The Pros and Cons of Google Drive

Google Drive is a powerful cloud storage solution with plenty of features to offer users. It’s easy to use across devices, offers a range of file sharing options and comes with a host of built-in tools to help you create files on the go. The ability to access your data offline, automatic backup and cross-platform compatibility make it a top choice for teams and individuals alike. However, the lack of full end-to-end encryption and dependency on a single account could be a concern for some users.

Google’s slick word processor, spreadsheet and presentation apps, referred to as Docs, Sheets and Slides, are well integrated with Drive. Creating a new file in one of these programs opens it in the web interface where you can edit and share it. You can also open existing files from the app to see their changes and download a copy for editing offline. All of these apps feature a simple and intuitive interface, rivalling Microsoft’s industry-leading offerings.

Depending on your plan, you can upload and store up to 30TB of data in Drive. This equates to approximately 580,000 DVDs worth of video content or 14 million high-resolution photos. It’s a good deal of space, but you’ll need to keep track of your file uploads carefully as they will be counted towards your storage allowance.

The search functionality in Drive is excellent and the service is incredibly reliable. You can find files easily by navigating through its folder structure, or you can use the search bar at the top to look for items by name. Google’s machine learning and AI capabilities are a real boon to its search function, which can help you locate files up to 50% faster than manual searching.

Another great feature is the ability to grant access to specific users or groups. You can choose to allow or restrict permissions for individual files or folder hierarchies and there’s a useful summary of who has access on the info tab of each file. There’s also a tool that lets you control a file’s visibility, with the option to make it public or private and a link that can be used to view it online.

Google Drive offers a range of plans to suit all budgets, with the free offering allowing up to 15GB of storage. The paid plans increase the storage limit and include extras like unlimited video editing. It’s important to assess your own needs and budget when deciding which plan is best for you.

As with many Google products and services, the Drive software and its features are continually improving. While it doesn’t currently offer full end-to-end encryption, it is constantly enhancing its security measures and has an impressive record when it comes to keeping your files safe. You can access Drive through a web browser or its dedicated apps for Windows and Mac. It can even integrate with your computer’s file explorer or Finder through a desktop tool called Backup and Sync, giving you a Drive folder structure that works alongside your local files.