I have categorized free cloud storage into two categories: one for your general consumer, and additional options for developers. By using various cloud providers, you could have terabytes of free storage. There are a variety of cloud storage providers, and the majority of them have a free-tier ranging into multiple gigabytes. Some providers allow you to password protect, require an encryption key or apply Multi-factor authentication requiring an additional verification step to gain access. When you upload your data to cloud storage, they encrypt your data-at-reset. With Cloud Storage, you could share Terabytes in size. When sharing files via email, you are limited to around 20 MB per email. Sharing and CollaborationĬloud storage allows you the ability to share files of your choice with your friends and colleagues. So if you have any precious photos you do not want to lose, the cloud is the best place for them. This cloud strategy of redundant copies is called high availability and guarantees recoverable data in the event of virtual or physical disasters. When you upload data to the cloud, the provider will store copies of your data up to six times on six different hard-drives in distinct isolated data-centers.įrom your perspective, it will appear there is only a single file, but those copies exist. Most cloud storage providers are resilient to data loss. Also, some devices do not have an extra hard-drive slot. It may be possible to install an additional SSD hard-drive or SD card, but that can be expensive. You may have a laptop or phone that has limited storage. Here are the most common use-cases: Extending Your Local Storage There are many benefits and few downsides to adopting cloud storage. In this article, I'll break down the major cloud storage providers so you can decide which ones you want to use. You don't have to worry about losing your data, and you can access it from anywhere.Īnd believe it or not, many of these services have quite generous free tiers. Cloud storage allows you to store your data on someone else's hard-drive, in data-centers around the world.

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