Google Drive is a cloud storage service and synchronization service developed by Google that allows users to store files online, synchronize them across devices, and share them with others. It's a core part of the Google Workspace suite, offering features like online document editing with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
Cloud Storage:
Google Drive provides users with space to store files (documents, images, videos, etc.) on Google's servers, rather than solely on their own devices.
Synchronization:
Files stored in Google Drive are synchronized across devices, meaning changes made on one device are automatically reflected on others.
Sharing and Collaboration:
Users can easily share files and folders with others, granting different levels of access (viewing, editing, commenting).
Integration:
Google Drive integrates seamlessly with other Google Workspace apps like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, allowing for collaborative editing and file management.
Access:
You can access Google Drive through a web browser (drive.google.com) or by installing the Google Drive application on your computer or mobile device.
Storage Limits:
Blair does not limit storage in Google Drive; however, it is a good idea to not keep a large number of files you don't need.
Navigate to your Google Drive (drive.google.com)
Select the Settings icon in the upper right
Click on Settings
Select Navigation in the left margin
Toggle on or off the setting for Email notifications
Changes are automatically saved
Google Drive for desktop is a software application that creates a folder on your computer that synchronizes with your Google Drive online storage, allowing you to access and work with your files both online and offline.
What it is:
Google Drive for desktop is a desktop application that acts as a bridge between your computer's file system and your Google Drive online storage.
How it works:
It creates a folder on your computer (e.g., "My Drive") that mirrors the contents of your Google Drive.
Any files you save in this folder are automatically synced to your Google Drive, and vice versa.
You can access and work with your files directly from the folder on your computer, even without an internet connection.
Benefits:
Easy Access: Access your Google Drive files directly from your computer's file system, without needing to open a web browser.
Offline Access: Work with your files even when you don't have an internet connection.
Convenient Syncing: Changes made to files on your computer are automatically synced to Google Drive, and vice versa.
Collaboration: Easily share files with others and collaborate in real-time.
How to use it:
Download and Install: Download the Google Drive for desktop application from the Google Help page.
Set up: Follow the instructions to set up the application and connect it to your Google account.
Use the folder: Access your Google Drive files from the folder created on your computer.
Open files: Open files in their respective applications (e.g., Microsoft Office files in Microsoft Office, Google Docs in your browser).
Important Notes:
You can choose to sync specific folders or the entire Google Drive.
You can access and manage your Google Drive files through the web interface (drive.google.com) as well.
Within the Google Workspace, there is a service called Google Shared Drives, which acts as a team drive for departments or office groups. For more information about Google Shared Drives, please click this LINK.