0.99 per month, and 200GB costs $2.99.

    iCloud (Apple)

    - a favorite among cloud data storage users of Apple products. Of course, it’s free (though not very spacious) and integrated with other Apple services. The service is designed to store backup copies of data from iPhone, iPad and iPod, as well as user media files, mail and documents (the latter are automatically synchronized with the contents of iCloud Drive).

    Free iCloud storage capacity is 5 GB. Additional storage retails for $0.99 for 50GB, $2.99 ​​for 200GB, and $9.99 for 2TB.

    The iCloud client app supports Mac OS X, iOS, and Windows operating systems. There is no official application for Android, but owners of devices based on this OS can view mail from the Apple cloud on their device.

    The top parade of cloud storages is completed by a Chinese service. As you can see from the screenshot, it is clearly not adapted for you and me. Why is it needed then, if there are domestic, European and American analogues that are more familiar to Russian-speaking people? The fact is that Baidu provides users with a whole terabyte of free disk space. For this reason, it is worth overcoming translation difficulties and other obstacles.

    Registration on Baidu Cloud is significantly more labor-intensive than competitors. It requires confirmation with a code sent via SMS, but SMS from the Chinese server does not arrive to Russian, Belarusian and Ukrainian numbers. Our fellow citizens have to get by by renting a virtual phone number, but that’s not all. The second difficulty is that an account cannot be registered with some email addresses. In particular, on the services gmail (Google is blocked in China), fastmail and Yandex. And the third difficulty is the need to install the Baidu Cloud mobile application on your phone or tablet, since this is exactly what 1 TB is given for (when registering on a computer, you will receive only 5 GB). And it, as you understand, is entirely in Chinese.

    Aren't you scared? Dare - and you will be rewarded. Information on how to create an account on Baidu yourself is available on the Internet.

    In this article I would like to write about how to use basic functions. In 2013, the well-known Russian Internet service mail.ru launched its own cloud data storage. Store all your important files in a personal cloud; the cloud allows you to access each file from absolutely anywhere in the world. All you need is access to the Internet.

    Download options

    Cloud storage from mail.ru has specialized applications for all of today's most popular mobile platforms and PC operating systems. The service does not limit the speed of uploading files to the cloud, thereby providing users with the opportunity to use the service as comfortably as possible.

    I would like to note that in the cloud from mail.ru you get 25 Gigabytes of free free space on a personal virtual disk. The storage allows users to upload photos, videos, text files, folders, archives and many other types of files.

    Cloud capabilities from mail.ru:

    • high speed of downloading user files of any size;
    • the ability to create backup copies of important files and folders;
    • the user can configure auto-download of files from the phone camera;
    • function of creating shared user folders and sharing files;
    • the ability to quickly share files on a social network;
    • synchronization with mail.ru mail;
    • built-in security system. Regular scanning of cloud files for viruses.

    Let's look at how to start basic work with storage and how to upload files to [email protected].

    Uploading photos to the cloud

    In order to start working with the mail.ru cloud, follow the link cloud.mail.ru and using the login and password for your mailbox. You are now on the home page of your cloud storage.

    To upload a photo to [email protected], click on the “+ Upload” button in the upper left corner and drag the photo you want to upload onto the pop-up window. You can also click on the “Select file” button and find the desired photo through the computer explorer. The selected photo will be uploaded to the storage automatically.

    Uploading a folder

    Now let's look at uploading folders to [email protected]. You cannot directly upload a folder to the cloud through a browser; you can only create a folder on the cloud and add to it all the files from your folder located on your computer. To quickly transfer a folder from your device to the cloud, follow the steps below:


    There is another way to upload a folder to the cloud, which is faster. On your PC, create an archive of the folder and upload this archive to the cloud. You will not be able to open the folder in the storage, but only the ability to download the archive will be available.

    Important! I would like to note that there are limitations when uploading a large file to the cloud. The file size cannot be more than 2 Gigabytes.

    In the article, I briefly described the methods of uploading to [email protected], and also listed all the main features of this service. I believe that the 25 GB of free storage space, ease of use and user-friendly interface are good reasons to start using this one.

    In a previous article, we discussed posting videos online.

    Now let's look at how you can send a video or movie to someone over the Internet, and also where you can store your video.

    Usually the video is of a significant size, sometimes very large, so it cannot be sent by email.

    In this case, you need to post the video on some service on the Internet and give a link to it to the recipient. The person with the link gets access to the video and can download it.

    A service that provides the ability to host data on its servers is called cloud data storage or simply cloud.

    In the cloud you can place not only videos, but also music, photos, documents, programs, etc., and work with them. You essentially get your own hard drive online.

    If you have not yet used this convenient method of storing data, try it and you will appreciate its advantages:

    You can get access your files from any computer or mobile device, you don’t need to transfer them to a flash drive or laptop. This opportunity is very useful both at work, and when visiting, and when traveling.

    You can also provide access to certain files via a link to your friends, i.e. send over the Internet.

    You can use cloud services for backup storage of valuable information, including video.

    Each of us has information that is unique (videos, photos, documents), so its safety is very important to us. For safety, we copy it to disks, flash drives, external hard drives.

    Cloud services are an excellent opportunity to store such information. For reinsurance, you can use several cloud services at once.

    Cloud services can be used for collaboration, the use of paid programs, but we will not consider this side.

    So, let's look at some of the most famous and popular cloud storage services that provide free disk space.

    Yandex.Disk

    Yandex.Disk- a cloud service from the Russian search engine Yandex, which allows you to store your data on servers in the cloud and transfer it to other network users.

    All users with a Yandex account are provided with 10 GB of disk space free of charge.

    If you need a larger cloud size, you can get it for a fee or through bonuses. For example, you can get up to 10 GB extra for referring friends (+512 MB for each friend).

    The files are stored on the server until you delete them yourself. All downloaded files are automatically scanned by antivirus. File security is ensured by the most modern technologies; data is transmitted only over an encrypted connection.

    Yandex.Disk integrates into the Microsoft Office office suite and makes it possible to automatically upload photos and videos from digital cameras, smartphones and external storage media to Yandex.Disk.

    Website http://disk.yandex.ru/

    For example, let's look in more detail at working with Yandex Disk; other marriage services are structured similarly.

    Cloud data storage from Google provides its users with 15 GB for free. For $1.99 per month you can use 100 GB of storage space, etc.

    The maximum size is very decent - 30 TB, however, you will have to pay $299.99 monthly, this is an option for firms and companies.

    Google Drive is available in web browsers, Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, and more. If you have a Google account, you can find cloud storage on Google.com. There is an icon at the top right Google Apps, by clicking on which you will see a list of applications, among which will be Google Drive. In the picture what you need is circled in red:


    To allow other users to view, edit and download your files, simply send them an invitation, no need to forward anything.

    Website https://drive.google.com/

    Microsoft OneDrive

    OneDrive- (earlier name SkyDrive), created by Microsoft. Now OneDrive is one of the flagships of cloud data storage.

    Currently, 5 GB of free space is available for storing files that can be organized using standard folders. Images can be previewed in the form of thumbnails or slides.

    The advantage of this cloud is its integration with Microsoft Office, so you can create, edit, and save Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files directly from the application using the WindowsLive OneDrive service.

    OneDrive comes pre-installed in Windows 10, allowing your documents and photos to be automatically saved to OneDrive.

    Website http://onedrive.com/

    File hosting from the American company Dropbox Inc. includes cloud storage, file synchronization and a client program.

    This service makes it possible to place files on a remote server either through a browser or using a client. When you install the client program on your computer, a synchronized folder is created. The files hosted in it are available through the Dropbox website and mobile applications.

    The basic account comes with 2 GB for free, which is not much, but you can get up to 16 GB for free by inviting new users. For each invitee, 500 MB is added to the free account, and 1 GB to the paid account.

    Dropbox benefits: best-in-class synchronization technology and speed, recovery of deleted files, access links with password and expiration date. The main advantage is active cooperation with many sites and programs and integration into them. For example, the hand-drawn video creation program Sparkol Videoscribe, the work in which we are reviewing, offers export and import to Dropbox. And there are many such programs, perhaps you have come across them.

    Website http://www.dropbox.com/

    Cloud service from Mail.Ru Group provides 16 GB of cloud storage for free.

    You can use the repository not only through a browser, but through computer (Windows, Mac OS, Linux) and mobile applications.

    Auto-uploading of photos is available in mobile applications: when this function is enabled, all photos taken using a smartphone are instantly stored in the Cloud.

    Cloud website https://cloud.mail.ru/

    Mega

    Mega(MEGA Encrypted Global Access) - a progressive cloud file hosting service by Kim Dotcom, founder of Megaupload.

    Mega immediately provides 50 GB free of charge, in addition, paid packages provide the opportunity to significantly increase disk space.

    Mega pays special attention to privacy: all content is encrypted directly in the browser using the AES algorithm. Files can be transferred in encrypted form, and all data is stored in the cloud. File access keys are distributed only between users who trust each other.

    Website https://mega.nz/

    All cloud services also have paid plans with increased disk space and additional features. If you are interested in them, you can check them out on the cloud website.

    For an ordinary user, free accounts are quite enough, especially since many repositories allow you to expand them for free, as mentioned above. In addition, you can use not one cloud, but two, three or more.

    If you like a particular cloud service, you can create several accounts in it; this is not prohibited. For example, if you have three mailboxes on Yandex, each is provided with 10 GB of Yandex.Disk cloud storage.

    Personally, I use Yandex.Disk most often, since I have my main mailbox there, in addition I use Dropbox, on which I have a free maximum of 16 GB at the expense of invited users, and the cloud from Mail.Ru.

    If you haven’t used cloud storage yet, the easiest way to start is where you already have a mailbox (Yandex, Google, Mail.ru), and, therefore, an account. You don't need to register, just search for the cloud service in your account and you can use it right away.

    Cloud Mail.Ru- online cloud storage and data synchronization solution with support for popular desktop and mobile platforms.

    You can access your files, photos and documents from any device and anywhere with an active Internet connection. Cloud storage will save space on the hard drives of your computer or in the memory of your smartphone/tablet.

    The reliability of storing files on the Internet is ensured by a backup system and anti-virus scanning.

    Overview of Cloud Mail.Ru capabilities

    Support for popular platforms

    The Mail.Ru cloud works on all the most popular desktop and mobile platforms: Windows, Mac OS X, Android smartphones and tablets, iPhone, iPad and Windows Phone. The functionality of the applications allows you to take advantage of the Cloud, no matter what device you have.

    The speed of file transfer in cloud storage depends only on the capabilities of your Internet connection.

    8GB of free space

    The Mail.Ru cloud offers 8 GB of cloud disk space for each user for free. You can store any types of files, including photos, videos, music, presentations, documents.

    File synchronization and backup

    To reliably protect your files, create a folder on your computer, save your files in it and synchronize it with the Cloud. Even if your computer's hard drive fails, all your files will be saved online and you will be able to access them. For reliability, Mail.Ru also uses backups of your files at different data centers to prevent data loss.

    You can enable auto-download of captured photos and videos on your smartphone or tablet (iOS and Android). This will allow you to save files even if your mobile device is lost or fails. Automatic syncing also allows you to delete files from your device and make room for new photos and videos.

    Shared folders. File sharing

    The Shared Folders feature allows you to share files with other users and make changes to the content. For example, you can share photos with friends, organize group work on a project, or add to a shared folder with educational materials.

    Integration with Mail.Ru Mail

    The cloud is integrated with your Mail.Ru mailbox. You can save any of the files received in a letter to the Cloud or, when sending a new letter, attach files to it from cloud storage, mail or computer.

    Anti-virus file scanning

    All files that you save or transfer in the Mail.Ru Cloud are scanned using Kaspersky Anti-Virus technologies. This helps protect all your devices from malware infection. Infected files are blocked and become unavailable for downloading by other users.

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