Get Your Head (files) in the Cloud
The Cloud Drive (Online Drive)
One of the most powerful tools for working successfully in the cloud is cloud storage, also known as a cloud drive or an online drive. This storage will allow you to work from anywhere (that has internet) and from any device.
So, why does this matter to you?
Because of this very scary question;
What would happen if your computer died right now?
Can you access your files from your spare computer? or your tablet?
How about a computer at the library, if you had to?
If this question fills you with dread please read on.
Cloud Drives Work in Two Ways.
The first way, obviously, is online.
By their nature, they are “cloud-based” which means you can access your files through your favorite internet browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge…) or through an app from any device (computer, smartphone, tablet…). There are many different cloud storage options out there.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Google Drive
- One Drive
- Dropbox
- iCloud
The Second Way is to Sync the Drive to your Computer
You can download the drive onto your computer and be able to have all your files accessible to you even if you do not have access to the internet. All of the cloud drives I listed have the capasity to be synced to your computer.
Once you download the “drive” onto your computer, your Cloud Drive can be used the same way you use your “Documents” folder. You can move your important files to your new cloud drive and if anything happens to your primary computer you will still be able to access your files online and you can connect the downloadable drive to your new device.
More importantly, you will be able to disable the drive from your old device remotely in the event it was stolen.
Really Cool Things You Can Do With Your Cloud Drives
Beyond the obvious advantages to a cloud drive they also come with a few side benefits.
- Save space on your computer
One of the really cool things about Cloud Drives is that they can help you manage the space on your computer. Not everything in your cloud drive needs to hold space on your hard drive. See BLOG POST: Do You Have Enough Digital Space? - Makes it easy to switch devices When your files are synchronized with that cloud you are able to load them onto a new device by simply logging into your cloud drive portal and downloading the drive onto your new machine. See GAME SPACE: Connect Cloud Drives
- Share files with others
If you have a team of people who need access to certain files and you don’t want to go emailing them about you can share them through your cloud drive. You can share folders and files. You can also have your people (kids, employees) share their folders (homework folders, project folders). - Spread the love
Free levels of cloud drives generally have a limited amount of space. You can, although it may be complicated, use several different cloud drives and spread your files across them. You will just need to remember which files go where.
BE AWARE!
Even with a cloud drive, you need to have a reliable computer backup in place. Set up either an “online backup” or a backup to a portable drive. I recommend Carbonite. Carbonite will automatically back-up everything on your computer including downloaded cloud drives like Google Drive and OneDrive.
Give it a try and let me know how it goes.
Click here to get information on Carbonite – A “Personal” subscription should be all you need. VISIT CARBONITE
Nicole Lux-Ritchie - Founder of Luxcentric
Nicole's mission is to help feminine professionals gain the technical
skills they need to grow their business and focus on their missions.
The focus of Luxcentric is on training practical strategies in the area of the core technologies.
EMAIL - FILES - CALENDARS - CONTACTS
For those of you who find this information useful and would like to contribute to the cause (and keep it ad free)...
Your mission, should you choose to accept it,
is to Rescue your Digital Office.
In this regular* email dispatch, you will receive the guidance you need to Rescue your Digital Office!
*about every other week