w3bsit3-dns.com cloud storage. And now the comparison! Pricing for additional iCloud space

Cloud storage remains a type of service that has taken root in our lives. They experienced rapid growth, experienced a market glut when new "clouds" opened almost every week, experienced a recession when the same "clouds" began to close one by one. And now we have before us just a type of service that has become established and has already become commonplace, has passed the test of time, given the features and speed of the modern industry.

There are a lot of cloud storages. Each has its own characteristics and its own audience. Someone chooses only one “cloud”, someone uses several at once. We have chosen ten, the most interesting of them. One of the criteria for this top is a free plan with free space in the cloud so that each user can try it out for himself. No trial, just a free plan with free space.

10.pCloud

Quite an interesting and rapidly developing cloud. The cloud blog is updated almost every week, and it is clear that the developers are actively working on it. They give 10 GB for free, but after completing a few simple actions. You can get a few more GB. There is a referral system that will also allow you to increase your free space. It is also interesting that pCloud, in addition to the monthly and annual subscription fee for advanced features, it also has a tariff with a one-time purchase, you just pay a certain amount and increase the volume of your cloud, forever, it’s hard to remember which cloud still does this.

9. MEGA

Encrypted Vault by Kim Dotcom. There were rumors that the cloud was taken away from him, about other unpleasant ups and downs in the management of MEGA, but this does not prevent the cloud storage from developing and existing further. The cloud is built on a sufficiently high level of encryption, for more comfortable work with the web version, it is better to install a special browser extension so that the decoding process goes much faster. There are applications for all popular operating systems. The main thing that attracts many is that MEGA gives 50 GB on a free plan. This volume was at the start, it remains so to this day.

8.MediaFire

One of the oldest services in this top, works well, but develops rather slowly. There is no desktop version, so you have to use the web version, but mobile apps are fine.

I started MediaFire as a file hosting service, but in time I realized the decline of such services and repurposed into cloud storage. Old users and those who managed to get under the action have 50 GB of free space, the rest are given 10 GB, but sometimes it becomes possible to increase the amount of available space for free.

7. Box

Another cloud storage that has stood the test of time. Box was originally focused on business and this has allowed it to survive to this day and have a dedicated user base. They give 10 GB for free, and sometimes there are promotions to get 50 GB of free space. That's just the free plan has many limitations. All these restrictions will be removed if you switch to a subscription.

6. Cloud Mail.Ru

The Mail.Ru Cloud was launched with 100 GB of free space, then there was a promotion where you could get 1 TB for free, then the volume was significantly reduced, and on new accounts they give a meager amount of space. The cloud has received a built-in audio player, integration with Office Online and continues to receive new features and support for new formats, but instability with free volume does not allow it to rise higher in the rankings.

5. Yandex.Disk

Surprisingly stable, in terms of volume, cloud storage from Yandex. At launch, they gave 10 GB of free space. Several years have passed, and 10 GB has remained, but there are ongoing promotions when you can either temporarily get free volume or increase the cloud on a permanent basis. Let's add support for a large number of formats, integration with Office Online and continuous development of applications.

At the end of 2017, the Disk also stood out and. Everything that you upload to Yandex.Disk from your phone will not be taken into account when calculating the total volume. Apparently this is not an action, since no deadlines are called. There are also no size restrictions, which makes this opportunity even better than what is in Google Photos.

4.iCloud

If you love Apple technology, then you must have come across this cloud storage. Many applications work through it, backup and synchronization take place. You can also use iCloud as our usual cloud storage. Throw in Apple's screwed-up office suite, a Windows app, and you've got a pretty decent cloud storage with a dedicated fan base.

That's only if you do not use Apple products, for you more the best option any other cloud storage in this top will be, as it will give you more options.

3. Dropbox

It is Dropbox that is considered the service that started the "explosive" growth of cloud storage. Dropbox was one of the first to popularize given type services, and although now it is not having the best of times, the service continues to develop and receive new opportunities. Free Dropbox gives only 2 GB. Promotions that increase the free volume have not been held for a long time, and the limitations of the free tariff do not allow you to fully use the cloud. Unfortunately, Dropbox is no longer up to the ideal cloud storage.

2.OneDrive

Cloud storage from Microsoft. There is a tight integration with the office Office package Online, which is also integrated into other cloud storages, with the consent of Microsoft. By default, it is integrated into Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. Format support is also quite extensive. Working in this cloud, many users can safely refuse a full-fledged package Microsoft office or Microsoft Office 365, which provide only enhanced features for more professional tasks.

When you purchase a Microsoft Office 365 subscription, you also get 1 TB of OneDrive space as a bonus. So many simply do not expand the volume of the cloud on a paid basis, but simply purchase an Office subscription, and at the same time increase the cloud space.

1. Google Drive

Google's cloud storage has the largest number of supported file formats, which can be extended with additional cloud extensions. Small office documents, as well as photos and videos with a small extension, are not taken into account when calculating the available space in the cloud. And this space is 15 GB.

The cloud is integrated with the Google Docs cloud office suite, which has a simple and user-friendly interface for which many people prefer to use it as their main office suite. Recently google apps Drive and Google Photos have been merged into one application called "Google Autoload and Sync". There were rumors about an application for Linux, but so far many continue to use unofficial clients, and this is almost the only serious drawback of the leader of the current top.

The cloud is a service where data can be stored and easily managed. That is, you can upload your files to it, work with them directly on the Internet, download them at any time, and also transfer them to another person.

Any user can get such a service at their disposal absolutely free of charge. In fact, it's own HDD in the Internet.

You could say it's something like local disk computer, but only with the ability to use it on any device with an Internet connection. Plus, you can transfer files to other users by simply sending them a download link.

So, the cloud is needed to:

• Store files and folders with files
• Work with them on any computer or smartphone with Internet access
• Easily and quickly transfer files to other people

Thus, it replaces flash drives, disks and other devices for transferring information.

That is, I can upload the files I need to such a service and work with them on any other computer with the Internet. It can be documents, books, music, videos - in general, any files.

Initially, they are available only to me, but if I wish, I can make some of them public. Then they can be downloaded.

That is, a special Internet address (link) will be generated, where the file can be saved to the computer. I can send this address to any person (for example, via Skype or via mail), and the person will be able to download my file.

Where and how to get a cloud

There are sites that give users the cloud. It's like with mail: there are sites where you can get it. We go to such a site, register and get cloud service for data storage.

We are allocated some specific free volume. On some services, it is a very decent 50-100 GB. If you want more, then it's for the money.

And you can register several times and, accordingly, get several free volumes. Everything is free, everything is legal!

The easiest way to get a cloud is to do it where you have mail. The fact is that the largest mail sites (Yandex, Mail, Gmail) distribute such services for free. You just need to want.

That is, you do not even need to register. Just open your mail and indicate that you want to receive the cloud. They give it to you right away.

Websites that give away clouds for free

Yandex.Disk is a cloud service from Yandex. If you have mail there, then you have such a disk. Free and forever given 10 GB.

To get Yandex.Disk, you need to open the yandex.ru website and go to your mail. Then open the "Disk" tab (at the top).

You will be greeted and offered to download a special program to your computer for convenient work with Yandex.Disk.

It is better not to do this right away - you can always install it later. I recommend that you close this window and first learn how to use Yandex.Disk without a program.

That's all! Upload files, sort them, share, delete. In general, you already have a cloud. It even has some files and folders already loaded with files for example.

For further access to Yandex.Disk, you need to follow all the same steps: open the yandex.ru website, open your mail, go to the "Disk" tab.

And you can install and configure a special program "Disk for Windows" and use the cloud directly from your computer - without going to the site yandex.ru

Mail.ru cloud is a service from the mail.ru mail site. 25 GB is free.

To receive this goodness, you just need to have a mail.ru mailbox. If it is, then you also have a cloud.

To enter it, you need to open the mail.ru website and open your mail. Then click on the "Cloud" button at the top.

Your personal cloud service will open. Some sample files are already loaded into it. You can remove them, or you can leave them. In general, your cloud is already ready to go.

You can use it directly, via mail, or you can download and install special application(program). Then the cloud will be available directly from the computer - a shortcut will appear on the Desktop for its instant opening.

Google Drive (Google Drive) is a service that is "attached" to gmail.com mail. 15 GB is free.

To get into it, you need to go to your email inbox on the site gmail.com. Then click on the picture with small squares next to your name (top right) and click on the "Disk" item.

Perhaps after that Google will ask you a couple of questions. A little lower, in the pictures, it is shown what he should answer in this case.

After that, your personal cloud will load. It will already have a folder with several files. You can delete this folder with all its contents, or you can leave it as you wish.

So, the disk is ready to go. You can start downloading!

It opens in exactly the same way - through the mail. And you can install a special program. Then it will be available from your computer.

It seemed to me that this cloud is much more difficult to use than all the others. Not everyone will understand. But there are certain advantages that other services do not have. For example, right in it you can create a document, presentation, table, form or picture.

That is, a program will open directly on the Internet to create a file of the desired type. It is quite simple and allows you to both create a file and save it to Google Drive, as well as download it to your computer in the desired format.

Such programs can be used instead of Word, Excel, Power Point. It is very convenient when you have to work on a computer on which they are not installed.

Which service is better

As various tests have shown, the "mail" clouds, which I just talked about, are superior in quality, convenience and free features to all other similar services.

I will not go into details, but the places were distributed as follows:

Therefore, I recommend that you still use one of these services. If you don't have an email account on any of them, then you just need to register. You will have a new mail (which, by the way, is not necessary to use) and a cloud.

Of course, there are other sites where you can get a cloud service for free. But most of them in the free versions have various unpleasant limitations.

But there is one that compares favorably with all the others (including postal ones). It is best for transferring files to other people. Address: mega.co.nz

Mega - it makes sense to use this service for those who place files for download. The fact is that through special loader programs such as MiPony, they can be saved to a computer very quickly and easily. Much easier and faster than other cloud services. 50 GB is free.

Initially, the site opens in English. To switch to the Russian version, click on the Menu button (top right), select Language from the list, then click on Russian and on the Save button.

Just in case, here are two more good cloud services:

Dropbox - 2 GB allocated for free.

One Drive - 7 GB free.

How to manage the cloud

You can manage it on the very site where you received it. Log in there with your username and password, go to a specific section and get access to the cloud.

And you can do it even easier, more convenient and, most importantly, much faster: with the help of a small application (program).

Each service has its own, that is, you need to download it from the site where you have the cloud.

This application allows you to quickly and easily upload, watch, download files and folders with files from your cloud service. It takes up very little space, and you can install such a program on any computer or smartphone (not just yours).

How to install the application. Open your cloud and there will be a link or a download button in a prominent place. The pictures below show where such a button is in the "mail" cloud services.

Download the program file and open it. Installation will begin. Below is an illustrated instruction for each "mail" service. Do everything as in the pictures, and the application will install.

Yandex.Disk:

Mail.ru cloud:

How to use the app

After installing the application, a shortcut to the program appears on the desktop. With it, we will work with the cloud.

When you first start the program, you will be asked to enter data from the cloud. Type in your email address and password. Then you agree to the terms of service and click "Login".

Now, when you open the program icon, your cloud will open directly on your computer - in a regular folder.

Also, along with the opening of the application, its icon appears in the tray.

This is where the computer clock is - in the lower right corner of the screen (on the taskbar, where the rest of the icons are).

This icon can be hidden under a small arrow next to the alphabet.

With it, you can control the application. To do this, click on it with the left or right mouse button.

File/Folder Synchronization. This is the most difficult part to understand, but it must be understood in order to successful work with application.

The meaning of synchronization is that the computer or smartphone on which the application is installed must connect to your cloud and upload files from or to it.

This process must be completed, otherwise we will not be able to use the downloaded data. Synchronization takes place over the Internet. That is, without the Internet, it is simply impossible.

Consider the following situation. My cloud already has downloaded files and folders with files.

By the way, initially, upon receipt of the cloud, it already has some information. So if you didn’t delete it on purpose, then there are several files there.

I installed the application on my computer, opened it, entered my username and password. Cloud folder opened. So, all the data that was originally on it should be uploaded to this folder. That is, my cloud and computer must be synchronized.

It turns out that all the files that are on the cloud are downloaded to my computer in this very folder. And if there are few of them and they are small in size, then this process will happen quickly - I may not even notice it.

But if the files are large, and my Internet is not very fast, then synchronization will take some time.

In practice, it looks like this: I open the application shortcut and see an empty folder, although I know for sure that there are files on my cloud.

Usually in this case, users start to get nervous - they worry that their files have been deleted. In fact, they are all there. And we do not see them because the synchronization procedure has not yet been completed.

And this can be verified. When synchronization is in progress, the application icon (the one in the tray) seems to be moving.

And if we click on it, then in the menu that opens there will be an item indicating the progress of the process.

In fact, at this moment, files are downloaded from the Internet. That is, the Internet itself may be slower because of this.

Synchronization can be turned off if necessary. To do this, click on the application icon in the tray and select the appropriate item from the menu. By the way, there you can completely exit the program.

In general, while synchronization is in progress, the files will not be available. The same thing happens when you transfer information from your computer to the cloud.

How to upload a file (folder with files) to the cloud. To do this, you just need to copy required files, and then paste them into the application folder.

Copying / pasting occurs as usual, but after that all transferred files should be synchronized. Otherwise, they will not be uploaded to the Internet on your cloud.

In the Mail.ru Cloud application, this process happens instantly. Moreover, even for large files (from 1 GB).

In the Yandex.Disk program, synchronization takes some time, but it still happens quickly.

With a fairly slow Internet connection, a 1 GB file downloaded in just a few minutes. If you uploaded it directly to the cloud (without an application), this process would take more than an hour.

But Google Drive is lagging behind in this regard. Apparently this application works on a different technology, and synchronization takes the same time as a normal file upload.

My results may differ from yours. Perhaps your synchronization process will be faster or vice versa slower than mine.

How to download a file (folder with files) from the cloud. All files that you want to download to your computer or phone from the application must be fully synchronized.

You can transfer them to your computer by simply copying them. That is, open the application, copy the necessary files and paste them into the folder of your choice on the computer. That's all! A couple of seconds - and the files are downloaded.

Disadvantages of cloud services

Everything has both pluses and minuses. And cloud services also have them. I will list the main ones:

1. Memory consumption. In other words, the work of cloud services "strains" the computer. In the case of Yandex.Disk and Cloud.Mail.ru, the load is insignificant, but Google Drive is rather voracious. Modern computers this may not be noticed, but the old ones will have to puff.

2. Safety. Since the cloud is an Internet service, there is always a certain possibility that your files may fall into the wrong hands. Certainly, modern technologies data protection, this probability is minimized, but there is always a risk. Moreover, the service is public.

3. Need Internet. Without the Internet, you will not be able to use any cloud service.

Additional Information

In case the information provided in this lesson is not enough for you.

Every cloud service has detailed instructions by use. Users do not particularly favor it, but it really has a lot of useful and interesting information.

In this article, I will introduce you to some online storage services that provide free cloud storage. And, finally, they will be appreciated.

Cloud storage has gained immense popularity due to its improved security, large storage spaces and its portability. You can share documents and upload files anytime, anywhere. Access to such storages is carried out in one click. This is the cloud that is being trusted more and more. Today, the Internet is simply overflowing with cloud service providers. Most of them offer a certain amount of storage for free, and some work exclusively on a paid basis. So what is free anyway?

Google Drive

Web giant Google provides 15 GB of online storage for free for Gmail, Google Drive and G+ photos. The space can be increased by purchasing (and then using) a Chromebook laptop or other smart devices that are manufactured by HTC, Motorola, etc. However, after a certain period, such promotional free Google Drive storage space may require payment.

box

Box provides a range of features for business and enterprise customers. However, you can still create a free account for personal use. The company provides 10 GB of free cloud space to every new user. While there is no notice on the site about the bonus for referring new users, you can still get additional free space using the service on LG, Sony, Dell, HP and Samsung devices. Some offers are valid for a limited time only.

Copy

Copy is becoming more and more popular. User interface and the service packages of this service are just great. When you subscribe, you get 15 GB of cloud space for free. There is also a bonus for attracting new subscribers. Invite your friend to sign up for Copy and, on a successful new subscription, both of you will receive 5 GB of free space!

dropbox

Dropbox gives each new user 2 GB of free space. You can also get more Dropbox cloud space for free by inviting others by completing the beginner guide, joining their social media profiles, uploading your photo, submitting a review, linking your account to mailbox iOS, etc.

OneDrive

Microsoft's OneDrive is a simple, popular and secure cloud storage service. When subscribing, the user receives 15 GB of free space. You can also get more free space by inviting friends and activating the photo backup feature. For each successful referral subscription, both users receive a bonus of 0.5 GB (maximum 5 GB). Activating Photo Backup will earn you an additional 3 GB of OneDrive space.

ADrive

ADrive's personal subscription plan offers a decent 50GB of free online storage space. On the this moment ADrive does not offer bonus space. But the initial 50 gigs is a lot. 😉

Bitcasa

Every New user Bitcasa gets 5 GB of free cloud space. The company offers up to 20 GB of free space, of which 15 GB can be obtained by referring friends and acquaintances.

SpiderOak

When you subscribe to SpiderOak, you will receive 2 GB of free online space. But you can still earn up to 10 GB of extra space by referring friends. Each successful referral adds 1 GB of free space to your SpiderOak account.

Yunio

Upon registration, the Chinese firm Yunio offers 100 GB of free space. This is a really good deal. But that is not all! Free space increases with daily use of the service. Using this service, you can add 100 MB of additional space daily.

Mega

Kim Dotcom's Mega service promises security, privacy and rich functionality. Mega provides 50 GB of free space to every new user. There is currently no bonus space provided, so you will have to pay for extra space.

firedrive

Firedrive provides 20 GB of free online space to every new user. If you need more then you need to sign up for a paid plan as Firedrive doesn't offer any bonuses at the moment.

SurDoc

When you subscribe to SurDoc, you will get 100 GB of free space for 1 year. This volume can be increased to 1 TB by referring friends, spreading the word about the company on social networks, participating in surveys, linking devices, etc.

Shared.com

Shared provides 100 GB of cloud space to every new Basic plan user. They do not offer bonus plans. To get more space, you need to purchase a pro account.

media fire

A fairly popular file hosting service MediaFire provides each new user with 10 GB of free online space. You can also increase volume by referring friends, linking social media accounts, installing MediaFire apps on your devices, and more.

Amazon Cloud Drive

Retail giant Amazon also provides a cloud storage service. Amazon Cloud Drive offers every new user 5 GB of free space. There is no bonus for referring friends in this service. But, Amazon's website states that Fire phone users will get unlimited free cloud storage for photos taken with the Fire phone.

Apple iCloud Drive

Apple has made its iCloud online storage public. Now everyone can use iCloud Drive. Apple provides 5 GB of cloud storage for free. The company's website states that they do not have bonus space.

Yandex

Russian Internet giant Yandex is offering its new users 10 GB of free online space. However, the company does not mention any bonus offers.

Cubby

With a subscription, Cubby offers 5 GB of free cloud space. You can increase this up to 25 GB with the New User Referral Program.

4Shared

File hosting 4Shared provides 15 GB of free cloud space. bonus program attracting new users is missing. But, you can increase your storage space by upgrading to a more advanced subscription plan.

Mozy

Online backup and sync provider Mozy provides every new user with 2 GB of free cloud storage space. There is also a referral program where users can earn more space for themselves.

And now the comparison!

I have prepared a table that will help you compare the free offers of the above 20 cloud storage providers. The information in the list is presented from the lowest offer to the highest.

And here's the diagram!

Thus, at the moment, Yunio, SurDoc and Shared.com provide the maximum free cloud space (100 GB). Remember, the SurDoc service provides 100 GB of space only for the first year of use. Yunio and Shared.com do not have such restrictions. Mega and ADrive came in second with 50GB of free online storage space. The Firedrive service will give you 20 GB for free. All others offer 15 GB and below. We wish you the best of luck in choosing the right provider for your needs. cloud storage data. Good luck!

Cloud file storage technologies are today considered an indispensable tool for a modern Internet user. Each of them has an account on one of cloud drives: Google Drive, Yandex.Disk or Mail.ru. Most have at least two of these services. In this article, we will look at the main network services storage of files, ways to increase disk space on them, we will give tips for their efficient and safe use.

What is cloud storage

Local drives and memory cards are physically connected to our computer or tablet by wires. Network drives are physically located in special server centers, where a stable power supply and a comfortable temperature regime are ensured. Communication with them local computer supports over the internet. When you log in through a browser or mobile client application to your cloud drive, the system displays a list of files on the server. When the user uploads a file from local folder My documents are in the Cloud Storage, physically the document is copied over the Internet and gets to the server.

Therefore, even after the physical destruction of the phone or computer, the files will remain safe and sound. They can be viewed through a web browser on any computer or tablet.

To assess the popularity of disk storage, it is enough to cite one fact of statistics. As of 2014, the most popular cloud was Google Drive. The repository works by default on everyone Android devices, except for Chinese, where access to Google is limited. Its users were 240 million people.

What can you use Cloud Disk for?

The main tasks solved by users using network storages:

Developers are constantly improving the security system of their services. The standard today is to store user files in encrypted form. Without a special key, this is a useless bunch of bytes.

The security of services should not be overestimated. In 2011, the reputable company IDC published its report, where it unsatisfactorily assesses the level of their secrecy and resistance to hacking. Experts recommended strengthening the level of authorization and encrypting files in storage and in transit. Most developers listened to the recommendations and made changes to their applications.

Logging into the Cloud Storage can be protected by two-factor authorization: specifying a password and confirming the login using your phone. But for most users, one password is enough.

When compiling this rating, the company's experts took into account technological solutions to ensure the security of user data and the presence of failures in the service in the past. Considering that all the storages presented in the diagram have been operating for more than 5 years, the history of the statistics of failure situations is comparable.

1. 1. Recognized as the safest OneDrive. Experts added to the advantages of the service innovative security system when the keys to encrypted files and the data themselves are stored on separate servers. By gaining access to only one of these arrays, the attacker will not be able to gain benefits. Recall that OneDrive is focused on the corporate market and is the default drive when subscribing to Office365. Subscribers are allocated up to 100 GB immediately, while free users receive only 6 GB.
   2. Named second in safety iCloud Drive. This cloud serves users of the apple ecosystem: iPhone, MacBook and other corporate solutions. Data encryption is performed here both during storage and during transmission. Overall, the storage is reliable and comparable to OneDrive in terms of security, but earned a negative point for failure in 2014. Many users were attracted to this scandal. The network went private photos of stars stored on their iPhone. if you use Apple technology, then you cannot do without a proprietary cloud. On it are performed backups data and system settings phone and laptop. With it, deleted photos and documents are recovered.
   3. Third place awarded Google Drive. Reason - insufficiently high degree of security when storing files . When transmitting data to the server and to the client device, the traffic is encrypted. In the pluses of the cloud, experts added two-factor authorization with password confirmation via SMS to the phone specified during registration. Experts note that in business accounts designed for corporations, Google Drive provides an increased level of security comparable to OneDrive. Regular users are advised to encrypt sensitive data themselves. For example, archive them with a password.
   4. Russian fourth place Yandex.Disk. Experts attributed a wide range of authorization methods to the security advantages of this cloud, including TouchID, PIN code and QR code. An important advantage for ordinary users- checking files for viruses . The transmission channel at the Yandex storage is encrypted, like that of competitors. The only serious failure is considered to be an error in the client program of the service under Windows, made by the company's programmers in 2013. Users were not left behind. They are allocated 200 GB of disk space for perpetual free use as compensation.
   5. Fifth place at the old-timer of the market - drop box. Its security flaw is no client-side encryption . Theoretically, this allows an attacker to intercept data in transit from a local device to a server. In 2011, there was a serious failure in the DropBox service. It only lasted 4 hours. During this period of time, it was possible to access the entire storage, and not just the data area of ​​a particular user. But we note that in 2011 there were simply no other competitors from the rating. DropBox was a pioneer in the field of network storage and had the right to make mistakes.

How to get more free cloud storage space

All cloud storages are commercial. Their main task is to earn the money required to cover the costs of supporting the development team and developing the server infrastructure. Therefore, a limited amount of space is provided to users for free. To get additional free space for storing photos and documents, you will need to meet certain terms of service or participate in promotions.

For example. Yandex.Disk offers 32 gigabytes of free space. autoload photos on mobile device.

Other cloud services also offer space expansion options for free:

• For inviting friends.
• For installing a cloud drive mobile application or program on a computer.
• Students and teachers for providing a photo of a student card or a pass to the university. Yandex.Disk allocates an additional 32 free gigabytes for this promotion.

Also, cloud file storage services provide free space through an affiliate scheme. For example, when buying laptops or tablets of a certain brand.

A universal way to multiply the space on cloud storage for free is to create several accounts.

How to install cloud drive on a computer

Three network storages are most suitable for a computer:

1. Google drive. He is chosen active users GMail services and a powerful online document and spreadsheet editor - Google Docs.
2. Yandex.Disk. A good choice when you don't need to use Google services. This is a reliable Russian cloud drive, for which you can easily get up to 42 GB or more free space by turning on auto-upload photos on your mobile device.
3. OneDrive. Users of computers and laptops with an operating Windows system 10 get support for this network drive"loaded". If you have a Windows account, 5 GB of space is allocated on OneDrive. A folder of the same name is created in the This PC shortcut, synchronized with the cloud.

Installing the program on a computer is required only for the first two services. OneDrive support is implemented at the system level. Here is a step-by-step instruction for installing the application using Yandex.Disk as an example.

In every modern smartphone Out of the box, support for at least one cloud storage is included.

• Apple phones come with iCloud support for backing up settings, system files and photo sync. Additionally, you can connect the Yandex storage using the downloaded and installed from official store Apple apps programs.
• Samsung phones include support for two clouds at once: Samsung Cloud and Google Drive. Owners of smartphones of this brand have a Google account, like android users and a Samsung account for the manufacturer's proprietary services.
• Xiaomi phones out of the box support communication with Xiaomi's own cloud MiCloud. Everything works by analogy with the iPhone: backup copies are made on the network storage and photos from the camera are sent.
• Smartphones Windows phone come with OneDrive access enabled. If you have an Office365 subscription, the amount of available space is increased by 100 GB.
• Smartphones on Android from other manufacturers have support for one cloud storage - Google Drive.

You can purchase additional space by fulfilling the requirements of service promotions or by purchasing it with money.

Please note that Android smartphones support Google Drive, but to work with Google Docs and spreadsheets, you will need to install separate mobile applications. There is also a client program from Google Drive for easy navigation through the network storage. The latter is most often preinstalled on the phone.

If the capabilities of the pre-installed NAS are not enough for you, install a third-party one. The most popular: Yandex.Disk, DropBox, Mail.ru.

We will show how to install an application for them using Yandex Drive as an example.

Come up with a complex password. Your private photos and videos are more likely to be leaked online if you come up with a simple password. A complex one can be generated with special program or come up with your own using the following algorithm: !-!123HELLO-WoRlD123!-!. Such a combination is easy to remember, but is a very difficult password to crack.

Encrypt sensitive data before uploading it to the network. It is dangerous to store passwords and keys to accounts in clear text. If you don't have a dedicated encryption program, zip confidential files with a password before sending them to the network.

Use dual authorization. A number of NASes support dual authorization. You need to enter a password and confirm the entry by sending a code from the SMS sent by the service. This procedure seems less convenient, but provides more data protection.

The history of cloud storage technologies

The phrase " cloud technologies” was first used in 1997. New World global network a new computational paradigm was required. Professor Ramnath Chellap of the University of Texas has proposed a shift to cloud computing as an alternative to increasing local computing power.

Real developments in part sharing The resources on the web date back to the year 2000. We owe the commercial launch of the service on the new cloud scheme of work to Amazon. This happened in 2002.

Google has become a pioneer in the implementation and development of cloud-based applications that work through a browser. New technology launched on the market since 2009.

The idea of ​​creating cloud storage on the Internet is described by its inventor Drew Houston as follows. The guy was sitting on the bus from Boston to New York, with a laptop, but without a flash drive, left at home. To overcome the poverty, he began to think about accessing files without wires and came up with an application that implements this idea. The first DropBox code is written, according to this version of events, right on the bus.

According to the founder of DropBox, Steve Jobs wanted to acquire the project at the startup stage, but was refused. Today the company is worth approximately $4 billion.

All subsequent network storages: iCloud, Google and Yandex, appeared much later. Their main promotion paradigm is the conditional free service. Part of the gigabytes the user receives immediately, free of charge and unconditionally. The rest must be purchased by subscription.

Remember when you once had to burn your photos to discs and hope that everything will be fine with them? Or how a little later they began to use flash drives and external hard drives? Now there is a much more reliable alternative - storing files on a cloud service. This is a kind of "rent" of space on the server, which can be located anywhere in the world. Its owner guarantees the safety, security and availability of all data placed there for a small fee - from 0 to several dollars a month. At the same time, each service has its own prices, opportunities, advantages and disadvantages. We have conducted a study among the most popular cloud services in Ukraine, Russia and the United States to make it easier for you to choose the right one.

Yandex.Disk

Until recently, the Yandex.Disk cloud storage service was quite popular in Ukraine. However, along with the blocking, the number of its users has significantly decreased. Even with a VPN, this is not very convenient, as the speed of uploading and downloading files has decreased significantly.

You can increase the free disk space that is now given upon registration by inviting friends and participating in periodic promotions from the administration of the service.

Advantages:

• Built-in security system.
• Low price compared to US data storage services.
• Convenient modern interface in Russian.
• Play video and music directly on the cloud storage.
• Constantly updated and improved by developers.

disadvantages:

• Low speed work through VPN due to the blocking of the service in Ukraine.
• Binding to mail on Yandex.
• In the web version, you can download no more than 2 GB at a time.

DIPFO file storage is a new cloud service from a Ukrainian developer. It differs in that it is mainly focused on sharing files with other family members or with work colleagues. In both tariffs, in addition to the usual storage of various files in the cloud, it is possible to leave tasks, notes, mark the location of locations in the pictures. In the “Family” tariff, it is possible to additionally download medical cards for storage.

There is a free plan for 5 GB, which is quite suitable as a regular storage service. Paid tariffs with big amount additional features can be activated for testing for 30 days. As of mid-2018, this is the only Ukrainian cloud that boasts great functionality, a pleasant interface, stable operation and a low price for additional features. Perhaps this the best choice for those who support Ukrainian manufacturers of developers.

Opportunities:

• Storage of various types of files: image, text, music and video.
• Print from the cloud.
• Organizer planning.
• Setting tasks in the cloud for colleagues.
• Built-in weather service.
• Maintaining an online blog.

Advantages:

• High speed.
• Interface in Russian.
• Quick registration - just enter your email.
• There is no binding to any mail service.
• Low price for great functionality.
• 30 days trial period of paid plans.

disadvantages:

• It is not possible to add a comment to your own photo (photo caption).
• Small free disk space after registration - 5 GB.
• Lack of software for PC and mobile application, so far only web version.

Google Drive is a world-famous cloud file storage service from Google Corporation. Many people and companies use it to share files and photos by link. It is convenient because there are many related services that you can work with online, as well as the fact that it is available for synchronization and work from any device on Windows or Android.

Advantages:

• A large amount of free disk space after registration - 15 GB.
• Several languages ​​for the interface, there is Russian.
• There is a program for working with a PC and a mobile application for working from a phone or tablet.
• Backup available.
• The service is linked to many other online services from Google.
• Offline operation is available.
• Play and view files from any device.
• Autosave.

disadvantages:

• You need a Google mail account to which the cloud is linked.
• Quite high prices compared to Russian, Ukrainian and Chinese services, if you need more space on the cloud.

Cloud Mail.Ru is a fairly well-known service that was previously used by many residents of Ukraine. However, after blocking, this became not so convenient due to a noticeable decrease in download speed. Perhaps not everyone will refuse to use it, because thanks to periodic promotions, some users have up to 1 TB of free storage space.

Advantages:

• Intuitive interface in Russian.
• High degree of protection of user data.
• Backup data.
• Auto backup of photos and videos in a mobile application.

disadvantages:

• Correct work is promised only when using Mail.Ru mail.
• Lots of intrusive ads.
• Low speed due to VPN for users from Ukraine.
• There may be a delay in receiving the code when registering a new account.
• The desktop application for PC is inferior to those of other services.

Mega

Big plus cloud Mega - 50 GB of disk space immediately after registration. This is the most generous offer for storing files of any type, which, however, can later turn into serious expenses, since the company's expansion rates are not low for package offers compared to those that are familiar to residents of Russia and Ukraine.

The Mega service is aimed at storing and exchanging files, so it does not have a large number of additional features, like some competitors. But this is one of the most encrypted and secure sites, some users jokingly call it a “paranoid dream”.

• A large amount of free disk space after registration - 50 GB.
• Clear concise interface in 40 languages, there is Russian.
• High degree of encryption and protection of user data.
• You can register from any email.
• There are not only mobile applications, but also add-ons for Chrome, Firefox

disadvantages:

• Few extra features.
• High rates compared to competitors if you need more than 50 GB of disk space.
• Average upload and download speed.

One of the universal cloud storage services, which in many of its functions is very similar to Google Drive, but in terms of ease of use it is still inferior to it and some other clouds. Although the interface is quite concise, it takes a little getting used to.

Additional disk space can be obtained by participating in promotions from the administration of the service. For example, earlier they gave +15 GB for connecting auto-download from the phone.

Opportunities:

• Download any files, documents and photos.
• Shared viewing and work on files.
• Ability to open access to files for a fixed time.
• Full-fledged work with Microsoft Office online.
• Synchronization with a computer or mobile devices.
• Work offline.
• Scanning and recognition of documents.

Advantages:

• You can register to any address Email or linked to a phone number.
• There is a Russian-language interface.
• There is a PC program and a mobile application.
• High speed upload and download data.
• Pleasant external interface.
• Ability to work from any device.

disadvantages:

• Quite a high price for users from Ukraine and Russia, if 5 GB is not enough.
• Usability takes some getting used to.

One of the most popular cloud services in the world, some experienced users call it the "reference". Very handy for collaborating in PowerPoint, Photoshop or Sketch. The created presentations and images will be displayed correctly for all participants in the process. Dropbox Paper is available for free for text, video, and audio projects.

You can increase free space on the cloud by participating in various promotions that are often held by service owners, or by completing tasks. For example, connecting autoload from a camera or inviting new users.

Opportunities:

• Convenient online collaboration on projects.
• Download files for sharing or collaboration from a link.
• Loading files taken from the camera.
• Synchronization between multiple devices - computer, tablet and mobile.
• Convenient operation from mobile devices.
• View the history of changes in files.

Advantages:

• High data exchange rate.
• Work online.
• A large number of settings for synchronization and collaboration.
• Strong encryption right in the cloud.
• You can register with your Google account.
• Restoring files deleted within 30 days (120 days for the PRO version).
• Text search (only for PRO-version).
• Regular updates.
• It is convenient to add comments to files and determine which of them will have general access, and some - only for the owner of the account.

disadvantages:

• High price - from 8.25 € if 2 GB is not enough or necessary additional functions, which are not available in the base version.

iCloud is cloud storage for users of Apple products. Like all services or equipment from this manufacturer and developer, it is distinguished by high reliability and an appropriate price. All Apple devices have this application or program already installed - you just need to set up an account to get started.

Opportunities:

• Store photos and videos from Apple devices.
• Sharing access to files that are on the cloud service, with appropriate settings.
• Synchronization between various devices Apple with one account.
• Play media files from iCloud on various devices.
• Synchronization of bookmarks from different devices.

Advantages:

• Store contacts and events from the calendar of devices that are synced with iCloud.
• High degree of data security with two-factor authentication.
• There is a Russian-language interface.
• Smart automatic synchronization.
• The "light" version of the photos remains on the device, which reduces the occupied space on the phone.
• Synchronization with Apple applications.
• Simultaneous work of several users.
• Intuitive usability.
• fast and convenient creation account linked to IDApple.
• There is a backup.
• You can read SMS and MMS messages.
• View mail and calendar.

disadvantages:

• 5 GB quickly becomes insufficient if you regularly use at least one Apple device.
• Even the Windows PC version does not work with Windows XP and Windows Vista.
• No web interface, work through the program on a mobile device or computer.

A specialized service for storing and sharing photos and videos. There is no way to upload or create other types of files, but it is the largest free photo hosting on the Internet. Immediately after installation, the program scans the device and offers to upload the found files to the cloud.

The special charm of the system gives the ability to create interest groups and correspondence between users, and conquers the heart of 1 TB of absolutely free disk space!

Opportunities:

• Upload and download photos and videos.
• Create photo collections.
• Sharing photos through links to them between users.
• You can create a short URL for photo collections or a single file.
• View photo collections after posting HTML code on a website or blog without uploading to this platform.
• Add comments to individual objects in the picture.
• Search for one or more keywords.
• You can open a photo for viewing only by individual users.
• Subscribe to interesting profiles.
• Auto-grouping photos by subject (sometimes the program makes mistakes).

Advantages:

• Available a large number of free space in the cloud immediately after registration - 1 TB.
• You can view other people's public photos and videos, like, subscribe to profiles, chat with other users (elements of a social network).
• Search in your own repository and open files other accounts.
• You can make a photo book from the uploaded photos.
• High speed of the service.
• Does not upload photo replays to the server.

disadvantages:

• Register or sign in with a Yahoo account only.
• There is no possibility to store other types of files - only photos and videos.
• 9 interface languages, no Russian.
• No video download via PC.
• Videos can only be uploaded up to 1 GB in size.
• IN free version there is advertising.

The only cloud service on our list that has been fully paid since 2015. Previously, users had the ability to connect to the cloud with free place in 5 GB. As of 2015, this is gone, but instead, the amount of information stored is not limited to any specific amount of memory. You just need to choose one of the two tariffs and forget about any restrictions. The $12 per year plan can only store photos, while the $60 plan can store any type of file.

Amazon Cloud Drive is primarily used by Kindle tablet users. They are not common in Ukraine and Russia.

Opportunities:

• Upload photos or any files to storage.
• Automatic synchronization with Kindle devices.

Advantages:

• The first 3 months of using the cloud are free.
• No restrictions on uploading photos to the cloud.
• No restrictions on uploading any files to the cloud (second tariff plan for $59.99 per year).
• Data backup.
• Connection encryption.

disadvantages:

• Only paid file storage, the minimum price is $11.99 per year.
• There is no Russian interface, only English.
• No automatic upload of new files from selected folders.

Which cloud service to choose?

Ukrainians should choose a cloud service based on their goals:

• To work on joint projects (business or freelance) we recommend Dipfo, Dropbox or Google Drive. Least clear interface the latter service, although it has the largest free disk space - 15 GB. But it is worth remembering that this cloud is not "sharpened" under teamwork, so debugging workflows will take time to figure out and set everything up for the convenience of all participants. Dropbox and Dipfo are better suited for business, but the former has a high price tag, and 2 GB in the free version is clearly not enough for managing multiple projects in a team, especially if you need to work with graphic files. Dipfo for business is much more affordable - only $5 per year for the ability to work together with setting tasks, compiling lists, a collective organizer, issuing travel sheets, reports, maintaining a company blog and communicating within the service using the built-in chat. An additional fun feature is the built-in weather forecast calendar for cities.
• For family viewing of photos and albums, storage of files and medical records Dipfo is ideal with the Family plan for $5 per year. The interface is easy to navigate and the only family-oriented resource. All other cloud services can be configured to share individual files, but this will take a little more time. Plus Dipfo is the only cloud that supports family members' medical records. Ukrainians should also pay attention to this service due to the fact that using it, they support the developers of their own country.
• To store photos and communicate with other people Flickr is the best: fast, convenient, free, popular, with lots of storage space. But it won't work. Absolutely.
• For storing photos and files of various types in a small amount, you can use absolutely any cloud service, almost all of them provide free rates for 2-15 GB. Although the same Amazon Cloud Drive and iCloud are quite specific, as they are aimed at users certain devices, Flickr is "sharpened" for photos and videos, and Yandex.Disk, Cloud Mail.Ru and Mega do not work too fast.

File Storage Comparison Summary