Google Drive: Google’s cloud storage and syncing services

Google drive is finally here. Google has finally joined in the cloud computing race. Though we could say it took them quite awhile to finally roll out their cloud storage and syncing services. For quite awhile Dropbox has dominated the cloud storage space. Other strong competitors have been Microsoft’s  SkyDrive and Apple iCloud.  We have all expected Google the internet giant to introduce their cloud storage and syncing services.

Google Drive

What is Google Drive? Google Drive is a cloud storage and syncing service/platform that allows you to save your files and documents in the cloud and have access to them from anywhere in the world at anytime. Just like other  cloud storage and syncing services explained earlier in this blog, you can store your files in several formats which includes PDF, Multimedia formats like MP3, MP4, avi, 3gp, flv, Microsoft office formats like .docx, .xlsx, image formats jpg, png,gif etc.

Google Drive has the capacity to be synced with mobile devices and computers.  The best part of Google Drive is that it supports file sharing. You can simply share a file by simply sending a link to someone and the person can access the file from any other location. Google Drive is uniquely different with its ability to track changes made on a document. Once a document is edited it automatically syncs in all your devices. You can even track changes for up to 30 days.

One may say isn’t Google Cloud similar to other cloud syncing and storage services like Dropbox,  SugarSync and Livemesh? Yes while Google Drive may be similar in a lot of ways to the mentioned cloud storage and syncing services it stands out  with its capacity to search for text in uploaded documents be it PDF, images etc. Google provides you with free  5GB worth of storage space more than Dropbox could offer. The pricing is fairly better compared to other cloud storage and syncing services for its premium services.  Google also have a good reputation for safety and will surely provide you with a better security for your documents stored in the servers.

Google Drive’s ability to integrate with Gmail and other third party apps is also another edge provided by this great cloud storage and syncing services. Google Drive is compatible to several operating systems like Windows, Mac and even Apple’s iOS.

How to install Google Drive:  Follow the steps below carefully to get started with Google Drive.

1. Go to Google Drive
2. Sign in with your Google Account (Sign up if you don’t already have a Google Account)
3. On successful signing in, Click on Install Google Drive for PC
4. Accept the Google’s terms and condition by clicking the “Accept and Install” button
5. A  download pop up for googledrivesync.exe  with size 723kb will request you to download or cancel
6. Save the file
7. On successful download , install the file, ensure you have internet connection on your computer during the installation as it will require internet connection to download the complete file from Google’s server.
8. On successful installation a Google Drive folder will be installed on your computer with a shortcut on your desktop.
9. Drag any file into the Google Drive folder and it will be stored and synced. You can access this folder from anywhere in the world and from any compatible device.

I will proudly recommend Google Drive for all your cloud storages. Feel free to share this post with your friends, simply use the share buttons below to share this post. You can also use the comment box below to share your contributions about this blog post. Click here to Subscribe to NetMediaBlog Feeds by Email. I hope you also read my earlier post on reasons why you should go cloud.