Syncing File Between Your Computer and the Cloud

I have been using Dropbox as a favorite cloud storage app for several years.  It is a fantastic backup and shared files solution.  My colleagues also use it to share and store committee files that are not subject to FERPA (student identification privacy) and HIPAA (health information privacy) protection.  I also use Google Drive and SkyDrive as backup solutions.  What I had overlooked is that SkyDrive is a downloadable app for personal computers and mobile devices that allows files to be synced, like Dropbox and Google Drive.

If you have files that you do not want to lose, consider discovering a backup solution that provides file syncing. 

New Microsoft SkyDrive Sync Feature

Microsoft has updated SkyDrive to allow users to sync files, but the feature is only available for PC users with Windows 7, 8, and Mac OSx.  According to the article below, the feature has some interesting features.  For example you must sync a folder or all loose files.  You cannot select which particular file to sync. I cannot replicate the feature yet, because today I am working on a laptop with Windows XP.  The sync feature would be helpful for those:

• Using a device with limited storage
• Needing to have an iCloud backup

You can read more at http://www.pcworld.com/article/2014283/microsoft-adds-selective-sync-to-skydrive-cloud-storage.html

Interesting, that although I had initially signed up the the (cannot remember - believe it was 25 GB) of storage and then told Microsoft that I wanted to maintain that storage, I am now limited to 7 GB.  When SkyDrive was first offered, it also provided Office web apps.  That feature is not available today on this computer. 

Cloud Computing Backup Solutions

There are several cloud computing backup solutions available.  Martha told me about Dropbox.  I downloaded it several weeks ago, but never used it until today.  Dropbox is a fantastic solution to my computing needs because I can synch to a remote server in addition to my backup drive. I like the fact that I can access it from any computer where I have it downloaded. I have downloaded the server connection to my home office PC and my iPhone.  It allows me 2 GB of storage space free.

Flor told me about Box.net. Box.net provides off site file storage but not the file synchronization feature.  Box.net does allow for file sharing with others.

Windows Live Office provides off site file storage, but only for Microsoft Office files.  It is certainly a great solution as an extra file backup service for really important files, such as manuscripts, thesis papers, and dissertations.

The malware issue forced me to explore improved synch features. For example, I had all of my standard MERLOT mail merge letters and the associated files on the laptop. Since I loss use of the laptop for 5 days, I got behind on my Editors activities.




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