In my own definition, I think that "cloud storage" is the new and modern way to save data. Whether it's pictures, music, or documents, cloud storage allows you to save your data in a user friendly way. No more will you need removable storage. It is highly convenient in that you can log into your cloud storage from any computer and device. Most storage companies offer a small amount of room for free and for a fee you can upgrade your space. Cloud storage makes it easy to share files with friends, classmates and employers.
I have researched 5 major companies that offer cloud storage. There are a lot more than 5 to choose from, but these seem to be the trendiest.
1. Dropbox {thanks to Ms. Fine} Reviews that I have read have indicated that Dropbox is by far the most trendy and widely used company for storage. It wasn't the first storage company, but it popularized the concept. What is nice about Dropbox compared to others is that it is simple! You can use it just like it was any other network drive, with pretty much any file manager on any operating system. The price: It comes with 2GB of free storage. You can get more storage by bringing new users to Dropbox as a perk! If you still want more space you can pay $9.99 a month or $99 annually for 100GB. There are more prices for 500GB.
2. Apple iCloud. Need I say more. I don't like it. It's hard to you and I have never figured it out. I feel like everything with Apple gets more and more complicated every time they update it. It does give you 5GB of free storage and the storage is for music, apps, books, and TV shows you purchase from the iTunes store. It also has Photo Stream storage. 10 GB is $20 a month, $40 per year for 20GB, and $100 per year for 50GB.
3. Amazon Cloud Drive. It gives you 5GB of free storage. It used to allow you to store music, but it looks like you can not do that anymore. I think the cons to Amazon is that you can only use it from either the web or use a Windows app, Mac, or Android devices. It also is only for uploading, not sharing. So Dropbox still is more favorable. And for most of your file work, you'll still be in a web browser.
4. Google Drive. Google Drive works with Google Docs. It's a lot like Dropbox in that Google Drive automatically syncs with the cloud so that everything you save is on all of your devices. Also, like Dropbox, it integrates with Windows and Mac file systems. It does not support Linux which might be a con for some people. But it does support Google's own Chrome OS, Android, and Apple's iOS. Pros: Its comes with 5GB of free storage, which is more than Dropbox! For the average person that is quiet a bit of storage! You can pay for additional storage. You can even rent 16TB for only $800! {I'm being sarcastic...apparently there are people who would do that.} Also it allows any kind of file, including documents, music, images, and videos. Cons: it requires a gmail account and their may be storage size limitations. I added a tutorial here for Google Drive:
5. Microsoft SkyDrive: {it is being currently renamed to One Drive}. My husband uses this one. With this you can save, share, and access files, but on most operating systems, you must use it through a browser. It prefers Internet Explorer, but it will work with others. It works well with Windows 8 and Microsoft Office. Like Google Drive, it comes with its own cloud-based office software. A great thing about SkyDrive is that you know it's going to be compatible with all Microsoft software. It's free up to 7GB which is a real bargain! They offer more free storage than the others that I researched. If you want 20 GB it is $10. And the price goes up from there.
Should schools go to a cloud-based document storage scheme? I personally think that it would be a good move! I think that eventually removable storage will fade away just like the cassette player or the vcr. We are constantly evolving in the technology world. I think that the pros for schools using cloud storage is that students will be able to work together in groups easily. They can share ideas, documents, photos and even music. Students will have less excuses about "loosing" or "leaving" homework at home. It can be accessed anywhere! I think that is a huge plus! The downside might be storage sizes. Also, if there are not enough computers for everyone in the classroom, then it may be a challenge at times.
Security of your information while using cloud storage is a concern for some people. Jonathan Strickland from "How Cloud Storage Works" says, "Clients aren't likely to entrust their data to another company without a guarantee that they'll be able to access their information whenever they want and no one else will be able to get at it." Strickland, Jonathan. "How Cloud Storage Works" 30 April 2008. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing/cloud-storage.htm> 05 February 2014. Hacking is always a concern when dealing with internet based programs. This may be a con for the school system.
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