Cloud storage technology has utterly changed the face of business as we know it. Every year, more and more businesses adopt this file-sharing system. In fact, in 2020, over 61% of businesses migrated the majority of their workloads to the cloud. (Most likely due to the demands of a remote workspace.)
However, everyone can benefit from extra file storage. One of the most popular cloud services around is Google Drive, widely used by students and businesses alike. What is Google Drive, and how does it work, exactly? Here’s what you need to know!
What Is Google Drive?
Google Drive is, in simplest terms, Google’s contribution to the world of cloud file storage. As a cloud storage service, Google Drive allows you to save and upload files to their servers, saving you precious computer space. It also comes with a suite of built-in programs that can handle a wide variety of necessary business and student functions.
Simply put, it’s one of the best all-in-one file storage and file creation solutions currently available. All without a monthly fee for the basic version.
How Does Google Drive Work?
Now that you know what Google Drive is, you might be wondering, “How does Google Drive work?”.
As we mentioned above, Google Drive is, at its core, a cloud storage service. It allows you to offload space on your computer, tablet, notebook, or phone to their dedicated servers. This gives you ready access to any of those files as long as you have a device with an internet connection.
In order to work with Google Drive, you can download an app to your device of choice or visit through the browser. As long as you have a Google account, you can hop on with ease and navigate its intuitive interface. If you’re not sure how to create a Google Account, you can learn more here.
What Are the Benefits of Storing Files on Google Drive?
Now that you know what Google Drive is and how it works, let’s talk about how it can benefit you. Some of the greatest benefits to choosing Google Drive for cloud file storage include, but are not limited to:
It’s Free (At Least, for the Basics)
That’s right, you can get a basic Google Drive account for the low price of free! This lets you save documents, spreadsheets, presentations, your precious photos, and even videos all in one place, without having to pay a monthly fee.
We should note, however, that this free plan includes 15GB of storage. While the average user will struggle to hit that cap, people who rely more heavily on cloud storage might need to upgrade to one of the paid plans. However, even there, the cheapest one of these plans is only $1.99/month, giving you almost ten times the basic storage space.
You Don’t Need a Google Device to Use It
One of the biggest drawbacks to working with dedicated cloud services like iCloud is that you need a compatible device to use them due to their distinctive file types. You don’t need a Google device to use Google Drive, though you will admittedly have greater functionality compared to non-Google device users. (Unlike Apple, which all but demands a complete buy-in to their ecosystem.)
You Likely Already Have the Necessary Account
Did you ever sign up for a YouTube account? A Gmail? Purchase an Android Phone? If so, then you already have the account that you need to use Google Drive and the free storage that it comes with. If you don’t have a Google account, setting one up takes less than five minutes, and opens up loads of opportunities for you.
It Lets You Back Up Important Files Securely
Now, granted, your Google Drive is only as secure as your Google account itself. That is to say, if you want to ensure the security of your file storage, you need to have a well-made password to protect your account. However, Google’s own system offers SSL encryption, which lets you upload or back up files from your computer securely.
You can even set it up so that your phone or laptop backs its files to Google Drive on a scheduled basis, though this can result in some duplicates. If you run into this issue, you can learn how to solve it here.
It’s Easy to Work With
Another great benefit to Google Drive? Its User Interface is designed for ease of access. Pretty much every basic function you need to access is labeled clearly, the fonts are readable, and on most phones, Drive works with Dark Mode. You can figure out how to link a file in an email, open it for collaboration and editing, or download it for later use within a few button clicks.
Need Office Software But Don’t Have Money? No Worries!
Perhaps the greatest benefit to making a Google Drive account is that it gives you access to the full G Suite. The G Suite is a free, online-only office software suite that offers much of the same functions as Apple’s built-in office software or Microsoft 365. That makes having a Google Drive account an absolute godsend for students or businesses operating on lean margins.
Plus, while the software benefits from online functionality, you’re not handicapped by being somewhere without the internet. You can still work offline and re-synch your files when your internet access comes back.
What About the Drawbacks?
Of course, no file storage solution can be without its downsides. Google Drive, as we mentioned above, is only as secure as the password you use to lock your account. Plus, Google scans the things you type into your Drive documents to construct advertising profiles for you. So, if that’s a concern for you, it might not be the best choice.
Looking for More Information on File Storage Solutions?
Google Drive is but one of many file storage options available in the modern era. Are you curious to learn more about the other cloud storage services available to you and how they work? If so, then check out our blog! We update each day with more helpful and informative articles like this one!
