Online Storage: Back-up Important Files by Saving them Online
So you’ve got your online business and you’ve got megabyte upon megabyte of data as a result. Spread sheets, word documents, contact information, jpegs and gifs and so many other files that are vital for your website.
If you are a small business, chances are, you’ve got these files stored in only one or two computers, and usually in the same location. Now suppose a fire alarm suddenly triggers your office’s sprinklers. Are your computers water proof?
Backing-up your files is very, very important and sometimes storing them in DVDs or hard drives just isn’t enough. Fortunately, there are fast and convenient ways to store your data online, and best of all, they’re free.
For Text Documents and Spreadsheets
Google Docs gives you 1GB of free storage for text documents, spreadsheets and presentations and all you need to avail of this is a Gmail account. If you already have a Gmail account, log-in through https://docs.google.com.
You can then upload your files and store them in your account. However, Google Docs also allows you to compose and create documents, spreadsheets and presentations on your browser, without having to use your own computer’s desktop applications. You will be able to save and organize these files in folders (which Google calls “collections”) online and you may download copies of your documents should you need them.
For Image and Other Media Files
Dropbox is great online storage and great online sharing rolled into one, and it has one of the easiest interfaces to work with. Dropbox provides up to 2GB of free storage of any kind of file. To get an account, you just need to sign up through www.Dropbox.com. You will then install a folder that is visible on your desktop or your Documents folder. Also, an icon will be placed in your notification area.
You can treat this folder in the way that you would normally treat any folder on your computer that you use to store your files in. You can synchronise data across several computers that also have Dropbox installed using their sharing settings. If you are using a computer that doesn’t have Dropbox yet, you can view your files and download items individually by logging on to the Dropbox website.
More Space ?
If you need even more space, both of these services allows you to purchase more. Google Docs allows you to purchase additional storage for $0.25 per GB, while Dropbox charges at subscription fee of $9.99/month for store of 50GB.
