home Questions How to enable cloud storage. Cloud storage is a virtual flash drive for any device. Cloud technologies - what is it

How to enable cloud storage. Cloud storage is a virtual flash drive for any device. Cloud technologies - what is it

Cloud storage data is useful for users with multiple devices. For example, if you have one work computer, home laptop and smartphone, the cloud will help you effectively organize the presence of the same files on all devices. In addition, the storage will allow you to unload HDD computer and save backups important files.

Data synchronization in cloud storage

To synchronize information with all devices, you need to install special program and set the path to the folders to be placed in the cloud. The program will copy the folders to the storage and will monitor the changes in the files in these folders.

When changing or adding documents, the program in automatic mode will make changes to the cloud data storage. And vice versa, if you make changes to a file in the cloud, the program synchronizes it with the file on your computer.

That is, when several computers or a smartphone are connected to the storage, the current set of documents will be displayed on each of the devices. It is always possible to edit a document on a computer and then open the modified file on mobile device.

Syncing data is subject to performance-related errors. software or the human factor. In order to minimize such errors, it is worth using cloud storage with a history of file changes. It is very important to wait until the documents are fully synchronized before ending your computer session.

Which cloud storage to choose

The server owner provides free space for information to everyone. Access to the server can be free, paid, or shareware. The most popular are free ones, but they have volume limits. You can increase the volume of the cloud by purchasing a special tariff plan.

Here is a comparison of some cloud storage providers that provide storage space:

cloud Mail.Ru - 100 GB;

MEGA service - 50 GB;

Google Disk - 15 GB;

Yandex.Disk - 10 GB;

OneDrive - 7 GB;

Dropbox - 2 GB.

On some services, the free volume can be significantly increased by sending invitations to friends. Yandex.Disk and OneDrive provide this opportunity.

It is important to remember that cloud storage is located on a third-party server and may become unavailable at any time. Important files should not be stored on only one resource, there is a high probability of losing them.

The issue of protecting and forwarding confidential data remains open. Cloud storage cannot be stored personal information- for example, intimate photos, passwords to mailboxes or credit card numbers.

Cloud storage remains a type of service that has taken root in our lives. They experienced rapid growth, experienced a market glut when new "clouds" opened almost every week, experienced a recession when the same "clouds" began to close one by one. And now we have before us just a type of service that has become established and has already become commonplace, has passed the test of time, given the features and speed of the modern industry.

There are a lot of cloud storages. Each has its own characteristics and its own audience. Someone chooses only one “cloud”, someone uses several at once. We have chosen ten, the most interesting of them. One of the criteria for this top is a free plan with free space in the cloud so that each user can try it out for himself. No trial, just a free plan with free space.

10.pCloud

Quite an interesting and rapidly developing cloud. The cloud blog is updated almost every week, and it is clear that the developers are actively working on it. They give 10 GB for free, but by following a few simple steps. You can get a few more GB. There is a referral system that will also allow you to increase free seat. It is also interesting that pCloud, in addition to the monthly and annual subscription fee for advanced features, it also has a tariff with a one-time purchase, you just pay a certain amount and increase the volume of your cloud, forever, it's hard to remember which cloud still does this.

9. MEGA

Encrypted Vault by Kim Dotcom. There were rumors that the cloud was taken away from him, about other unpleasant ups and downs in the management of MEGA, but this does not prevent the cloud storage from developing and existing further. The cloud is built on a fairly high level of encryption, for more comfortable work with the web version, it is better to install a special browser extension so that the decoding process goes much faster. There are applications for all popular operating systems. The main thing that attracts many is that MEGA gives 50 GB on a free plan. This volume was at the start, it remains so to this day.

8.MediaFire

One of the oldest services in this top, works well, but develops rather slowly. There is no desktop version, so you have to use the web version, but mobile apps are fine.

I started MediaFire as a file hosting service, but in time I realized the decline of such services and repurposed into cloud storage. Old users and those who managed to get under the action have 50 GB of free space, the rest are given 10 GB, but sometimes it becomes possible to increase the amount of available space for free.

7. Box

Another cloud storage that has stood the test of time. Box was originally focused on business and this has allowed it to survive to this day and have a dedicated user base. They give 10 GB for free, and sometimes there are promotions to get 50 GB of free space. That's just the free plan has many limitations. All these restrictions will be removed if you switch to a subscription.

6. Cloud Mail.Ru

The Mail.Ru Cloud was launched with 100 GB of free space, then there was a promotion where you could get 1 TB for free, then the volume was significantly reduced, and on new accounts they give a meager amount of space. The cloud has received a built-in audio player, integration with Office Online and continues to receive new features and support for new formats, but instability with free volume does not allow it to rise higher in the rankings.

5. Yandex.Disk

Surprisingly stable, in terms of volume, cloud storage from Yandex. At launch, they gave 10 GB of free space. Several years have passed, and 10 GB is still there, but there are constant promotions when you can either temporarily get free volume or increase the cloud on a permanent basis. Add support here a large number formats, integration with Office Online and continuous development of applications.

At the end of 2017, the Disk also stood out and. Everything that you upload to Yandex.Disk from your phone will not be taken into account when calculating the total volume. Apparently this is not an action, since no deadlines are called. There are also no size limits, which makes this feature even better than Google Photos.

4.iCloud

If you love Apple technology, then you must have come across this cloud storage. Many applications work through it, backup and synchronization take place. You can also use iCloud as our usual cloud storage. Throw in Apple's screwed-up office suite, a Windows app, and you've got a pretty decent cloud storage with a dedicated fan base.

But if you do not use Apple products, any other cloud storage in this top will be a better option for you, as it will give you more options.

3. Dropbox

It is Dropbox that is considered the service that started the "explosive" growth of cloud storage. Dropbox was one of the first to popularize given type services, and although now he does not have better times, the service continues to develop and receive new opportunities. Free Dropbox gives only 2 GB. Promotions that increase the free volume have not been held for a long time, and the limitations of the free tariff do not allow you to fully use the cloud. Unfortunately, Dropbox is no longer up to the ideal cloud storage.

2.OneDrive

Cloud storage from Microsoft. There is tight integration with the Office Online office suite, which is also integrated into other cloud storages, with the consent of Microsoft. By default, it is integrated into Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. Format support is also quite extensive. Working in this cloud, many users can safely refuse a full-fledged package Microsoft Office or Microsoft Office 365, which provide only enhanced features for more professional tasks.

When you purchase a Microsoft Office 365 subscription, you also get 1 TB of OneDrive space as a bonus. So many simply do not expand the volume of the cloud on a paid basis, but simply purchase an Office subscription, and at the same time increase the cloud space.

1. Google Drive

Google's cloud storage has the largest number of supported file formats, which can be extended with additional cloud extensions. Small office documents, as well as photos and videos with a small extension, are not taken into account when calculating the available space in the cloud. And this space is 15 GB.

The cloud is integrated with the Google Docs cloud office suite, which has a simple and user-friendly interface for which we prefer many to use as the main office suite. Recently google apps Drive and Google Photos have been merged into one application called "Google Autoload and Sync". There were rumors about an application for Linux, but so far many continue to use unofficial clients, and this is almost the only serious drawback of the leader of the current top.

Site administrator

02.07.2019

AT modern world a person constantly needs to keep a large amount of information at hand: photos, videos, documents, contacts. All this and more can be required at any time. But carrying a computer or a bunch of storage media with you everywhere and everywhere is becoming more and more burdensome. Therefore, computer corporations have developed virtual data storages, the so-called clouds. That's what we'll talk about today. What is a cloud on the Internet and how to use it, we will tell in our article!

What is an internet cloud?

First of all, you need to define the terminology. So, what is a cloud on the Internet? A cloud on the Internet is a virtual storage of information located on remote server companies. If to speak in simple words, cloud storage is an online version of any storage device known to you (flash drive / disk). It also has a certain volume that you can use when working.

To use the saved data, you will need to access the virtual space through a special website or application. And from whatever device you log in and make changes, all data will be synchronized.

Choosing free cloud storage

If earlier users did not have much choice of cloud storage, now almost everyone can choose it for themselves. At the same time, you can use both a free cloud and some paid analogue. The main thing you should pay attention to when choosing: the amount of space provided and the availability of a convenient service (the ability to use a mobile application or a design that is banal for you personally).

What is Yandex.disk?

In the spring of 2012, the well-known Yandex search engine launched a cloud storage service, now known as Yandex.Disk. The main features are available free of charge. This largely determined the popularity among users. What does the Yandex cloud offer?

10 GB of virtual space is provided free of charge. If you need more space, you have several ways to increase the volume: you can buy a Yandex-PRO subscription or participate in portal promotions. For example, old users of the system still remember how Yandex provided an additional 10 GB for inviting friends or buying a music subscription.

Files are stored indefinitely and all changes on the disk are synchronized between devices. By the way, you can edit photos directly in the service using the built-in editor.
The ability to open access to the cloud to your friends, family and colleagues.
You can upload photos to the cloud for others to download, and then view the files saved in the virtual space.
All downloaded files are checked for viruses. After verification, you can request a link to share data with your friends.
You can send via the cloud big file and not think about its size.
Documents are transferred through a secure channel, so users do not have to worry about the safety of information.

And this is only a small part of what the user will receive if he decides to use the Yandex cloud.

Yandex cloud: how to use the service?

In order to start using the Yandex cloud, first of all, you will have to register. The easiest way to do this is for someone who already has an account in Yandex (mail, Zen, or some other project). If you are not yet their client, then read our instructions:

On the main page of Yandex, click "Start mail";

Fill out a short form, create a username and password;
Click on the "Register" button.

By the way, it is not necessary to use Yandex mail. You only need to log in to your personal account on a remote server.

You can go to it directly from the main page or use this button:

You can also download the corresponding application to your computer and phone - just click on the button:

To get to the data store, click on your address in the upper right and select "My disk" from the menu. You will see a workspace divided into three parts.

- Above is the general Yandex menu. There is also a link to install an application for working with a disk not through a browser.
- On the left is the storage menu.

Downloads. Files sent by mail or shared with you.
Screenshots. All screenshots taken from Yandex.Disk.
Camera. Photos from the synchronized device are automatically uploaded here.
I. Pictures. When searching for pictures on the Internet, you can save them to this folder.
Photos from social networks. You can select a network and download all your photos from it.

There are four main operations in the clouds:

Additionally, you can delete, move, rename or edit files and folders. All these commands are in context menu(RMB on the file) and in the panel that pops up at the top.

Mail.ru cloud: how to use it?

Another search engine, Mail, offers only 8 GB for free. Although a couple of years ago this figure reached 25 GB. But the issue of lack of volume is easily solved, because you can always purchase it for a fee.

In order to use the provided volume, you will have to register your mailbox. In general, the registration process differs little from the described instructions for Yandex. Therefore, we will not dwell on this fact in detail, but will go straight to the question of how to use the Mail.ru cloud.

You can go to the virtual space provided to you both through your personal mail, and through home page Mail.ru (by navigation in the top field) or directly via the link:

The functions are basically the same as on Yandex:

All in all search engines offer plus or minus the same functionality. Unless Rambler is one of the few services that has not yet developed its own cloud drive.

Google.Disk - cloud for Android phone and PC

Most often, a cloud on the Internet for storing data on Android is tied to Google. But in principle, you can use any other storage. Therefore, we will describe the answer to the question: what is a cloud in an Android phone and how to use it, using the example of Google Drive.

Google.Disk is one of the most advantageous offers on the this moment. AT free version You will receive 15 GB of virtual space. This volume is divided between mail, the drive itself and Google Photos. If this space is not enough for you, then you can purchase additional space (up to 30 TB). Google Virtual Storage is also tied to yours. mailbox, therefore, first of all, you will need to create your mail.

Main sections:

Upload files and folders and delete them.
Provide access to view or edit files;
Put additional notes;
Download to computer.
And much more.

By the way, Google has developed not only a browser version, but also a mobile application. So staying in touch with him is not difficult. To use cloud storage on your Android phone, follow our instructions:

Go to PlayMarket.
Type in the search bar "Google drive".

Click "Install".

After that, the client icon will appear on the desktop. Open up. To manage files and folders, you need to use the menu - three dots on the top right on the item's label. There you will find the usual commands.

The same menu for the entire disk (on the top right of the screen) will allow you to select all objects, sort them and view the properties.

It makes no sense to talk in detail about how to use virtual storage on an Android phone, since there are no special differences compared to a web tool. Moreover, for convenience, most owners of virtual space offer the same clients for computers.

iCloud - virtual storage for iOS

Let's talk about iCloud as an example of a mobile version of the cloud. main feature this service - it is built into the system initially (starting from the fifth iOS versions). Another interesting fact- You do not have to register additionally. To access files in iCloud, the username and password from AppleID are used.

In order to start working with iPhone cloud storage, first of all, check the boxes for all programs that require synchronization. You can do this in your device settings.

Important! Before you add any program for synchronization, think carefully. After all, only 5 GB is free. And in the cloud, in addition to photos, copies are also stored, the documents themselves, contacts and messages.

After you set up the service for yourself, all devices associated with your AppleID, as well as everyone who knows this data, will be able to access your data in iCloud.

Pros and cons of using

We hope that now it has become more or less clear to you what a cloud on the Internet is and how to use it. And we only have to answer one question: is such a service worth the time spent on registering in the system and trying to “fill in” information? Let's try to answer this question together!

Some of the clear benefits of using the cloud include:

there is no need to have a laptop / computer with a bunch of storage devices of any type and size at hand. Access to all the files you need will depend solely on the availability of the Internet.
For most services, the ability to work both on a PC and from mobile devices is included, incl. and with the help special applications.
The service software is updated without your intervention. You no longer need to keep track of updates and install them to improve performance. And by the way, cloud storage is compatible with any OS.
You control the amount of space available to you. Whether or not the provided free media space is enough for you is up to you.
You can grant access to your friends, colleagues or family. And just as easy, you can limit it.
Services that provide you with a virtual space for your data guarantee your data safety.
For companies, the use of the cloud is a significant savings in the purchase and maintenance of equipment.

The main disadvantages of cloud (virtual) storage:

If you want to use the cloud, you need Internet access with a good and constant speed.
If you can somehow influence the operation of your PC, install additional software or increase the speed of work, then you cannot influence a third-party service. If there are no functions there, then you will not add them there. If a server failure occurs, then you will not solve it yourself either.
All additional options, built into the cloud, have a truncated functionality. The same Excel on a PC has much more possibilities than Google Docs.
The corporations that give you the space promise data safety and security. But in fact, we all heard about data leakage. So everything is conditional.
Lost data will be lost forever without the possibility of recovery.

But if you asked us whether it is worth using the cloud for data storage, we would unequivocally answer yes! My personal experience usage of cloud storage is not too impressive: about 5 years. But during this time you manage to appreciate all the advantages of the service and stop caring about some little things. No matter how many devices you have, no matter what OS is installed on them, thanks to the cloud you will always have constant access to your information on the Internet. So try and find your ideal option!

The Internet has become entrenched in our lives. Many users can no longer imagine their lives without a computer. Naturally, technology improves every year. And for active users global network, such a useful technology as a cloud server has appeared. What it is? What is it for?

Cloud computing is...

Today it is very common to hear about such a function as cloud computing. The name of such servers comes from graphic picture, which is used to denote technologies.

Cloud technologies is the ability to access data without installing special applications on the device. All necessary support servers are provided to users. But whether you have to pay for this remote access to data or not depends on the requests.

How are cloud technologies different from conventional ones?

To better explain the difference between traditional technologies and cloud storage, we can take email as an example. The case when mail client, such as Outlook, is already installed on the user's computer, and all data received by e-mail is saved to the hard drive, is considered a common IT technology. That is, the user himself can dispose of the received files and decide what to do with them. And the mail client will work exactly as long as the computer is running.

But e-mail, which is opened using a browser, is already a cloud technology. That is, the user, without installing anything on the device, can access his email address. Moreover, if something happens to the server on which all the data is stored, then access to e-mail will be lost.

What do you have to pay for when using the cloud?

Cloud server - the technology is not completely free. There are times when the user will have to pay for the provision of cloud storage services. All servers are divided into three types that charge for different features.

IaaS is a cloud model that requires a provisioning fee remote access to the storage. That is, the user pays only for access to the server.
When using the PaaS cloud, you will have to pay not only for the available resources, but also for access to special data processing software.
SaaS is a repository that provides access to a whole range of software, for which, of course, you will have to pay a considerable subscription fee.

Positive sides

The use of cloud technologies has a number of advantages, which are quite significant.

It is very profitable for young enterprises to use cloud servers. They don't have to worry about buying their own server hardware, spend on building local network, hire sysadmins. It is enough just to choose one of the cloud servers, which is ideal in terms of memory size, number of clients and other characteristics, and pay a monthly fee once a month.

Cloud computing is the ability to access the necessary information using a regular browser from anywhere in the world. Uptime will no longer worry the client, as it is monitored by those who are paid by the user for cloud storage. Such systems are in demand among corporate users who need to establish a workflow in the network of enterprises.

For ordinary users who simply do not want to clog their computer with unnecessary information, there are free cloud servers that will be enough.

Negative points

Of course, new cloud technologies also have a number of disadvantages.

Firstly, confidential data that is transferred using cloud storage can be intercepted by hackers. The quality of the Internet connection must be very high. In case of interruptions with the Internet, access to data on the "clouds" will be impossible. At the same time, large enterprises still need System Administrator to establish data transfer.

If the client wants to save money and prefer a cheaper server, then he will have to face performance problems. Cheap cloud storages have not very good hardware infrastructure, in which problems appear regularly, and it takes a lot of time to fix them.

If the use of cloud technologies is planned for the long term, then this can be much more expensive than installing your own local server. Especially if a cloud technology with a wide range of possibilities, such as SaaS, is chosen for work.

Overview of cloud storage

Cloud technologies are storages that can be divided into three types of services:

Creation of infrastructure.
platform services.
Software Services.

This division will help with the choice of a cloud server for data storage.

Windows Live SkyDrive is suitable for those who need a large amount of data. It allows you to store information up to 25 GB in size. There are no file format restrictions. However, for some types there are a number of advantages. So, for example, when storing Office documents, it is possible to edit them immediately in the browser.

Dropbox has become more widespread than Windows Live SkyDrive, although it has a much smaller amount of information - only 2 GB. It is enough to install one application on the device to have remote access.

A dedicated server even exists for storing music. This is Grooveshark, which is considered one of the most popular cloud storage for music files.

Today, cloud storage with large amounts of data occupy an important niche in terms of safety. necessary information and many of them are completely free.

Hello my dear readers and guests of the blog. Today, many Internet users practice cloud storage. All important information can be stored in the cloud, which avoids file loss, for example, when damaged hard drive. And if you need to use the data far away from your computer, then just find a device with Internet access and use the cloud web interface, which eliminates the need to carry a flash drive with you.

Majority modern smartphones supports automatic download pictures taken and video recordings directly to the cloud, as soon as there is a connection with Wi-Fi network. This eliminates the need to connect each gadget to the computer when USB help, because there is a disk space that is the same for all your devices. If necessary, you can configure the synchronization of other files other than the media format.

On the this moment there are about a dozen large-capacity cloud data storages available to any Internet user for free 2018. Thanks to this variety, each person can find a cloud that suits his needs. Consider free cloud services data storage.

The best high volume cloud storage for free

1. Yunpan 360 - 36 TB

The undoubted leader in the list of cloud data storage is the Chinese project Yunpan 360. The cloud provides as much as 36 TB (yes, terabytes) of free space for storing personal data. The only drawback of the portal is the only interface language, of course, Chinese. Fortunately, Russian craftsmen have already developed step by step instructions and the method of Russification, you can familiarize yourself with them on the site yunpan.ru.

The mechanism for obtaining 36 TB is as follows:

Registration on the site and receiving 10 TB after installing the client for Windows.
Adding 26 TB to your account after installing the client on Android.

If you deal with difficulties Chinese and make friends with the interface of the project, you can get disk space, which is enough for almost a lifetime. Well, if 36 TB is not enough for you, then there are two ways to expand this volume:

2. Mega - 50 GB

The name “Mega” is an acronym that stands for MEGA Encrypted Global Access. Developers pay great attention to security and the process of protecting information. This file storage service rightfully ranks second on our list. The company offers 50 GB for free free space something that competing cloud storages in our market segment cannot boast of. In addition, all files using the AES algorithm are encrypted right in the browser window. Those. even the administration of the project cannot open the files you uploaded, because they are securely protected by cryptographic transformation. Access keys to information are not available in open form and are transferred according to the Friend-to-Friend principle, i.e. between users who are confident in each other.

3. [email protected]

This is the development of the domestic holding Mail.ru Group. Provides 25 GB of free disk space to store any files, but this requires register mail Mail.ru. The cloud for data accumulation and the mail service are mutually integrated, for example, a file from an incoming letter can be sent to the cloud storage with one click. For users of mobile devices, the developers have provided for automatic synchronization of files captured on the gadget's camera. After connecting to a fast Internet connection, the smartphone automatically starts sending new files from the camera to the cloud. [email protected] is a fairly young project that appeared in 2013. It is possible that over time the functionality will grow noticeably. Unfortunately, it is impossible to expand the amount of disk space for free, although there used to be promotions where they gave first 1 TB of space for registration, and then even 100 GB each.

4. Hubic Data Warehouse

Internet storage service, characterized by a rather generous affiliate program. The company provides 25 GB of free disk space after registration. Doesn't that seem like enough? The developers give 2.5 TB of additional space for 5 invited friends, the friends themselves also receive 30 GB each of the consolation prize.

5. Google Drive

Probably the most famous cloud data storage, because. is one of the services of such a search giant as Google. The project is integrated with most Google services, such as Google Sheets (spreadsheet), Google Slides (presentations), Google Docs (text documents), Gmail (e-mail). When creating, for example, text document in the Google cloud, it is automatically saved to Google Drive. After activation, the company is ready to provide 15 GB of free space. As experience shows, this volume is quite enough for working purposes.

Excellent balance between quantity and quality, one of the best cloud storage with a large amount of free 2018. There is an application for both computer and mobile devices that automatically synchronizes files. To increase the place, you can use the promotion, which Google holds every year. The algorithm is simple: you pass a security check Google account and get extra gigabytes for free.

6. 4shared

The file storage service, which occupies the 82nd place in the list of the most popular Internet resources according to Alexa, processes more than 300 TB of traffic every day. After registration, 10 GB of disk space becomes available, you can add another 5 GB if you confirm your address Email. Unfortunately, there are no other ways to expand the volume of cloud storage. For free accounts, there is a 180-day limit on the storage of files from the time of the last interaction with the account. The user interface resembles that of Windows Explorer.

7. Yandex.Disk

Another domestic project, which is a cloud storage of data with a large volume for free 2018. As in Google Drive and [email protected], here mail and storage are interconnected. Yandex allows you to use a 10 GB cloud drive. It is possible to expand it by 10 GB if you bring 20 friends, for each of them they give 512 MB. And if you took part in the partner's promotion, you will be rewarded with another 50 GB. The conditions of these events change regularly, so you need to constantly follow the news of the project.

8. media fire

A cloud service for storing files, similar in functionality to 4shared or dropbox. First of all, it was created for storing and sharing media files (videos, images or music). 10 GB of free space is available for free, and besides, it also comes with ads. The Windows client has some problems in use, for example, you cannot share a file on a computer. Therefore, it is recommended to use the application on a mobile device, and on a computer, use the interface on the project website.

9. Cubby

Cloud storage that allows you to use 5 GB of free space when registration is completed. Cubby is a development of LogMeIn, which creates and supports network products for business, so there is no doubt about the reliability and stability of this solution. Previously, registration was impossible without an invitation, now every Internet user can get access to the service. Disk space if desired, you can increase up to 25 GB if you participate in the referral program.

Conclusion

Choose cloud storage with large volumes that are provided free of charge in 2019, depending on the type of tasks solved with the help of the cloud and specific service requirements. There is no point in learning the wisdom of the Chinese language for the sake of 36 TB of free space if you have only 7 GB important information. And using cryptography to protect the privacy of a photo of a beloved cat makes little sense.

Are you a videographer or make backups? Then be sure to pay attention to Yunpan 360. Are you a busy person and you need to have all the documents at hand, and each of your devices should have up-to-date information?

Google Drive, along with integrated office services, will do the job perfectly. Worried about the safety and confidentiality of your data? Take a look at the Mega, which uses the AES cryptographic algorithm. Well, if you ordinary user Internet, who sometimes takes photos on his phone and looks for a place to store files in the cloud, then [email protected] will more than cover your needs.

Just about the complex. Programs. Iron. Internet. Windows