November 25, 2024
OneDrive
OneDrive, previously known as SkyDrive, is a cloud storage service from Microsoft. It's integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, including Windows operating systems, Office 365, and other Microsoft services. Here are some key features and aspects of OneDrive:
- Cloud Storage: OneDrive allows users to store files and data in the cloud. This means you can access your files from multiple devices as long as you have an internet connection.
- File Synchronisation: Users can synchronise their files across multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This ensures that you always have the latest version of your files no matter where you access them from.
- File Sharing: OneDrive offers the ability to share files and folders with others, either by sending a direct link or by setting specific permissions (e.g., view or edit).
- Integration with Microsoft Office: OneDrive is tightly integrated with Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. This allows for real-time collaborative editing when a document is stored on OneDrive.
- Access from Multiple Devices: OneDrive has dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Additionally, it's integrated directly into the file explorer on Windows 10, providing a seamless experience for Windows users.
- Security: OneDrive files are encrypted both in transit and at rest. Microsoft also offers features like Personal Vault, which is a protected area within OneDrive that requires strong authentication or a second step of identity verification, such as fingerprint, face recognition, PIN, or a code sent to you via email or SMS.
- File Versioning: Similar to other cloud storage services, OneDrive keeps versions of files as they are modified. This allows users to revert to previous versions if needed.
- Automatic Photo Backup: The OneDrive mobile app can be set to automatically back up photos and videos taken on a device.
- Quotas and Pricing: While OneDrive provides a certain amount of free storage (the exact amount has varied over time, but 5 GB was common as of my last update), users can purchase additional storage if needed. Subscribers to Microsoft 365 (formerly known as Office 365) typically receive a significant amount of OneDrive storage as part of their subscription.
- Files On-Demand: A feature introduced in later versions of OneDrive that allows users to see and access all their files without having to download them all, saving local storage space.
Given the tight integration with Windows and Office, OneDrive is particularly popular among users who are invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. It provides a straightforward way to store, share, and collaborate on documents, especially for businesses and students.
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