Top 6 Personal Cloud Storage Providers
It’s never been easier to store large amounts of data in the cloud
by Bradley Mitchell
October 26, 2017
If your computer doesn't have enough disk space to store your files, or your phone or tablet didn't come with enough storage to hold all of your images and videos, then a cloud storage provider might be what you need.
Online ( cloud) file storage is just what it sounds like: a way to upload your files online to store your data somewhere other than your local storage devices. This is one of the best ways to offload data without actually deleting it.
Most cloud storage services let you store massive amounts of data and upload huge files, often multiples at a time. The services below also let you share your uploaded files and provide access to your data from a variety of devices like your phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or any computer through their website.
Cloud Storage Is Not the Same As a Backup ServiceOnline storage services are simply online repositories for your files. Some of them might automatically upload your files to your account but that's not the primary function, so they don't work in the same way as a backup service.
In other words, while online storage definitely doesn't function the same as local backup where the backup program backs up files to an external hard drive (or some other device), neither do they necessarily automatically keep all your files backed up online like how an online backup service works.
Why Use a Cloud Storage Service?A cloud storage solution is more of a manual method to archive your files online; use one to store all of your vacation photos or your home videos, for example. Or maybe you want to keep your work files online so that you can get them at work or at home and avoid using a flash drive to transfer them.
An online file storage solution is also helpful when you're sharing large (or small) files with others because you can upload them online first and then control who has access to them from your online account.
In fact, some of these cloud storage providers lets you copy files from someone else's online account directly into yours so that you don't have to download anything; the data is simply put into your account without any effort on your part.
Storing your files online is also useful if you're planning on collaborating with others. Some of the online storage services below are great for live editing with your team, friends, or anyone. lifewire.com |
