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Cloud (Internet) storage is an alternative to other similar services, such as megaupload or other virtual storage spaces intended for storing and sharing data. Birth of such services is a result of clearly obvious reasons - together with increasing popularity of mobile devices and recent cloud publicity, the users need for data accessibility on multiple devices is rising. That is why a cloud storage, sometimes also called an online disk, is becoming a place for private or corporate data. This article will be dedicated to storage services, their features and will also introduce the SkyDrive service as one of them.

First, let us describe the main advantages and new options for working with data which come with internet-based data storage:

• Data accessiblefrom almost any device connected to the Internet.
• Automatic or manual sending of files into storage using Internet browser or a special application. In addition to that, Windows Phone mobiles have SkyDrive support integrated in the system, so users can just easily select the particular option for sending a file using SkyDrive. More functions are contained within the SkyDrive application you can download from the Marketplace. More applications for Windows and Android can be obtained here: http://apps.live.com/skydrive.
• Large capacity. Some amount of GB is usually available for free. If you desire more, possibly dozens or hundreds of GB, you can purchase them for a fee.
• Easy sharing.You can simply make selected files accessible to anyone, or restrict the access to certain users. Links to your files can by sent by e-mail or published on a website and you can also share them with your friends in social networks.
• Easy editing- you can edit your files from anywhere you want through an Internet browser and on any device you choose.
• High reliability of storage services (especially with large and trustworthy providers).

However, a virtual storage may bring some disadvantages, too:

• Transferring large amounts of data may cause problems, especially if your Internet connection is slower, sometimes even if your Internet connection speed is sufficient. In such a case, consider using a portable disk.
• File size for upload can be limited. Usually it is hundreds of MB, or GB (SkyDrive is limited to 2 GB file size).
• Some files cannot be uploaded at all. In SkyDrive, you cannot upload system or PST files. Problems might appear with files that have zero size, their name contains irrelevant characters or if the name length including folder names exceeds 255 characters.
• Sensitive data, such as files containing personal information (e.g. medical documentation), is advised not to be uploaded into the storage; it might also be illegal. Alternatively, a private cloud, VPN or any other possible way to access your computer through Internet can be used.
• Data should always be backed up in multiple places. Mostly, only recent important data is stored, not all the data from the computer.
• Each storage service has its own terms and conditions as well as limited warranties ( http://windows.microsoft.com/cs-CZ/windows-live/microsoft-service-agreement - pay particular attention to the following sections: No Warranty, Liability Limitation, Changes to the service and cancellation).

The following part of this article is based on our own experience with Microsoft storage services. Before we proceed, let us mention some competitive services, such as:

• Dropbox – www.dropbox.com/
• iCloud – www.icloud.com/
• Google Disk – drive.google.com. Google Disk provides some interesting search features, OCR recognition and integrated browsers for more than 20 document types.
• SugarSync – www.sugarsync.com/

SkyDrive for Windows Installation

SkyDrive for Windows has replaced the previous Windows Live Mesh platform and is intended for backing up and synchronizing data in computers and mobile devices. The application enables its users to work on a document in an offline mode; then, after connecting to the internet, all files that have been modified get synchronized and the user can access them from various devices. The following part of this article will first introduce the installation of SkyDrive for Windows and then basic features of the platform.

Note: SkyDrive for Windows cannot be installed in computers with Windows XP; only the latest operating systems are supported. Versions for MAC OS and Windows Phone mobiles are also available.

New features and main differences between Windows Live Mesh and SkyDrive for Windows:

• Free storage for new users is 7 GB; users can purchase more space if needed.
• Live Mesh uses a special 5GBsync online folder which is not a part of the main online disk.
• Live Mesh allowed users to synchronize multiple folders from a computer (even a computer with multiple disks), however SkyDrive for Windowsonly allows users to choose one sync folder.
• Live Meshwas able to quickly synchronize folders between computers without using the online storage. Now, the data is stored into the cloud prior to the transfer.
• Maximum file size in SkyDrive for Windowshas been increased to 2 GB (but only 300 MB when uploading through an Internet browser).
• Integrated support for SkyDrive for Windows in Windows 8.

SkyDrive for Windows installation file can be downloaded from: https://apps.live.com/skydrive. After having launched the installation, confirm you want to proceed and continue.

• After the installation wizard has been launched, you will be asked to log in using your Windows Live ID account.

• Select a folder to by synchronized. If you keep the default setup, a folder named Skydrive will be created in your user profile folder (%Userprofile%SkyDrive). Changes can be made later at any time through the application settings, namely using the Unlink SkyDrive command and specifying new destination.

• The last step in the installation wizard gives you an option to make files accessible from other devices using the fetch files feature. If this feature is enabled, all files from your computer will be visible on all devices, it means including all disks and folders, not just the sync SkyDrive folder.

• A running SkyDrive program is indicated by an icon in the system tray. By right-clicking the icon you will display the local menu with most frequently used options, such as Open your SkyDrive folder, Go to SkyDrive.com, Settings or Exit.

• You can work with the SkyDrive folder as with any other one. In addition to that, all your files and folders are provided with icons indicating their synchronization status.

• By pointing the cursor above the icon in the system tray, you will display the current synchronization status.

• The SkyDrive web interface provides various options for working with files, e.g.:
• Create a folder – the top part of the SkyDrive screen features the Createbutton with several additional options right next to it:
  • Create a new Office document – after clicking an icon from the Office tool, type in the name of your new file and confirm by clicking Create. A new blank document will open in the lite Web App tool. In order to be able to edit the file in your computer and fully use all advanced features of the program, you have to have the Office bundle (or at least the program you want to use to edit your file) installed in your computer.
  • Send – opens a window in which you can drag files using mouse or choose files directly from your computer. Do not forget that you can only upload files up to the size of 300 MB through the Internet browser.
  • New Folder – creates new folders to keep your files and folders in perfect order.
• When you highlight a file or folder, a folder/file menu with more options will appear in the right pane.

• The picture shows a document opened in the lite Word Web App. If you want to edit larger files (dozens of MB) or you need to use some advanced features, you have to have a full Word application installed in your computer.

• Sharing option enables users to access the same files or folders. Be aware of copyright, or your account might get locked.

SkyDrive capacity upgrade for existing users

The SkyDrive cloud storage now offers default capacity of 7 GB which is 2 GB more for users who use synchronized storage, but it is 18 GB less as for the web storage itself. However, there is a way for the existing users of SkyDrive to increase the capacity to 25 GB for free.

• Go to www.skydrive.comand log in using your Windows Live ID account login information.
• In the left pane, click the Manage storagelink.
• On the plan selection screen, click the Free upgrade! button next to the SkyDrive Free plan and its description.

Picture: SkyDrive on Windows 8.

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