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Weekend Open Forum: Do you use cloud storage? If so, for what?
Cloud storage has grown in popularity in recent years, with Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft and others providing an affordable means of backing up or sharing data online. While all of them can store your files, most have unique features. For instance, SkyDrive is geared toward project collaboration using Microsoft's Office software, while up to 250 songs bought from Amazon can be freely housed on Cloud Player.
I use Dropbox daily. In many cases, I find it to be the most convenient way to transfer files between my phone and PCs, and I often use it to share images and other files. The most appealing feature to me, though, is the way it integrates with the Galaxy S3 by uploading new photos to the cloud, which synchronizes with my PC so I don't need to add them myself. What's your favorite cloud service and how do you use it?
Cloud image from Shutterstock
User Comments: 60
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Matt12345170 said:
As with some others, I don't trust could storage and I will never rely on it, however I do use it to transfer some files when I can't find my USB stick
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No and never will. Local storage is always better.
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I personally have never sought out cloud services but, in my use of technology it just seems to happen. I have a WP7 device and skydrive is pretty handy and integrated, so I use that. And Steam has a useful feature to backup saved data, so I use steam's cloud storage.
Never sought it out, but very happy to have it.
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Dropbox with my android phone.
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I'm waiting for the storage on a lot of these portable devices to become "adequate" and I am betting that a lot of other people are too. When manufacturers realize that some people value built-in storage versus putting their personal information in "the cloud" I am betting that they will increase storage in the devices they build or make it more of a priority in the future, and they will probably see increased sales numbers as a result.Cloud storage is in no way responsible for lack of personal storage capacities. Quite frankly, I'm shocked you would make this comment, when you can purchase a 3TB external (without the need for a raid configuration) drive for under $200. Just how long would it take an average Internet user to upload or download 3TB using the cloud. Do they even have a service (I don't know) that will allow 3TB of cloud storage? The only way I could see your reasoning, is if you could get more cloud storage than personal storage for a comparable price.
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I'm using Google drive, Box and Dropbox and sync them all into one place using Cloudkafe.
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I'm using Skydrive for a while now, and it perfectly fits for my needs. It syncs my data from notebook/desktop pc + smartphone pretty neatly.
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My main use for cloud is Google Docs (so now Drive). I moved a lot of the documents I update often there so I can update them from anywhere. Other than this I used Box for sharing some stuff, and Dropbox when others shared stuff with me over it, but other than this I don't really keep files online.
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I continue to use earth-based storage. I live in Rural, USA. I cannot always get access to the internet when I'm not at home. I have looked at using several services (Dropbox, Google) from time to time, but in the end came to the realization that I was going to run into situations when I could not get to files when I need them.
When your cellphone and wireless coverage area maps resemble a trail of spilled coffee between the kitchen and your computer desk, cloud storage may not be a good option unless you're sharing files from fixed locations (which I am not).
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Dropbox!
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Nope. 'The Cloud' is such a nice name for 'in someone else's pocket'. Never.
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I do use Dropbox but as a means of easy access to certain files. I would never keep any personal information or files I do not have a backup somewhere else.
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Cloud storage is on the rise. I use MS Skydrive and have even upgraded my storage size from 25 GB - 45 GB. I store all of my pictures and some important documents such as receipts and files. I use Microsoft's 256-bit encryption on my office documents that are sensitive (along with no sharing to anyone).
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Scott Johnson said:
I just don't understand the cloud-storage craze.
1) There's no way you can get enough storage to make a dent in your personal files...even with paid subscriptions. Most people I know have TB's of files (movies, music, photos, etc). There's no way to get even a fraction of that online.
2) You no longer have direct control of your files. Look what happened to MegaUpload and all those customers' files.
3) It's less efficient, not more. With a local file, I just click the icon. With a cloud file, I have to open up my browser, go to the cloud service page, login, and then wait for my file to download or open in some web-app. Why would I ever want to make accessing my files more complicated?
4) If my connection is slow, my file access is slow.
Like I said, I just don't understand why people are doing this. I keep thinking that I must be missing something...some great benefit to doing it this way...but so far I just don't see it. All negatives, no positives.
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KG363 said:
SkyDrive for my school work. I hardly need the 27GB they gave me.
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I use 21GB Dropbox for backup of important files and documents, auto-upload of camera photos, easy transfer of files from my phone to the computer and give links to friends to files on my computer whenever needed. I also use it to store some documents that I'm working on, so if anything happens, I can restore it to any of the saves I've made.
I've got my desktop synced with Dropbox, so any file that goes through my desktop is accessible from any computer (even if it was deleted up to a month ago).
These are just some of the reasons I like it. I'm also using Skydrive for my OneNote notebooks, but that's only cause it's easier to sync it to my phone's OneNote app.
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I've been using Dropbox for quite a while now and it's proven to be very reliable and easy to work with. I like how my photos from my phone automatically synchronize to my PC, and once in a while the "Previous Versions" option and file history saves my time in work when something goes wrong. Dropbox FTW!
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I don't know how best to store a cloud, I tried a cardboard box once, but when I opened it later, the cloud had gone, and the cardboard was slightly damp.
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I'm using exclusive cloud storage provided by my community.. (like some of your company where you worked provide it to their employee) I'm using it to store encrypted project data, several documents, pictures, etc etc except very private/personal information
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I use SkyDrive and I am very happy with it.
Mostly for photos and video sharing and to access my home PC on the go.
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I started with Dropbox. Now I use Skydrive, Google Drive and Box (50GB haha)...
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Xclusiveitalian said:
Cloud service seems like a nice idea, but I like my data saved and stored on my portable Hard drive, that way I can always get it even if the internet dies, my information is safe from the most part from hackers also etc. Plus... I already have the portable hard drive with more then enough space.
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I use SkyDrive. They recently released the Android app, and it's bloody magnificent! I sync my documents and pictures.
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Sometimes for nonimportant stuff.
But the idea of using the cloud for stuff I would store on a phone or other portable devices astounds me, I have to be able to access stuff WHENEVER. no signal worries or anything.
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treetops said:
Game codes, program codes(cd keys), pictures and research papers\exams
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I actually use Google Drive more now. Mainly because of the native document editors, those were really good for taking notes in college just in case something happened they were already on the cloud.
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