Cloud storage is a new way to store files online. Using the cloud saves us all the hassle and worries when we store all our valuable files on a particular hard drive, disk, or flash drive, and they get lost, misplaced, snatched, or corrupted.
Cloud storage is data stored on a physical disk that can be accessed over the Internet for users via software from any device connected to the Internet, anytime and anywhere the user desires, hence the word “cloud”.
Keeping information in the cloud can greatly simplify your life. If you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer with an Internet connection, you can access and download files from any device connected to the Internet. Even if you misplace your phone or your computer crashes, cloud storage provides you with an online backup, ensuring that your contents are never lost.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a cloud-based storage service that integrates a comprehensive suite of office tools. The features included with this service are a small part of everything, including a text editor, spreadsheet application, and presentation builder.
Google Drive can be used on both mobile devices such as Android and iOS and desktop computers such as Windows and macOS. It also has 15GB of free storage space.
You can access Google Drive if you already have a Google account.
To use the service, go to drive.google.com and enable it. Google account holders get 15GB of free cloud storage, and they can use this to upload photos, videos, presentations, documents, and many more downloadable files.
If you are someone who prefers the many apps that Google Drive comes with and opts for a higher storage capacity, you can upgrade to a larger storage plan at any time. Google One paid plans start at $1.99 per month for 100GB. From there, you can add up to 30TB of storage for $299.99 a month.
Dropbox
An impressive and very popular cloud storage option is Dropbox. It's the leading file-sharing company, and it has a number of features that make it easy to share huge files with others, regardless of whether they're using Dropbox.
Due to its simplicity, Dropbox is an excellent alternative to personal cloud storage. The plans are also reasonably priced, and the user interface is visually appealing. It also connects well with a wide range of third-party services.
Another noteworthy feature of Dropbox is its impressive security: all files are encrypted, while there is no end-to-end encryption. However, two-factor authentication can also be used to protect online accounts (2FA).
According to Tom's Guide, the free tier for Dropbox is available on all major operating systems. Dropbox has a website, desktop apps, and mobile apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
It offers a free plan with 2GB of storage, as well as two other personal options with additional capacity. The Plus plan, which costs $9.99 per month for 2TB of storage and allows you to send files up to 2GB in size per transfer, is the most expensive.
OneDrive from Microsoft is a handy cloud storage service for users who deal with large files.
In most cases, if you are using Windows 8 or 10, OneDrive must be pre-installed on your PC. In your computer's file explorer, you should be able to locate it next to all the other files on your computer's hard drive.
OneDrive sends you alerts when anything changes, lets you create passwords for shared links for added protection, and lets you make a file available even when you're not connected to the Internet.
OneDrive also lets you scan documents with your phone's camera, sign them, and then transfer them to OneDrive.
Moreover, OneDrive backs up the content automatically, ensuring that your contents are safe even if your device is lost or destroyed. Also, CNET reports, that a feature called "Personal Vault" adds another level of security to your files by requiring you to show proof of your identity.
This cloud storage offers a free 5GB cloud storage tier that can be upgraded to three premium plans, including a $2/month standalone subscription for 100GB.