Introduction to Cloud Storage

Keitaro Matsuoka

For TodayBasics (What is Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive?)PricingEveryday useSecurityHow to get the most of each serviceHow to choose the best service for youResources

What is Cloud Storage?

Essentially, File Syncing ServicesIt is about storing files in the “cloud” and it has many advantages.

View files from any phone, tablet, or (public) computer connected to the internetPseudo back up of filesFree to inexpensive storage optionsEasily share your files or collaborate editing documents

Contenders

Dropbox (www.dropbox.com)Dropbox Basic accounts are free, but there is also a Pro version that offers 1TB for $10 a month. You can use it to store any type of file, share those files with others, and sync local files automatically. Dropbox has apps available for every major platform and smart phones.

Google Drive (drive.google.com)

Google Drive is free with a Google account, and the service also offers more storage, from 100GB to 30TB, for a monthly fee ranging from $2 to $300. You can use it to store any type of file, share those files with others, and use the Google Drive office suite that allows co-editing of documents, spreadsheets, forms, and presentations. Google Drive has apps available for Windows, OS X, Android, and iOS.

OneDrive (www.onedrive.com)

OneDrive, formerly known as SkyDrive, is a Microsoft service. You get 5GB free with a Microsoft account, but Office 365 subscribers have access to 1TB. Or, you can get 50GB by upgrading to OneDrive Basic, for $2/month. OneDrive lets you store any file type, and organizes them by file type for you. The service is also integrated tightly with Microsoft Office, and it’s built into Windows 8 and Windows 10. It’s available on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.

Pricing

Pricing Comparison (2/2017)OneDrive Dropbox Google Drive

File size restrictions? 10GB10GB with website, none with Dropbox apps

5TB

Free storage? 5GB 2GB 15GB

Can I earn extra free storage? No Yes No

Paid plans $2/month for 50GB $10/month for 1TB $2/month 100GB $10/month for 1TB

OSes supportedWindows, Mac, Android, iOS, Windows Phone

Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, Kindle Fire

Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

Day to Day Use

How To Access ServicesCommon AccessCloud/WebDesktop AppMobile App

Unique FeaturesDropbox

Share files and folders via email invite or linkVersioning

Google DriveGmail attachmentUpload multiple files at onceGoogle Photos; Microsoft Office plug-in

OneDriveComes with WindowsIntegrated with Office OnlineEasy photo upload from smartphone

Show Instead of Tell

Security and Encryption

How To Secure Your ContentNothing is 100% secure, but you can plenty to secure your files.Step 1: Strong and unique passwords (use Lastpass)Step 2: Enable two-factor authentication

Step 3: Selectively enable 3rd party access to your cloud servicesStep 4: Encrypt files locally and upload them to the cloud (Boxcrypt0r; $48/year), Veracrypt (free), or use Spideroak (from $9/month)

Get The Most Out Of Services

BasicsFor each service

Sign up (www.dropbox.com, www.google.com, www.onedrive.com)Download and install desktop appsDownload and install mobile apps

For Google Drive, also download and install plug-in for Microsoft Office

Start Exploring!

Which Cloud Storage ServiceIs Right For You?

In A Nutshell…Pick Dropbox if ease of use is top priority

Pick Google Drive if you need collaboration and/or take a lot of photos

Pick OneDrive if you are a big league Microsoft Office user

Pros and Cons of DropboxPros

Operating system independent, so Dropbox works well equally on PCs, Macs, and smartphonesSimple and clean interfaceEasiest to understand

ConsDropbox’s website is not as robust as competition’sNot the cheapest

Pros and Cons of Google Drive

ProsIntegrates well with other Google services like GmailIntegrates well with Google PhotosWorks well with Microsoft Office and Google DocsEasy to collaborate on document editingRobust websiteMore storage per dollar

ConsLots to learn about all the features

Pros and Cons of OneDrivePros

Comes with Windows already set upMicrosoft account gives you access to OneDrive, Outlook, Xbox Live, etc.Easy and automatic photo upload to OneDrive from smartphone

ConsComes with Windows

My Setup•Dropbox for personal files (share with family)

•Google Drive for professional files (collaborate with colleagues)

•OneDrive for occasional Microsoft Office file sharing (sharing and presenting Office documents) and uploading photos from my iPhone

Resources

Referencewww.cnet.com/how-to/onedrive-dropbox-google-drive-and-box-which-cloud-storage-service-is-right-for-you/ lifehacker.com/file-syncing-showdown-google-drive-vs-dropbox-vs-one-1770094376lifehacker.com/use-dropbox-to-store-a-macs-settings-for-easy-configura-1791390546

Contact

Keitaro.Matsuoka@Rasmussen.edu or (815) 306-2657

www.linkedin.com/in/keitarowww.slideshare.net/KeitaroMatsuoka