Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud based storage system that allows user to save files online and access them anywhere from any device, such as mobiles, tablets, laptops and desktop computers. The Drive can be used to securely upload files where they can be updated online. You can also download the files from anywhere without having to be at your desk or classroom.

Google Drive also makes it really simple for users to edit and collaborate on files with others by creating 'Shared Drives'. These Shared Drives are invite only drives where a certain amount of people can upload and download files to collaborate with others without having to use their own personal Drive space.

You can create Folders in your Google Drive which can house your documents, and you can even share the full folder without having to share each individual document. With this, it will allow you to easily collaborate with your peers especially in group tasks or assignments.

The above screenshot is an example of how your Google Drive may look. You can see that there are many different options available. The below list explains some of the information for you:

• New - This allows you to create a new folder, document or upload a file directly to your Google Drive.

• My Drive and Shared Drives - These are your storage spaces where you own personal files (My Drive) and where your collaborative files (Shared Drive) go to when saved. You can enter each drive by clicking on them and any files will appear.

• Shared with Me - This will show you any files or folders which have been shared to you by other users. This is an easy view to show you any group work you may be working on.

• Recent, Starred and Bin - The Recent part of your Drive will show you any documents that you have just been using or ones that you may have recently had opened or closed. The Starred option will show you any documents or folders that you have 'Starred', this is basically a function that allows you to star certain documents so they are easier to find. The Bin will house any documents that you have deleted. They will be stored for 30 days and if not restored, they will be deleted forever.

• Storage - This will show you each individual item that is currently in your Drive and how much 'Storage Space' you have left. Storage Space will either go up or down depending on how many items you have in your Drive.

• Suggestions - This will provide you with documents that may be useful to you such as recently opened or edited files.

• Folders - This will show any Folders which you may have created in your Drive. Creating Folders is a great way to organise your work space and keep any documents which need to be together stored.

• Files - These will be the Files which are stored in your Drive which are not currently stored in any folders.