What is Google Drive? Explore Reviews, Ratings, Features & Much More!

Google Drive, a cloud-based storage service, is completely free and lets users add files on the internet. The service lets users transfer photos, documents and other data across all devices, including computers and tablets.

Google Drive can be integrated with other systems and services that are part of Google, such as Google Docs Chrome YouTube, Google Analytics, and Google+. Google Drive is available in concurrence with Microsoft OneDrive and Apple iCloud.

Google Drive: How it functions

Google Drive requires that the user sign in or create a Google Account to the Google Account before they can start using it. Next, type “drive.google.com” into your browser. In the next step, the “My Drive” tab will show up. It could contain files that have been synced or uploaded folders, files, as well as Google Sheets slides and Docs. It is then possible to upload files to your computer , or create files in Google Drive.

Users can, alternatively, install an application called the Google Drive application to one or more devices. Its Google Drive folder will be shown alongside other folders within the file system of the device. It is the Google Drive web app and the Google Drive folder on each device will let users access the files that they have been able to add to one folder.

In most cases, the default person who owns a folder or file is the user who created the file. The owner then has the ability to manage the visibility (public and private sharing via specific Google account) and transfer ownership of the file another person via Gmail addresses. Also, you can manage access rights for files and folders by using access levels such as “can edit”, “can comment” or “can view”.

What are Docs and Slides?

Google Docs and Google Sheets are both part the Google Drive office suite. Google Docs can be used to create documents in Word as well as Google Slides as well as Google Sheets are programs for presenting. They are able to be compared with Microsoft Word and Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft PowerPoint, respectively. Google’s Google versions are free, simple and cooperative, even though they do not have some Microsoft Office capabilities.

The suite of apps let users make, edit and save spreadsheets, documents, and presentations on Google Drive. The apps are accessible using a variety of web browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Edge, Mozilla Firefox as well as Apple Safari. Mobile applications are available to download for Google Android, and Apple iOS. Each app allows users to edit, save and upload files in Microsoft Office formats.

Google Drive desktop, mobile and web applications

Google Drive is accessed by many users via the internet application. Google Docs offline, Chrome extension, Google Docs offline, permit users who don’t have Wi-Fi access to access and edit their documents. The Chrome extension known as “save Google Drive” allows users to save web-based content on the Google Drive via their browser or through the context menu. While users can save documents and images directly, they are also able to save websites using screenshots.

Google Drive was previously available as desktop applications available that worked on Windows as well as macOS. But support for the apps ended May of 2018. Backup and Sync, a desktop application dubbed Backup and Sync, allows users to copy local files in the cloud. Drive File Stream is available for Windows or macOS is also available for corporate users. The online storage service can store files, and is able to prevent end users from to store sensitive company data.

Google Drive mobile apps for Android and iOS permit users to save, share and browse documents. Users must use different apps from Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides applications to modify and create files.

Google Drive: Major Features

Google Drive can be integrated with a variety of third-party and first-party web apps. Users can download these apps through Google’s Chrome Web Store. These applications allow customers to sign their documents and make flowcharts and stores music files. They also allow to accomplish other tasks, such as keeping documents, signing documents creating flowcharts, as well as other tasks. Users can connect third-party apps using “My Drive”, “more,” or “connect more app”. Although apps from third parties can be downloaded for no cost Certain features might require costs.

Google Drive’s search function lets users to sort results according to kind of item, file type and date of modification. It also allows you to find the person who owns the item. Since September 16, 2016 users can utilize natural language to ask questions , such for “find my sales presentations since May”

Quick Access available for Android, iOS, and web apps utilizes Machine Learning to predict which documents users will require according to their Drive activities and their work routines.

Pricing and storage tiers

Google currently provides 15GB of storage free of charge , and bigger storage quantities at lower prices. 100GB costs $1.99 per month 1TB costs $9.99 per month 2TB costs $19.99 per month 10TB is $99.99 per month 10TB costs $99.99 per month 20TB costs $199.99/month 30TB is $299.99/month. Monthly paying customers get discount on 100GB plans and 1TB plans.

Google renews all purchases automatically at expiration of every month. Users are given a seven-day grace period to make any changes to their payment details in the event that auto-renewal fails. Users are able to cancel or end the subscription and receive the 15GB of free storage.

Consumer vs. enterprise use

Google Drive for Work was introduced in June 2014 as it was a part of G Suite. It gives unlimited storage as well as additional management tools for IT professionals, and APIs that enable you to connect with your company’s applications for business and also provide technical assistance provided by Google.

Google Drive for Work conforms to the ISO/IEC security standard 27018.2014. It means Google doesn’t make use of data from corporate accounts for marketing purposes, and it also prohibits the application from sharing of data with third-party companies.

Security

When data leaves a device of the user, Google Drive data is encrypted using the Transport Layer Security (TLS) standard. Once it is transferred to Google the data is not encrypted, and it is encrypted again using the 128-bit advanced cryptography standards (AES). The AES encryption keys can be encrypted, which adds an additional level of protection. Google Drive supports two factor authentication, however it isn’t health insurance portability or accountability Act compliant.

Also Read – What Is PaybyPlateMa Explained All Details Here!