Windows 7: Cloud Storage (SkyDrive)

Hi,

I'm looking for a cloud storage to use with a group of people.

It should provide >5GB storage,
be usable on Windows and Linux
and free.

So I’m interested in SkyDrive, but stuck in some problems and questions:



- I don't find "My Sky Drive" to mount it as locale drive.
- What is the difference between "Documents" and "My files".
- How does the "Sharing" feature works. What does happen with the mails I enter in the formula? who can they access the files? Especially if they don't have a live ID?
- What does "Syncron SkyDrive" is? Didn't understand how it works?

Or is there a better alternative?

No one uses Online Storages?

I don't use skydrive, hence the reason that I didn't comment originally. I don't even consider it because it doesn't work on Linux. In addition, I think it has a 50MB file limit....which makes it a little harder to really make use of that 25GB of free space.

For me personally, I use dropbox. It works on Windows and Linux as well as on my Droid. I get 2GB for free by default, but by having other people sign up based on my referrals, I think I am at 3.0GB for free at present. I like dropbox as it's simple and the sync feature that keeps files both on my PC and in the cloud is a benefit that I enjoy. For $9.99 a month, you get 50GB of storage space. For me, I like the fact that there is no file size limit with dropbox. You are only limited by the size of your dropbox account.

A few friends of mine use box.net. If you are an Apple user, they have been giving away free 50GB accounts. For free, you get 5GB. I know you said you wanted more than 5GB, so this might not be enough for you. Box.net has more features when it comes to security and control, but the free account does not automatically sync. So, you have to manually copy your stuff up. This has a 25MB file limit.

Another option is SugarSync. Again you get 5GB for free. And this one does sync, like dropbox. If you want to pay $4.99 a month, you get 30GB of online storage space. I think Linux support is a little lacking here...they seem to focus more on the mobile market.

Here is an article with some information on the above;
Dropbox vs Box.net vs Sugarsync Head to Head Review - Damang Media

Mozy probably isn't a good fit for you, as it doesn't offer Linux support.

It is now 100MB file limit on SkyDrive. I don't see how Linux is involved since all you need is a browser for SkyDrive. Works just fine for me with Firefox on Windows and Linux.

I thought it supports a WebDav like API,
so that I can mout it like a local file system ?

but I din't find how.
hmm yes. file limit is not good ...

The Sync Feature is real a good feature. But 5GB is a minimum I think.
As it is for a non-profit association, there is always a lack of money.

So I'll take a look at them.


Since such a Storage in my point of view is a little more useless or uncomfortable if you use it only via browser.

Would it be possible to create a virtual server and then share
the VM with everyone involved here. Each person could then
make themselves a member of the administrators group on the server
to allow access to all the shared storage. Allow remote desktop connection
for each user to gain access to files or use something along the lines
of TeamViewer for file transfer/ sharing. Everyone could save the VM
and effectively have a backup of the backup.

Just an idea but would it work - not tested here

box.net should be OK .

i use Adrive. 50GB free space.

Hi there
I think you've got two main problems with any decent sort of Cloud storage

1) Size -- generally FAR TOO SMALL to be of any significant use -- as for talking of under 16 GB you can easily store these on local HDD's (much much cheaper) or even a 16 GB usb stick.

2) Bandwidth and Internet speed -- download might not be a problem but even with decent Internet connections Upload speeds are a FRACTION of the download speed so the upload of 30 GB could take a significant amount of time and if you are on some sort of capped internet usage tariff this will eat up into it big time.

Then you have issues of Security -- do you trust the provider -- stability -- what happens if the provider goes out of business or sells the service to another provider who you might not know or trust -- rather like the odious practice Banks have of selling bad debts on to debt collection agencies for pennies in the dollar and then those agencies try and collect the full amount.


I think while the cloud might have some tangible advantages in the area of Software provision -- it's definitely not suitable for shifting and securing mega petabytes of personal data.

Cheers
jimbo

In face, I usually use Skydrive,for it won't shut down(Microsoft is always here with us), considering some other "better" service might shut down some day causing a loss of our valuable data.