Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.
Key takeaways of zdnet
- The best way to prevent data loss is to backup your files on cloud storage service.
- At the top of the safety of documents and photographs, you can use the material in many devices.
- I explain the major words, compare popular services, and even recommend third-party options.
One of the most important (and rigid) lessons I have learned as a technical writer is to always backup your files. Quickly or later, the worst will be – you will lose a project that you have invested a lot of time and energy, either a random mess, file corruption, or a hard drive failure. Some things seem worse, and I say from personal experience.
Also: Best Cloud Storage Services
This is the place where cloud storage comes. Instead of relying on the local drive of your computer, these services save important files, documents and other forms of media to secure online. Not only do they protect your data from hardware failure (or theft), but they allow you to access it from anywhere around the world: a feature that is behind anyone.
Does backup really matter?
Absolutely. I learned a difficult way of how disastrous data loss could be. There is nothing worse than losing precious photos or a document that you have been working for weeks, just because an external hard drive left life. So cloud storage is so valuable – it gives you peace of mind that your files are safe in cloud, even if your computer is cut.
Also: Is ONEDRIV sending your windows files to the cloud? Why is here – and what you can do
I follow a piece of advice 3-2-1 rulesThis suggests placing three copies of your files: one on your PC, one on an external drive, and on a cloud service. You can also see an extended version of these rules, but this idea is the same: just do not trust one thing.
Which cloud services are the best?
Microsoft, Google, and Apple all have their cloud storage platforms (One campaign, Google DriveAnd IcloudRespectively) and give users a small amount of free space. Whenever you sign up for an account on their respective platforms, this is a good perk. While all three do the same original function, they are not all the same. In my opinion, Google Drive is best.
Google’s service comes to the top as it offers 15GB free storage to backup photos, videos, documents, and more. In comparison, both Onedrive and iCloud provide only 5GB free space, which faster fills. That is a huge difference from having an additional 10GB.
Also: How to undo Onedrive Backup and restore your personal files in your Windows 11 PC
If you ever need more space, all three offer premium levels tied to monthly membership, and it is here that things become more competitive. The winner is no longer clear. Google one $ 2 per month fee for 100GB storage – as is the same Microsoft 365 originalHowever, Microsoft also adds to allowances such as ransomware protection. icloud+ There is no 100TB of tier, but it offers 50GB for $ 1 per month.
At the high end, Google offers 2TB storage for another iCloud+ $ 10 per month. Google goes ahead by incorporating the Google Store discount and additional workpiece features. Microsoft’s $ 10 plan offers only 1TB until you are ready to pay more, making Google’s services overall better value.
Microsoft 365 is still a solid option; However, if you decide to go with the service of Microsoft, keep in mind that onedrive backup can take your documents, pictures and desktop folders to a new place without making a copy on your personal drive (or anywhere). Do not worry if this happens; This is only a bizarre of convenience. Your files are safe.
Which third-party cloud services are the best?
Beyond Big Three, there are lots of third -party cloud storage services, such as box And BackballsBut Mega Is a personal favorite. Its free account is the most generous by giving 20 GB free storage space, which crosses the already influential 15GB of Google. However, the mega actually distinguishes, however, it is that it uses E2EE (end-to-end encryption) to secure your files.
Also: Keep your data out of the third-party clouds by self-hosting-how is it here
E2EE is an important safety guard because it prevents external parties – incorporating the service itself – by reaching your files. Neither Google nor Microsoft uses the standard for its related platforms. Apple’s iCloud supports E2EE through its ADP feature (advanced data security), but it is not capable by default.
Once again, there are other options. Mega Google Drive and more privacy-centered options such as mainstream platforms are present in a middle ground. If data security is a top priority, I advise Proton driveWhich provides better file privacy and security. Just be aware that proton drive free only provides 5GB storage.
Also: How I saved myself in cloud storage $ 1200 per year – 5 in Sobering Stages
Most, if not all, the cloud storage services provides a subscription plan that provides a large amount of storage, which is very good if you are a content creator. However, expenses can be out of wild control, as experienced by ZDNET’s senior contribution editor David Givertz. He reached a point where he was paying $ 2,357 per year. You do not need to be this. From informed (ever hard) decision making, cost should not be super high.
Common conditions to learn
When searching for various cloud service providers, you will quickly face floods of jargon and abbreviation, which can all feel heavy. To make things easier, I have placed a small vocabulary of some of the most important words that you are likely to encounter.
- cloud storage – Save individual files and folders on a remote server to keep safe.
- cloud backup – Instead of storing only select files, it creates a copy of your entire computer system that can be restored later or on a new device. You can also protect your system from a specific point in time.
- Cloud Sink – Whenever changes are made, your computer allows the files to be uploaded automatically in the cloud service.
- E2EE (End-to-end encryption)- The data encryps so that only the sender and recipients can see its content. Not every cloud service supports it, so keep in mind about it.
- Public clouds – A storage service is introduced on the Internet that anyone can access with an account, such as Google Drive. In contrast, a private cloud is owned by a company or organization.
- 2FA (two -familiar authentication) – The login adds an additional step to the login process to improve security. This may include entering the passky or using biometrics.
I will keep things small here. There are other words such as “mother -in -law” (software as a service); However, most of these are towards businesses. The above small vocabulary includes the main conditions that you have to know as a casual user.
I have been writing about both software and consumer electronics for almost 10 years, and at that time, I have rely on cloud platforms to help pursue my career. I do not think if I was not for Google Drive or Onedrive, I would have made it. I have worked in traditional office places, a home office and even someone’s backyard.
I wanted a way to reach my files continuously, no matter where I was, and protect them from external forces. As a result, I am extremely selective about services used to store my data. I am online all day, almost every day, so reliable storage is not just good – this is important.
Also: I tested several AIO computers in 2025, and these are the best for your office setup.
I am at a point where I know what features make for a good cloud service, and which people come less. The advice I have given is not a set of difficult and sharp rules. I just provide a foundation for what you should see in cloud storage. What is best for you depends on your unique needs.
Show more
