The first step to share files in the cloud was taken by Google with Gmail Drive, an alternative to free up space on the computer, organize documents and use them at any time that is necessary, functioning as a kind of virtual hard disk.
A similar idea originally came up for the operating system Linux, an initiative of Richard jones. Over time, development spread to Windows and MacOS, with the speed limitation set by the user’s internet connection. All these tests and the acceptance of the public, opened the door for Gmail to create its own storage space, which has given way to new projects.
In this tutorial we want to tell you about the usefulness of this computer tool now known as Google Drive, the general characteristics, its functionality and a bit of history.
What is Gmail Drive and what is this tool for in computing?
Gmail Drive is a Shell extension for Windows Explorer, which for free allows those with a Gmail account to move documents from the computer and store them virtually, in a way as simple and easy as copying and pasting. The original idea was for the plug-in to function as a device for computers, allowing you to create folders to view them from a direct link just like a physical hard drive.
Although it was not assigned a letter to identify it, nor was it necessary to perform a previous installation. Once the person creates a new document and drags it to Drive, an email is generated and appears in the inbox, showing an attached file, although it is possible to create filters to save them in other folders, preventing the cover from showing saturated.
One of the great advantages of Gmail Drive is that different users can connect from multiple computers and the tool will act as a server, allowing everyone, simultaneously, to view the files. Among the limitations, we can indicate that uploaded attachments cannot exceed 25MB. Although at first the storage of executable programs or with ZIP extension, this was improved over the years with each update.
Functions and Features What can you do with Gmail Drive and why is it so useful?
To use Gmail Drive smoothly and inconveniently it is mandatory to have an internet connection that is fast and stableIn addition to having an email account, which can be created for free.
Some of the most prominent features are the following:
- There is a storage space greater than 7 GB, in which important files can be uploaded to have them backed up off the computer.
- Without any problem integrates with the rest of the hard drives of the computer, looking like one more device.
- The system will not be short of resources when opening the application, does not consume physical or virtual memory and it won’t slow down processes either.
- It is available in Spanish, which facilitates its use and handling. For those who already manage a Gmail account it will seem completely familiar.
- According to the particular needs, you have the option to add other Gmail accounts to increase storage.
- Its use was available for Windows XP or Vista.
History of Gmail Drive When was it created and why did Google terminate the project?
The Google tool called Gmail Drive was created in 2004 and by 2005 it was working normally. Updates were launched over the years that improved the quality of the service, which aroused the interest of users around the world, reaching millions of downloads. The popularity was incredible at the timeTherefore, different distribution methods were sought through magazines and portable devices such as the famous CD-ROMs.
Apart from this, the media gave it due importance by publishing articles in newspapers of international relevance. Stop now On July 24, 2015, Google decided to terminate the application and disconnected it from its servers, officially declaring the project dead.
Nevertheless, users with stored files could continue to view them and they would not lose them. Although the tool disappeared, new and modern storage methods have come out, with greater capacity and direct management from the cloud, also adding remote connection and with free or paid plans, depending on the benefits they offer.
After the success of this tool, the tech giant has launched Google Drive, which has superior storage space and also operates with email. Although adjustments have been made in recent months, it still serves to save files and share them to different users, increasing the capacity of the computer and allowing them to be viewed from anywhere.