What is Google Drive? How does it work? Read to know more!

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Google Drive is a cloud-based storage solution that allows users to save and access files online. It syncs documents, photos, and more across all devices of the user, including mobile devices and desktops.

Google Drive is integrated with Google’s other services, such as Gmail, Google Docs and Google Docs. Google Drive is competing with Microsoft OneDrive (iCloud), Box, Dropbox, SugarSync, and Box.

Google Drive: What does it do?

Google Drive is only available to registered users who have created or signed in to a Google account. After that, the user must type “drive.google.com” in his or her browser. “My Drive”, which can include synced or uploaded files, folders, slides, Docs, Google Sheets and Slides, will be displayed automatically. After that, the user has two options: upload files directly from their computer or create files in Google Drive.

Or, an end user can download a Google Drive app to one or more of their devices. Google Drive folders will be added to each device’s folder system. You can access the files that you add to one folder through the Google Drive web application or the Google Drive folder for each device.

End user can create a file, folder or folder by default. The owner can set visibility levels (public or privately shared with Google accounts) as well as transfer ownership to another user through Gmail addresses. With access levels such “can edit”, comment” and view, the owner can regulate permissions on both folders or files.

What are Docs and Slides and Sheets?

Google Docs Google Slides , Google Sheets and Google Sheets form Google Drive’s office software. Google Docs is an word processor, Google Slides a presentation program, and Google Sheets a spreadsheet program. These can all be compared with Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel. Although Google’s versions do not have the same capabilities as Microsoft Office, they are easy to use, collaborative, and free.

Each app in the suite allows users to create and edit documents and presentations, as well as spreadsheets that can be stored in Google Drive. You can access the apps via web browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Internet Explorer. You can also download mobile apps for Google Android or Apple iOS. All applications allow users to save, edit, and share files using Microsoft Office formats.

Google Drive desktop and web, as well as mobile apps

Google Drive is used by the majority of users. Chrome extension Google Docs offline allows users who don’t have Wi-Fi to still access and edit files. Another extension for Chrome is “save Google Drive,” which allows users to save content directly from the internet to their Google Drive through their browser or a context menu. While users can save documents and images directly from Chrome, they will need to take a screenshot of webpages in order to do so.

Google Drive previously had desktop apps available for Windows and macOS. Support for these apps ended May 2018. Backup and Sync is now a desktop app that allows users to upload copies of locally stored files to Google Drive. Drive File Stream is available for Windows and macOS. It stores files online so that end users cannot store sensitive corporate data.

Google Drive’s Android and iOS mobile apps allow users to view, store, and share files. You will need the separate Google Docs Sheets Slides apps in order to edit and create files.

Google Drive has many major features

Google Drive is compatible with many first-party as well as third-party applications. These can be added to the Chrome Web Store. These apps can be used by end users to sign documents and create flowcharts. Users can click on “My Drive,” more, and “connect other apps” to add a third party app. While third-party apps are free, some features require payment.

Google Drive’s Search feature allows users to sort results by item name and file type. It also supports date modified, location, ownership, and other options. Users can now use natural language, such as “find me sales presentations from May last year”, to make queries.

Quick Access is available for iOS, Android and web apps. It uses machine-learning and predicts files users might need based on Drive activity and other workday patterns.

Pricing and storage tiers

Google offers 15GB of storage at no cost and larger amounts at low prices. For users who pay annually, a discount can be offered on the 100GB or 1TB plans.

Google automatically renews each purchase at the end of each calendar month. It also gives users a seven day grace period to correct their payment information, in the event that auto-renewal fails. Users who cancel their subscriptions or allow them to expire will be redirected to the 15GB free storage tier.

Consumer vs. enterprise use

Google Drive for Work is the enterprise version. It was added to G Suite in June 2014. It has unlimited storage, greater management control for IT administrators, to connect with existing business applications and additional technical support by Google.

Google Drive for Work is compliant with the security standard ISO/IEC 27018.2014. This means Google will not advertise with data stored in enterprise accounts and the application will not share data with third-party applications.

Security

Google Drive data are encrypted with the Transport Layer Security (TLS standard) before they leave a user’s computer and go to Google’s cloud. The data is left unencrypted, and it is re-encrypted by 128-bit advanced encrypted standard (AES) when it reaches Google. The AES encryption keys can be encrypted to provide additional security. Google Drive supports 2-factor authentication. However, it is not Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant.

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