Cloud Storage

In its simplest form Cloud Storage allows a user to store files via the Internet, and to access them from anywhere. There is a single point of access, via a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, PC / Mac software, or a web browser based interface. Cloud Storage providers will usually have multiple methods of accessing files via various devices.

The cloud itself consists of multiple, distributed, interconnected hard drives that are linked via the internet. The location and configuration of the resources is not of concern to the general user.

The amount of storage available is flexible and scaleable to the users requirements. Unlike a local storage solution that is restricted by physical drives.

Cloud based services provide data security with mirroring and automatic backup. The advantage over local storage is that there is less risk from physical damage, or major system failures.

A restriction on the use of cloud based storage is the speed of the internet connection available to the user. A slow or unreliable connection combined with a lot of data can make cloud storage unworkable.

With Cloud based Storage you can upload your files over the internet and access them from anywhere, on a PC, Mac, laptop, tablet or smartphone. It is fast, convenient, always on and available. Cloud Storage offers a safe and secure way of storing your files, digital media, images, music and even core system settings and data. It can be used as a main backup, a sharing tool, or as the main storage for specific files, saving local disk space and device memory.

With a fast internet connection it is easy and fast to mirror an entire device or computer in the cloud, providing a safe backup in the event of a system failure, physical damage or theft. 

Extra Backup

Cloud Storage Solutions are usually considered as an extra backup to local storage on external hard drives. It is good practice to have a local backup (Mac Time Machine is an example) as the speed of retrieval is fast and the backups incremental regularly. With devices such as smartphones and tablets it may be the main backup. With faster internet connections the use of a cloud based backup is becoming more viable as the main option.

Free Cloud Storage

A lot of cloud service providers will offer a free account with a small amount of storage in the range of 5gb - 20gb or more. This may be enough for many users to backup their important files, documents, and personal photos. Services such Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon Cloud Drive, OneDrive, Livedrive and ISP's such as BT Internet, offer an introductory free amount of storage.

To use cloud storage seriously, especially with large amounts of images, RAW files, or video a paid service will be the best option. Trying to manage a number of separate free accounts becomes very difficult and may end up defeating the object of reliable back ups.

Prices and options vary greatly, so it is important to compare what's on offer and check the reliability of the service provider. With a large amount of data to store it can take a while to upload and becomes a substantial investment in time and effort, so changing providers is not a trivial task.

All the Cloud Storage Solutions listed provide the ability to backup your files, photos, and videos. Some are more accessible than others, and provide different levels of automation for ensuring important data is regularly backed up in the cloud.

The free BT Cloud that comes with a BT Broadband account has a dedicated desktop application that can be set to automatically mirror certain folders. Most cloud based services have to be accessed by uploading files and folders manually. This can be done automatically with some third party back up software that treats the cloud service as another drive.

For scheduling, continuous backup, mirroring, and syncing there dedicated options available from online back up providers. An advantage is that they can often provide better security in terms of encryption and verification that cloud storage providers.

Storing photos for back up and making them available anywhere to any devices, or through a browser, can be done using any of the standard cloud storage solutions.

There are some options for free storage of unlimited photos, with some restrictions on file size.

Google Photos

Google Photos is part of Google Drive, but can also be accessed easily directly with any Google account. If photo back up and sharing from smart phones and standard cameras is your main concern then this is an ideal solution. Unlimited storage as long as you keep below the file size limits.

Flickr

Available through a free Yahoo account Flickr is the best known photos sharing platform to date. There are no file size limits and it gives 1TB of free photo storage.

A lot of cloud storage providers have a free account with 5-20gb of free storage in order for you to try the service. The aim is to get you to upgrade to one of the paid plans. You can of course register accounts with any number of providers in order to use the freely offered allocation. 

There are not usually any tie-ins, such as giving a credit card, so they can be used easily to evaluate the service and to use for back up of relatively small amounts of data. These may provide enough to back up essential documents, emails, or family photos to give peace of mind.

Some of the most popular Cloud Storage providers with free accounts are:

Dropbox

One of the oldest and most popular cloud storage companies. Used extensively by businesses.

Dropbox gives a basic 2GB free, and will increase that with referrals to 16GB.

Google Drive

Powered by Google and comes along with a Google and Gmail account. 15GB of free storage overall.

Google Photos gives unlimited storage for photos of up to 16 megapixels, so is worth checking out if you want to back up family and personal photos.

Amazon Web Services

Amazon offers 5GB of free cloud storage through the AWS account. It does require a credit card to be put on the account, but won't be charged unless the extra services are activated and used.

BT Cloud

This is for BT Broadband customers and offers 5-50GB of storage, or up to 500GB on some accounts. If you are already a BT Broadband subscriber then this is an easy option for some free cloud storage.

Microsoft OneDrive

OneDrive comes with a free Microsoft account and gives 5GB of cloud storage. Students can access 1TB. Another easy option for some free cloud storage.

Box

Similar to Dropbox, Box gives 10 GB storage with a 250 MB file upload limit on the Personal plan.

iCloud

Comes free for most Apple device users, but also available on Windows. 5GB free cloud storage.