<\/span>What is Google Drive – An Overview<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nGoogle Drive is a cloud-based file storage and sync service that enables files to be created, accessed, and shared with others for remote collaboration. For this, you can use any computer, smartphone, or tablet with an Internet connection since the files are synced between the local storage and cloud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By uploading your files to GDrive, you can store them across multiple locations like Google remote servers and free up the space on your hard disk. There is no need for GDrive download.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can then install large applications in your local storage easily. As a user, you can still opt for Google Drive download with offline capabilities on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a part of Google Workspace, you get 15GB of free storage on creating a Google account. This includes Google Photos, Google Workspace documents, and Gmail\u202ffree storage. All files by Google Docs online, Forms, Slides, and Sheets are automatically saved in GDrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With so many active Gmail accounts worldwide, GDrive usage\u202fhas also grown significantly since its creation. If you want your storage limit to grow, you can switch to paid plans starting at 100GB storage per user. It is more common to directly access GDrive via the web so that there is no need for GDrive download.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>How Does Google Drive Work \u202fon PC, Android and iOS?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDepending on the user\u2019s plan, Google allocates cloud storage<\/a> where users can upload different types of files. You can access the files via a web browser, or an app installed after the download.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGoogle Drive\u2019s “My Drive” enables users to sync the cloud files to their local devices by keeping the same copies of the files at both locations. The storage acts as a backup service for local files. This feature also enables continuous updates as you edit the files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you share the files in Google\u202fDrive for real-time collaboration, you get the option to set viewing and editing permissions. Shared drives are used for teams. It works with all other Google files apps. For instance, the purpose of Google Docs is to create text files online, and it stores these documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suggested Read: What Are Storage Devices and How Do They Work<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>What are the Disadvantages of Google Drive?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDespite advantages, the usage comes with some drawbacks that you must be careful about. They are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Internet connectivity<\/strong>
The download for PC allows you to work offline, but the changes would not be visible to your collaborators till you have a stable Internet connection. This hampers it’s usage in remote areas.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- File size limitations<\/strong>
There are limits on what you upload in GDrive. The character limit is 1.02 million and the image size should not exceed 2MB in documents. Presentations are restricted to 100MB. There is a daily limit of 5TB on individual file uploads and syncs too. Users who work with large documents face issues due to these limitations.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Speed<\/strong>
Speed for download and upload can be quite slow, especially for large files. Sometimes, you have to try multiple times before a successful upload or download.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Security risks<\/strong>
As Google Drive online does not store data locally and files can be shared with others, the data is prone to cyberattacks. Hackers can use malicious tools and techniques to access sensitive documents stored on your drive.<\/p>
You must ensure that effective security measures and tools are in place to curb the risk of your confidential information.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Data privacy<\/strong>
There are user concerns around Google analyzing the stored content for making image thumbnails, caching data, etc., to users. While users have intellectual property rights (IPR), Google has all encryption keys that allow it to view your files. You can view Google\u2019s policy to better understand what you are signing up for.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can also look into Google Drive alternatives<\/strong><\/a> for more options!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>What is the Use of Google Drive?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"what](\"https:\/\/cdn.techjockey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/01161354\/what-is-google-drive-and-how-to-use-it-1024x536.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nGoogle Drive usage is popular as it can work as a files app and serve the following purposes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSafe storage for 100+ file types with data loss prevention, vault for archiving, etc.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Offline and remote access to file content from any device<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Quick access to important and recent files with intelligent need predictions<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Name and content-based file search powered by artificial intelligence (AI)<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Integration with Google Docs online, Slides, Sheets<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Edit and download files<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
File activity related notifications<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Permission configuration for sharing files or making content public<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Scanning of shared files for malware, ransomware, phishing, spam, etc.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Ensuring data compliance and encryption<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Real-time collaboration options, including adding comments, viewing and editing documents.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
File content and sharing related audit and reporting insights<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Backing up files and folders on the device<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Advanced admin controls<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Types of Supported Files by Google Drive\u202f<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nGoogle Drive supports several file types, but even the ones that cannot be directly previewed can be stored in their original format. The unsupported file types can be opened in the web browser or after Google Drive download for PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But they additionally require a local app on your device or a third-party extension. Most common files by Google Drive uploads include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nGeneral files: <\/strong>This includes text files, audio formats, video files, zip\/ archive files, image files, and markup\/ code files. Several extensions are supported for each file type. For instance, supported audio formats include MPEG, .opus, MP3, .ogg, and WAV.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\nAdobe files: <\/strong>If you are working with Adobe, you can easily save your files in Google Drive. It supports Illustrator (.AI), PostScript (.PS, .EPS), Photoshop (.PSD), TrueType (.TTF), Portable Document Format (.PDF), etc.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\nApple files: <\/strong>Apple device users can also store editor files (.key, .numbers) on Google Drive. You can also download files when needed.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\nMicrosoft files: <\/strong>You do not have to store your MS Office files in OneDrive if you have GDrive. It supports Word (.DOC, .DOCX), Excel (.XLS, .XLSX), PowerPoint (.PPT, .PPTX), etc.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the user\u2019s plan, Google allocates cloud storage<\/a> where users can upload different types of files. You can access the files via a web browser, or an app installed after the download.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Drive\u2019s “My Drive” enables users to sync the cloud files to their local devices by keeping the same copies of the files at both locations. The storage acts as a backup service for local files. This feature also enables continuous updates as you edit the files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you share the files in Google\u202fDrive for real-time collaboration, you get the option to set viewing and editing permissions. Shared drives are used for teams. It works with all other Google files apps. For instance, the purpose of Google Docs is to create text files online, and it stores these documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggested Read: What Are Storage Devices and How Do They Work<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite advantages, the usage comes with some drawbacks that you must be careful about. They are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The download for PC allows you to work offline, but the changes would not be visible to your collaborators till you have a stable Internet connection. This hampers it’s usage in remote areas.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n There are limits on what you upload in GDrive. The character limit is 1.02 million and the image size should not exceed 2MB in documents. Presentations are restricted to 100MB. There is a daily limit of 5TB on individual file uploads and syncs too. Users who work with large documents face issues due to these limitations.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Speed for download and upload can be quite slow, especially for large files. Sometimes, you have to try multiple times before a successful upload or download.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n As Google Drive online does not store data locally and files can be shared with others, the data is prone to cyberattacks. Hackers can use malicious tools and techniques to access sensitive documents stored on your drive.<\/p> You must ensure that effective security measures and tools are in place to curb the risk of your confidential information.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n There are user concerns around Google analyzing the stored content for making image thumbnails, caching data, etc., to users. While users have intellectual property rights (IPR), Google has all encryption keys that allow it to view your files. You can view Google\u2019s policy to better understand what you are signing up for.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n You can also look into Google Drive alternatives<\/strong><\/a> for more options!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google Drive usage is popular as it can work as a files app and serve the following purposes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Safe storage for 100+ file types with data loss prevention, vault for archiving, etc.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Offline and remote access to file content from any device<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Quick access to important and recent files with intelligent need predictions<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Name and content-based file search powered by artificial intelligence (AI)<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Integration with Google Docs online, Slides, Sheets<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Edit and download files<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n File activity related notifications<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Permission configuration for sharing files or making content public<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Scanning of shared files for malware, ransomware, phishing, spam, etc.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Ensuring data compliance and encryption<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Real-time collaboration options, including adding comments, viewing and editing documents.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n File content and sharing related audit and reporting insights<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Backing up files and folders on the device<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Advanced admin controls<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n Google Drive supports several file types, but even the ones that cannot be directly previewed can be stored in their original format. The unsupported file types can be opened in the web browser or after Google Drive download for PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But they additionally require a local app on your device or a third-party extension. Most common files by Google Drive uploads include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n General files: <\/strong>This includes text files, audio formats, video files, zip\/ archive files, image files, and markup\/ code files. Several extensions are supported for each file type. For instance, supported audio formats include MPEG, .opus, MP3, .ogg, and WAV.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Adobe files: <\/strong>If you are working with Adobe, you can easily save your files in Google Drive. It supports Illustrator (.AI), PostScript (.PS, .EPS), Photoshop (.PSD), TrueType (.TTF), Portable Document Format (.PDF), etc.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Apple files: <\/strong>Apple device users can also store editor files (.key, .numbers) on Google Drive. You can also download files when needed.<\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n Microsoft files: <\/strong>You do not have to store your MS Office files in OneDrive if you have GDrive. It supports Word (.DOC, .DOCX), Excel (.XLS, .XLSX), PowerPoint (.PPT, .PPTX), etc.<\/p><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/span>What are the Disadvantages of Google Drive?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/span>What is the Use of Google Drive?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Types of Supported Files by Google Drive\u202f<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"what](\"https:\/\/cdn.techjockey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/01161345\/what-is-g-drive-1024x536.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"Steps](\"https:\/\/cdn.techjockey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/01161337\/google-drive-app-1024x536.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"what](\"https:\/\/cdn.techjockey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/01161425\/what-to-do-when-google-storage-is-full-1024x536.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n![\"what](\"https:\/\/cdn.techjockey.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/01161417\/what-is-shared-drive-in-google-drive-1024x536.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n