Cloud storage allows you to store data remotely, which you can access using the internet. You can store and retrieve your files right from anywhere and from any device using a reliable internet connection.
If you are new to the concept of cloud storage, the article is for you as you will get ample information on storing data on remote servers.
Let’s dig deeper into the topic to understand how cloud storage works, what are some cloud storage services, and their benefits.
How Does Cloud Storage Work?
When you store data on the computer, all the files are stored on the hard drive or a removable media such as an external storage drive or a flash drive.
As an alternative to the physical storage method, the cloud media stores all the files on remote servers that you can access using the internet.
The Cloud servers are designed to give users the flexibility to store and access data without any location or hardware restrictions.
Most often than not, hard drives turn corrupted or damaged beyond repair, which makes data inaccessible. You can download a data recovery tool to retrieve data from the computer; exceptions are there.
If you are not able to access the hard drive, there might be hard drive mount discrepancies. Upgrade the operating system to fix the issue and check if your computer can detect the hard drive.
For example, If you are wondering about how to update mac operating system, the process is simple and won’t take more than 15 minutes.
Cloud storage is the best way to make the most out of your digital devices as they also serve as the backup drive. You can use your cloud data to restore files on the computer in case you lost or deleted them accidentally.
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Types of Cloud Storage
Some of the popular cloud storage solutions include Google Drive, One Drive, DropBox, Amazon Drive, and iCloud, to name a few. Though most of these services work on all operating systems, iCloud is meant for Apple devices only.
Google Drive
By signing in to your Google account, you can have access to 15GB of cloud storage for free with no expiry date. You can use Google Drive to store all kinds of data, including documents, images, videos, presentations, spreadsheets, and more.
Drive’s tools, including Docs, Slides, and Sheets, terminate the need to pay for a licensed Microsoft Office suite. There are a couple of other features you may use for free.
Microsoft OneDrive
To make things clear, please note that Google Drive and Google One (OneDrive) are two different cloud storage services. Users who have a Microsoft or Outlook account can enjoy access to 5GB of free cloud storage. Plus, you get a free subscription to Office Online.
For Windows 10 users, OneDrive comes embedded in the OS, which minimizes the risk of losing valuable files even if you don’t have a backup.
Amazon Drive
With an Amazon account, users get access to 5GB of free cloud storage that you can use to store all kinds of data, from plain text to videos. However, unlike Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive, the Amazon cloud service does not allow any other privilege than renaming the documents.
Although you get bare cloud storage with no added advantage, you can still store 5 GB of data in the cloud, which means 5 gigabytes of free storage on the hard drive.
Apple iCloud
Every user with an Apple ID can store up to 5GB of data in an iCloud drive. The bonus is that the data stored on the iCloud can be accessed via your Mac, iPhone, or iPad by signing in to the iCloud.com site.
Apple offers access to the iWork productivity suite that includes Pages, Keynote, and Numbers to all iCloud users.
These apps integrate real-time collaboration features that allow you to work from anywhere via the internet so that you keep up the pace even on the go.
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Benefits of Cloud Storage
Availability
As mentioned earlier in this article, data you store on the cloud allows all-time access from anywhere, anytime. Data is available 24X7 without any location, timing, or device restrictions.
Accessibility
The simple interface of the cloud storage services makes it highly usable even by first-time users. The drag and drop interface allows storing files almost instantly from the phone, tablet, or computer.
Cost-Effective
You don’t have to pay anything to use the cloud storage initially unless you have a boatload of files to store beyond the stipulated limit. Sign in to multiple cloud solutions to store bulk data without paying anything to upgrade storage.
Security
Cloud storage saves data across servers, so if one data center collapses, the data items stored on the cloud will be managed by another data center. This way, cloud storage ensures a safe and supervised environment.
