Techie Talk Tuesdays: Google Drive

Google Drive:

Platforms: Mac, PC, Android, iOS

Price: Free(!)

Google drive is a file synchronization, storage, and sharing system. The application can be downloaded for free on your computer, tablet, and phone. Google drive is a great cloud system where you can backup your notes, photos, and music, and access them anywhere, so you don’t need to worry about your notes if your computer is lost or if it breaks.

The Drive application creates a virtual cloud-based “drive,” similar to a folder, with a storage space of 15GB that you sign-in to, using your Google login. Unlike competitors, the “drive” automatically syncs files copied into the folder through Google’s cloud storage system so that the files can be accessed through the web by any computer or mobile device. On your mobile device you can upload files from your phone’s media player and photo gallery to the cloud, access documents you uploaded via your computer, or even create new documents and spreadsheets.  You can also make the files “available offline” which can be convenient in areas without mobile data.

And that’s not all- Google Drive is also home to Google Docs, which allows creation of documents and spreadsheets with real-time editing and collaboration with other users. One caveat – while one may be tempted to substitute a need to purchase document software like Microsoft Office or Apple’s Pages, the limited formatting capabilities make it impractical for formal writing. However, Google Docs are great for group study sessions or outlining with its real time editing ability. Individuals can add and edit a file at the same time while everyone with a link to the document can see the editing. Also, if someone accidently deletes a portion of the document, the documents can easily be restored to a previous version. Once the document is completed, the document can be downloaded as a pdf or a word document to be printed.

Best of all? It’s free.