Google Drive is a cloud storage service offered by Google. Its goal is to lets users store their files on their cloud servers, synchronize files across devices, and share files.
There are apps supporting Windows and macOS computers, Android and IOS devices with offline space. Google Drive is also integrated with Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides, which are a part of an office suite that permits collaborative editing of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings and forms. All files created and edited with the office suite are stored in the Google Drive account.
For first time users Google Drive offer 15 GB of free storage through Google One. Google One can e extended to 100 GB, 200 GB or 2 TB, 10 TB, 20 TB or 30 TB offered through optional paid plans.
Users can change privacy settings for individual files and folders, including enabling sharing with other users or decide to make content public.
One thing you need to notice is the 15 GB of free storage space will be shared between Google Drive, Google Photos and Gmail also. But 15 GB might be enough for most users so you do not have to worry that you will run out of storage anytime soon.
To use Google Drive is very easy. All you need to do is visit www.google.com and create an account. They will show you how to do it and walk you through the process. When you are done creating your account, it will also let you access all other google services, too.
The Google Drive user interface is very easy to interact with. Here are the tabs that are shown in the interface:
- My Drive: access your stored files
- My Computer: see what computers are synced
- Shared with Me: access files shared with you
- Recent: access recently used files
- Google Photos: access your photo library
- Starred: view files tagged for importance
- Trash: access your recycle bin
- Backups: access your backups
- Optional! Upgrade Storage and buy more cloud storage
You can store files such as photos, videos, .pdfs, Microsoft Office files and many more. The cool thing is that it allows you to preview your own files from within the browser without downloading it. The Preview function is available for Microsoft Office files, PDF files and file types such as .txt files, image files, audio files, and even video files. Thanks to this flexibility make, Google Drive is good for not only getting work done, but it is also fun to work with.
about author
