Cloud storage has become a great tool to manage folders, documents and files of all kinds more easily and with remarkable security . Therefore, today this is essential for many users.
In this sense, such storage is very useful for the freelance worker that stores many projects for different clients. Like, for companies that work with a large flow of shared folders and also for private Internet users, who benefit from these services to save a backup > of your personal documents.
For all this, in this post we will indicate the most important features of cloud storage, including its advantages and disadvantages . Thus, we will also detail the best online services, programs and apps that exist to save files in the cloud.
Index:
What is a cloud storage service and what is it for?
While it is true, cloud storage is based on a tool that offers you the ability to save and access different data and programs via the Internet. That is to say, it is a data storage model based on computer networks , where data is hoarded in virtualized storage spaces by third parties, usually.
Thus, it is worth noting that since it does all this with the use of the Internet, it does not use the hard drive of a computer at all. So, to know and understand how cloud storage works, you must completely forget your hard drive . Since, when you store files and run programs from the latter, you are simply using local storage.
When we talk about local storage, we mean that kind of storage where everything you need is close to you, physically . This, in order that you manage to enter all your data very easily and quickly. Thanks to the fact that computing has worked and worked from the hard disk for many years, this system is superior to cloud storage, even.
However, it should be noted that the cloud storage system focuses on storing data via the Internet or at least that the data is synchronized with other information via the web . So the cloud does not consist of having hardware dedicated to storage connected to the network or NAS .
Why save my documents in the cloud? Advantages and risks
Once the operation of the services, programs and applications that simplify cloud storage is understood, it is relevant to know which are the biggest advantages and disadvantages that entail using them to save all your documents and important information there.
Advantages
In view of the fact that cloud storage has become one of the main tools for managing data and information of all kinds, both personally and professionally; There are several benefits that these services provide . Which, we detail below:
- One of the best advantages is the immediate availability of the information you save in the cloud . Since, you can enter them in a matter of seconds and the same happens when you want to modify them.
- They are very used to save the storage space on the computer . In this way, you will prevent the computer from slowing down when saving a lot of documents.
- The security provided by the cloud storage services is also relevant. Because it is more possible for you to lose files stored on your hard drive, to be lost in the cloud.
- It is easily accessible . Thanks to this, if your computer is damaged, for example, you can recover all data and access it from other devices.
- In the field of maintenance, it brings a lot of simplicity because users They should not do anything . This, because the same system and / or freight company do it and also keep it completely updated.
- Provide flexible storage , since the cloud-based backup It can increase or decrease very quickly.
Disadvantages
But, since not everything can be perfect, the cloud also contains certain risks that must be taken into account when using it to store all your information. Here, we indicate the most significant disadvantages :
- Unlike local storage, the cloud requires the Internet at all times . Consequently, if you do not have it, you will not be able to do anything with your information hosted there.
- In reference to security, it is solely the responsibility of the service and in case of any error, it could bring serious problems and even , documents could end up in the hands of third parties .
- The legal coverage of this type of storage can be very confusing . Since, although, some countries do not have data protection laws.
- When using the cloud, there is no complete control of data access. Therefore, in terms of privacy, may provide certain risks .
- In addition to the above, cloud storage facilitates intellectual property conflicts >.
- In case many users are entering the storage service simultaneously, it is likely that may suffer from slow connections .
List of the best online cloud storage services to save information
In general, many users choose to make use of online services to avoid downloading software on their computer or applications on their mobile or Tablet and thus not occupy more storage space.
Therefore, when it comes to hosting information in the cloud, online services are the best alternatives and here, we show you a list with a total of 10 such services , detailing its most relevant features:
Google Drive
Without a doubt, this is one of the most used online services today to save any kind of information and thus, it is managed by both private users and large companies that prefer to use the Google tool to save in the cloud . Among its main advantages, we highlight that is completely free and thus, provides 15 GB of space (or even more).
For its part, Google Drive offers remarkable accessibility and synchronization , which facilitate these processes. Additionally, it has full compatibility with the newest versions of Word, Excel and Power Point. Among other details, the size of the files that allows you to upload this service is very variable and has an absolutely simple operation.
One Drive
This is the Microsoft cloud storage service that, today, comes integrated with Windows 10. Which, offers a free and / or basic account that allows you to make use of 5 GB of storage however you want.
However, for those users who need a larger amount, One Drive provides 50 GB of storage in its paid version. Offering thus, different cancellation plans and the most economical, is the 2 euros per month. But, if you sign up with 69 euros a year, the service provides 1 TB of space .
In this sense, for those who wish to manage their personal files, it is ideal to use the free version because it is more than enough. On the other hand, in terms of its main advantages, we highlight that One Drive has great accessibility and synchronization just by using your Microsoft account. In addition, it works perfectly with the programs of this computer company.
HiDrive
Although not as recognized as the previous two, this free cloud storage service is a very interesting alternative that you can use to save different files, taking into account that it allows you to use up to 10 GB . Added to this, access is universal and a very important feature that it has is that it gives you the ease of sharing documents quickly and securely .
Among other details, HiDrive accepts that your friends upload files to your account, as long as you authorize them. In addition to this, the service ensures that the shared files are deleted by themselves , if you want to, and thanks to this, it is a very targeted platform for those seeking to share data anonymously . However, it should be noted that it lacks advanced encryption.
Dropbox
This is one of the classics when it comes to saving information in the cloud, which can be used from several operating systems, including Linux. As for your free account, it offers only 2 GB of space . Therefore, it can be very useful for private users, but for those companies that handle a greater flow of information, it is not the most affordable solution.
However, Dropbox has a paid account with which you can increase the storage capacity up to 1 TB , with a subscription of 9.99 euros per month . Now, referring to the benefits it brings, the best of all is that it accepts all types of formats and you can upload a file of the size you want.
Flipdrive
In this list, it is also important to mention Flipdrive that is estimated as another of the cloud backup services with better features, even though it is not as famous today. Starting because provides 10 GB of completely free storage and added to that, it allows you to share files with anyone, even if they don’t have an active account in the service.
In reference to its interface, it is minimalist and very simple, you can also access it from a computer or mobile. But, unlike other services, it does not have a mobile application, so it must be via the web. Additionally, it allows to view more than 100 file types (including photos, videos, music and files in various formats), you can share large documents with a single link without attaching them.
Mega
This option has been hitting very hard today, thanks to the fact that it provides 50 GB of storage without paying anything at all . If you want or need it, you can manage Mega from any device, be it a mobile or a computer; This is because it is compatible with both Windows, Mac and Linux as well as Android, Windows Phone and iOS.
Highlighting its main features, we indicate that Mega accepts .zip folders , unlike other storage services that do not support them. In addition, it contains excellent options for sharing and has no way of entering your information, since the password is also encrypted , to ensure much more advanced security for users.
pCloud
Free of charge, it is a service that provides you with a quantity of 10 GB of free storage , that is, five times more than the basic Dropbox account. Therefore, although it is not such a famous storage service, it is considered an excellent option to manage files of all kinds. However, it has a free version with which it provides 500 GB for only 3.99 euros during the month.
For its part, it also has a Premium Plus plan consisting of 2 TB capacity for 7.99 euros per month . As for its advantages, we highlight that pCloud does not have a bandwidth limit, so it works as quickly as your Internet connection. Additionally, has an advanced search engine .
Box
It is a service that provides 10 GB capacity and works perfectly to manage all types of files that operate under Microsoft Office. In reference to its interface, it has an excellent platform in which you can search your files easily and in case of urgency, have them at hand. Therefore, the accessibility it provides is very useful .
Among the functions it offers, we find a content manager with which you can categorize your documents based on folders and set collaborator permissions. It also provides great mobility , adds collaboration features that give the option to include comments in the documents and has integration with other market tools, be it Google Apps, Netsuite, Saleforce, etc.
Yandex.disk
It is a service launched by Yandex, the Russian search engine that was in the test phase, but so far it lives up to recognized platforms such as Drive and Dropbox. Referring to its storage capacity, it is 10 GB and apart from that, it provides superb connectivity and a user interface very striking and easy to use. For this reason, it is also necessary to highlight that it has great ease of use .
In addition to the above, Yandex.disk can be used from a computer or through a mobile, thanks to the fact that supports several operating systems . It also offers you extra synchronization features, both of attachments and links that you can share. It is definitely a good backup solution.
Amazon Drive
To conclude this list of the best online cloud hosting services, we highlight the particularities of Amazon Drive. Which, stands out for allowing its users to save entire folders or files in the cloud. Thus, a free service with which you can use up to 5 GB of space for personal coverage. But, if you pay for it, you can increase the capacity up to 500 GB and 1000 GB .
Among its details, we highlight that you can access your files from anywhere, including through its Android and iPhone application. Taking into account that it allows you to have up to a total of eight different devices to enter the service without any limitations . Apart from this, Amazon Drive allows you to add files to your folder without an Internet connection and it transfers when a connection is available.
List of the best programs to save information in the cloud on Windows and MacOS
On the other hand, several users prefer to manage and store their information in the cloud using specific software running through their Windows or Mac OS computer. Consequently, here is another list with the best existing programs to save data in the cloud :
One Drive
Here we find One Drive again which, in addition to being an online service, also operates as a program that is preinstalled on Windows 10 and works perfectly on other platforms such as Mac.
As we indicated, it offers 5 GB of free storage and offers the possibility to edit the files, if you have access to Microsoft Office on your computer. It even provides 1TB of storage for Office 365 users .
iCloud
This is an alternative designed especially for Apple users, that is, if you have a Mac and want to store your data in the cloud from a program or application, iCloud is an excellent alternative for you.
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In this way, you can make a backup of all the photos of your reel automatically, as well as all the information you handle on your Mac, such as documents, images, music, etc. .