Cloud storage

[Luis]

Since I believe I never saw anyone here talking about the wonders of cloud storage, I would like to make a thread about it to share news, our experiences, tips, etc.

A few hours ago, Google Drive launched and it's going to give Dropbox, Skydrive and others a run for their money. I wonder what cloud storage will be like in the future, I bet all of us use a cloud storage service one way or another.

I'm a huge fan of Dropbox myself. Although very much like using facebook, I was reluctant to give it a try even though I had heard about it for a while. Now I can't live without the ease that Dropbox provides between the computers I use at home and work. Even my girlfriend, who isn't mad about new tech and whatnot, absolutely loves how easy it is to keep some files available virtually (literally) everywhere.

So... any thoughts?

[Segitz]

I am pretty ... I'd go as far and say disgusted by Google in this regard... I know they mean well (at least on the outside), but their "search inside your documents" (i.e. pdfs etc) via OCR is just... this mustn't happen in my opinion. I usually do not put vital or confidential materials on my Dropbox (or whatever)... but still... I think they're going a step too far now.

[Viper]

I don't use an online file service except Photobucket for my pics. Don't have a need for it at the moment.

[Segitz]

My Dropbox has had a LOT of usage, mainly for University stuff (sharing papers and code etc.). It's easier and less problematic to use than ICQ file sending. But other than Uni sutff... nothing, I gather. I do have 8GB, though^^ Participated in all "get free GBs" in the past.

[Luis]

If you use the 1.3 beta, you can earn up to 5 extra GB.

[Segitz]

I know... I've done it^^ (packed 4GB jpg uploaded for instant upgrade )

[Viper]

I know my upcoming school uses SkyDrive. Not sure how much space though....can't access it yet.

[Luis]

I believe Skydrive grants up to 25 GB for free, but there are catches.

[Segitz]

Yeah... if I remember correctly, there's a per file size limit of 300mb or something, but I am really not sure.

[WolfmanNCSU]

I'm a huge supporter of cloud storage. It makes life easier from when I would carry a flash drive in my work back and carry it back and forth, or upload/download files on my personal FTP site.

I mainly use Dropbox the most. Great desktop app, good mobile app support, plus I have 11.5 GB free storage (referals, scanvenger hunts, beta photo upload, etc). Plus if anyone wants to add to that space, feel free to use this link...http://db.tt/IPos2jZ.

But don't just sign up because I want additional space, do it because it is awesome. Some examples on how we use it...

1. My wife and I both have accounts. We have shared folders between them. The best share is our finance data share. We have the same finance application (YNAB) installed on each computer, but they all point to the saved data that sits on the dropbox synched folder, meaning that no matter what computer we open the budget on (work, mine, hers) it's always the most up-to-date with the latest data.

2. Also we use shares with other family members for sending pics of the kids back and forth. Load the pictures on the shared folders and they will automatically synch to the other members synch folders. No more emailing pictures or links to online galleries anymore.

3. We play a lullaby for my son when we are putting him to bed, just plays in the back ground as we change him into PJs and get him into his crib - part of the bed time routine. When we travel, we dont have the CD with us, but we do have an MP3 of the track on a shared dropbox folder. Simply pull up the app on the phone (or download from any PC nearby) and start playing the song.

Dropbox is still my favorite, mostly because it was the first one I used so I am mostly integrated with it, but I have also tried these others and have accounts...
Google Drive (5 GB)
Microsoft SkyDrive (25 GB) - note that new accounts only get 7 GB, but if you already have an account, you can keep your 25 GBs for free
Amazon Cloud Drive (5 GB)
Box.net (50 GB)
SugarSync (6 GB)
Minus (10 GB)

Dropbox, Google Drive, and SugarSync all currently have desktop folder synching apps.

[Luis]

But don't just sign up because I want additional space, do it because it is awesome. Some examples on how we use it...

1. My wife and I both have accounts. We have shared folders between them. The best share is our finance data share. We have the same finance application (YNAB) installed on each computer, but they all point to the saved data that sits on the dropbox synched folder, meaning that no matter what computer we open the budget on (work, mine, hers) it's always the most up-to-date with the latest data.

2. Also we use shares with other family members for sending pics of the kids back and forth. Load the pictures on the shared folders and they will automatically synch to the other members synch folders. No more emailing pictures or links to online galleries anymore.

Pretty much what I do as well. My girlfriend once in a while needs some Excel sheets with functions to calculate taxes and whatnot, and I can assist her from anywhere while we are far away. Also, we share pictures and whatnot all the time.

It's too convenient for me to rely on any other means. However, now that Google Drive is out there, I'm afraid Dropbox has a lot to catch up to. I wonder which service I'll be using a year from now.

[Luis]

http://wmpoweruser.com/watch-what-yo...icrosoft-life/

Apparently, Microsoft checks your content on Skydrive.

[Viper]

Office 2013 is now all cloud based too.

I'm running the consumer preview. Thankfully you can still store locally.

[masteratt]

Is that surprising? Not asking because it's MS. It's that they can of course check what you store on their service. They will I assume periodically be checking uploaded files to make sure they are within the code of conduct. How else are they going to know.

I don't know what that guy uploaded though (article doesn't say and the forum thread is not English).

[Luis]

I could understand that the system checked anonymously CRC codes and filenames to identify some copyrighted content without actually spying on the user's files, but it seems like your content can be checked by the company's staff, which feels really wrong.

[masteratt]

Not to me, you can bypass stuff easily on automated checkup. There has to be some human checks as well. Funny thing is, they probably go through Private stuff first as someone who breaks code of conduct would most likely put their content as private.

One simple solution if you care about someone peeping into your files: Don't use Skydrive.

I have nothing to back it up but I won't be surprised if other cloud storage services do the same. It's the only way you can make sure you are not hosting child porn or whatever because some pervert uploaded it on your service. I know that's an extreme case but you get the point.

[Segitz]

Hm... "German photographer"... if he has balls and money enough, he will take MS to court, as this would be a case of computer sabotage, if MS really "looked" at his files.

[Dralor]

It's great for businesses. Barracuda etc... I wouldn't do it for personal files simply cause I don't trust people with my crap. Even if it's encrypted

[Coded-Dude]

Only thing I use(d) google docs for is for documents I find online that I want to easily reference later. I haven't actually uploaded any files to dropbox, or google drive. That being said, I also have a website that I can ftp files to and link to, so I don't really need such services.