Google Drive, a cloud-based storage service, is free and allows users to upload files online. This service allows users to sync documents, photos, and other files across all their devices, including tablets and computers.
Google Drive can be integrated with other services and systems of the company, including Google Docs Chrome YouTube, Google Analytics, and Google+. Google Drive is available in competition with Microsoft OneDrive and Apple iCloud.
Google Drive: How it works
Google Drive requires that the user creates or signs in to a Google Account before they can get started. Next, type “drive.google.com” into your browser. The “My Drive” tab will appear. It can include uploaded or synced files, folders, and Google Sheets slides and Docs. You can then upload files to your computer or create files on Google Drive.
Alternativly, users can also download the Google Drive application to one or several devices. The Google Drive folder will be displayed alongside other folders in the device’s filesystem. The Google Drive web app and the Google Drive folder on each device will allow users to access files they have added to one folder.
The default owner of a file or folder is the end user who creates it. The owner can then control visibility (public or private shared with certain Google accounts) and transfer ownership of the file to another user via Gmail addresses. You can also manage permissions for folders and files using access levels like “can edit”, “can comment” or “can view”.
What are Docs and Slides?
Google Docs and Google Sheets are part of Google Drive’s office suite. Google Docs can be used to create word documents, while Google Slides and Google Sheets are presentation programs. They can be compared to Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint, respectively. The Google versions are free, simple, and collaborative, even though they lack certain Microsoft Office capabilities.
The suite includes applications that allow users to create, edit and save documents, spreadsheets and presentations in Google Drive. The apps can be accessed via a variety of browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari. Mobile apps are available for Google Android, and Apple iOS. Every application allows users to edit, save, and share files in Microsoft Office formats.
Google Drive desktop, mobile and web apps
Google Drive is accessed by most users via the web app. Chrome extensions, Google Docs offline, allow users without Wi-Fi access to view and edit files. A Chrome extension called “save Google Drive” allows users to save web content to their Google Drive via their browser or via a context menu. Although users can save images and documents directly, they must also save webpages using a screenshot.
Google Drive used to have desktop apps for Windows or macOS. However, support ended in May 2018. Backup and Sync, a desktop application called Backup and Sync, allows users to transfer copies of files stored locally to the cloud. Drive File Stream for Windows and macOS is also available to business users. This online storage service stores files, preventing end users storing any sensitive corporate data.
Google Drive mobile apps for Android and iOS allow users to save, share, and view files. Users will need to use separate Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides apps to create and modify files.
Google Drive: Major Features
Google Drive can be integrated with several third-party and first-party web applications. Users can add these apps from the Chrome Web Store. These apps allow end users to sign documents, create flowcharts and store music files. They also make it possible for them to complete other tasks such as storing files, signing documents, making flowcharts, and completing other tasks. Users can add third-party apps by clicking “My Drive”, “more,” or “connect more app”. Although third-party apps can be downloaded for free, certain features may require fees.
Google Drive’s search function allows you to sort results by item type, file type and date modified. You can also locate the owner of the items. Since September 2016, users are able to use natural language to ask questions such as “find my sales presentations since May”
Quick Access for Android, iOS, and web apps uses Machine Learning to predict which files users will need based upon their Drive activity and workday habits.
Storage tiers and pricing
Google currently offers 15GB storage free of charge and larger storage amounts at lower rates. 100GB is $1.99 per monthly, 1TB is $9.99 per mois, 2TB is $19.99 per mois, 10TB is $99.99 per mo, 10TB is $99.99 per mo, 20TB are $199.99/month, 30TB $299.99/month. Annually paying customers can get a discount on 100GB and 1TB plans.
Google renews all purchases automatically at the end each month. Users have a seven-day grace period to make changes to their payment information in case the auto-renewal fails. Users can cancel or expire a subscription and get back the 15 GB free storage.
Consumer vs. enterprise use
Google Drive for Work was launched in June 2014 as part of G Suite. It provides unlimited storage and more management controls for IT managers, APIs that allow you to connect to your organization’s business applications, as well as additional technical support from Google.
Google Drive for Work conforms to the security standard ISO/IEC 27018.2014. This means that Google doesn’t use data from enterprise accounts for advertising purposes and blocks the application sharing data with third parties.
Security
Before it leaves a user’s device, Google Drive data is encrypted using the transport Layer Security (TLS) standard. When it reaches Google, the data is not encrypted and then re-encrypted using 128-bit advanced cryptography standard (AES). These AES encryption keys are encrypted to add another layer of security. Google Drive supports two factor authentication but is not Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant.
