Cloud Storage (SkyDrive)

[MPREv]

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?

 

[MPREv]

No one uses Online Storages?

 

[pparks1]

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.

 

[logicearth]

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.

 

[MPREv]

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

So I'll take a look at them.

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.

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

 

[AllOnTheBus]

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

 

[Jeriff]

box.net should be OK .

Box is a simple, scalable and affordable solution to manage documents, media and all your content online. Share files as a link. Sync files on the desktop. It’s file sharing, reinvented.

 

[killer bee]

i use Adrive. 50GB free space.

 

[jimbo45]

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

 

[Jeriff]

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.

 

[kado897]

You can mount SkyDrive. See this tutorial. Read all the way through the best solution is near the end. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/165806-windows-live-skydrive-map-drive.html?filter[2]=Networking%20Internet

 

[MPREv]

Would it be possible to create a virtual server and then share
the VM with everyone involved here. Each person could then
...
...
Just an idea but would it work - not tested here

This is not a option for my now. The other users are all technic novices.
And where should the VM run? ….

i use Adrive. 50GB free space.

Don't see a way to mount it or something like this ....

box.net should be OK .

25MB File size limit.
Hmmm hard.

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.

But not portable as a web storage.
You missed the main aim of the tool.

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.

In my use case there is not such a problem, so im looking for a web storage.

The goal is to share some data with a team.
Not to Back Up Movie files or something like this.
Work with big files should only be done at home where the Bandwidth is not a problem.

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.

It is clear that no sensitive data will be stored unencrypted in the Cloud.
Also it is not the aim back up the data there.

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.

Do you only use the Web interface?
Or is there a Way mounting it?
I didn' find a webDav Path or something like this

You can mount SkyDrive. See this tutorial. Read all the way through the best solution is near the end. http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/165806-windows-live-skydrive-map-drive.html?filter[2]=Networking%20Internet

I hope that that will help

 

[MPREv]

Hmm the Tutorial realy helps,
now I can use it as local storage.

But Skydrive seems to be not very fast ...
Is there a Speed limit? Can I measure that?
Also sometimes there are troubles with the access.

Are there speed diferences of SkyDrive between countryies?
I'm living in austria.

 

[kado897]

It's never going to be fast. It is limited by the speed of your internet and by how busy the server is.

 

[jimbo45]

Hi all
I'm still confused as to what you would actually use this service for.
People have replied -- for big files work at home - so no cloud for large files.

So small files -- but EVERYONE (and the dog) has at least ONE mobile phone these days which is capable of 16 or even 32 GB local storage via micro SD type cards so if you need to share data you can do it via the phone's wifi interface.

I'm totally at a loss as to what you would use the Cloud storage for - especially dealing with 5GB or less -- what on Earth is the point of it.

If you want to share data with a team it's also really EASY to set up an APACHE web server - use something like WAMP (Windows) or LAMP (Linux) - these use this well and trusted Apache web server with MySQL and Php. All these tools are free BTW.

The problem with fixed limits also with these type of providers is that shared data tends to grow very rapidly (almost exponentially) if your team are effectively collaborating with each other and contributing to the "common data pool".

Running your own server means the system won't suddenly stop because someone has added a file which takes you over the limit, further it's cheaper and infintely more flexible.

Here's one example but there are ZILLIONS of others

http://www.wampserver.com/en/

and for Linux fans
https://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/288158-easy-lamp-server-installation


Just having 5GB on a cloud IMO is totally useless -- just try sending two or 3 A3 professionally produced Photos etc to a 5GB limit storage device.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[kado897]

I'm not totally convinced myself. I suppose the reasoning behind it is to make sure you have the same version no matter what device you access / change it on. Also useful for sharing and collaboration.

The main problems ATM are
1. Security / Privacy
2. Internet speed
3. Cost of anything above a few GB.

 

[MPREv]

Hi all
People have replied -- for big files work at home - so no cloud for large files.

There is a difference between _WORKING_ on files or _SHARING_ them.

So small files -- but EVERYONE (and the dog) has at least ONE mobile phone these days which is capable of 16 or even 32 GB local storage via micro SD type cards so if you need to share data you can do it via the phone's wifi interface.

Hehe, a joke? Isn't it?
No, not everybody does have a smartphone. Thats a nonsense acceptance.
Althoug this is totaly unimportant, since a smartphone can not be compared to the internet,
but now I undersatnd that you can not imagine what advantages of the internet could be.
So, why recommand Smartphones wifi and not nomral PC HDDs?

If you want to share data with a team it's also really EASY to set up an APACHE web server - use something like WAMP (Windows) or LAMP (Linux) - these use this well and trusted Apache web server with MySQL and Php. All these tools are free BTW.

The problem with fixed limits also with these type of providers is that shared data tends to grow very rapidly (almost exponentially) if your team are effectively collaborating with each other and contributing to the "common data pool".

Running your own server means the system won't suddenly stop because someone has added a file which takes you over the limit, further it's cheaper and infintely more flexible.

Here's one example but there are ZILLIONS of others

Install PHP 5 Apache MySQL on Windows : WampServer

and for Linux fans
https://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/288158-easy-lamp-server-installation

Yes maybe it is a good Idea to run a server on my ... hmm smartphone?
Why setting up a machine, that the non profit organisation does not have and pay for.
Also, doing it the right way is not "as easy" as you think and
setting up the server is also not even the half ...

If there is a free service out there, meeting our requirements, why I should have more effort?

Just having 5GB on a cloud IMO is totally useless -- just try sending two or 3 A3 professionally produced Photos etc to a 5GB limit storage device.

Yes, no idea ... there are no files smaller than 5GB.

It's never going to be fast. It is limited by the speed of your internet and by how busy the server is.

Also seems slow at a 100/100 MBit connection (not at home )
So It should be the server

I'm not totally convinced myself. I suppose the reasoning behind it is to make sure you have the same version no matter what device you access / change it on. Also useful for sharing and collaboration.

The main problems ATM are
1. Security / Privacy
2. Internet speed
3. Cost of anything above a few GB.

I can agree on this.
I think we are still in development at this point.
more services will come with more features.

If there is a need with could be full filled, why not useing it?
Don't store sensible/critical data (unencrypted).
Look at the speed, the space and the access posibilities (WebDav, Web Interface,...).
And if you are ok with it. use it.

So I'm looking for a service fullfilling our requirements.

 

[pparks1]

I'm totally at a loss as to what you would use the Cloud storage for - especially dealing with 5GB or less -- what on Earth is the point of it.

I personally use Dropbox myself. You get 2GB for free and with referrals you get more space for free.

So, why do I use it
1). Keep important information there, which I might need from multiple locations. For example, my wife and i have a keepass database. This database is encrypted and contains usernames/passwords for various websites and registrations that I have made, she has made, etc. We keep this on dropbox because it keeps it synchronized to her PC, and my PC, and heaven forbid our house burns to the ground, or somebody breaks in and steals absolutely everything I own, I have a copy of this file in the cloud that I can access from any web browser. Thus, as long as I can log into dropbox (know that username/password) and then can unencrypt my Keepass database, I have access to my data. If you want to make it more secure, you could create a TrueCrypt container which is encrypted, then put the encrypted database into that encrypted container and then store it on dropbox.

2). ease of moving files around when a USB key might not be available. For example, I can copy files into a public area of my dropbox. Then, I can send a URL to a friend, who can then access the files that I placed there.

So for me, the cloud has it's place and is working well.