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Is Microsoft’s SkyDrive any different from OneDrive? Find out all you need to know in this article.
Overview
SkyDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage service that allows individuals to store, access, synchronize, and share files over the internet. Furthermore, it was provided under the Windows Essentials 2012 series of applications for Windows 8.
Moreover, this cloud storage service was formally known as Windows Live Folder and Windows Live SkyDrive. Also, when you sign up, it offers a free 7 GB of storage space which can be increased with a paid subscription.
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- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Well, it was because a British broadcaster (Sky UK limited) filed and won a trademark lawsuit against Microsoft regarding the name “SkyDrive”. So, after the British High Court ruling in 2013, Microsoft agreed to rebrand SkyDrive to OneDrive.
Hence, in January 2014, Microsoft officially rebranded SkyDrive as OneDrive, along with some new features. Some of these new features include support for HTML5 videos, infinite scrolling, and improved UI on the web.
Impressively, this cloud storage service works on numerous mobile platforms, including Android, iOS, and Windows phones. Also, it is available on PCs that run on Windows operating system as well as macOS.
Additionally, you can save and share up to 270 different file types, including zipped files, on SkyDrive (OneDrive).
How Does SkyDrive (OneDrive) Work?
To use this cloud service, you must sign in to SkyDrive (OneDrive) with your Microsoft account details. Basically, if you have a Microsoft account, you have access to this cloud storage service.
Also, you will get free 5 GB of storage space that can be increased with a paid subscription. In essence, if you want more storage space on your SkyDrive (OneDrive) account, you will need to subscribe either monthly or yearly.
That aside, when you sign in via a web browser, you will be redirected to a page with folders. These folders appear the same way you see them on a local hard drive.
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- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
Moreover, from this page, you can upload files or folders to your SkyDrive (OneDrive) account. Besides, you can also download the SkyDrive (OneDrive) application on a computer or smartphone.
If you have the app on your device, you can access your account by simply launching the app and logging in. Interestingly, once you upload a file on this cloud storage service, you will be able to access it on any device.
All you need to access your files is an internet connection and to log in to your SkyDrive (OneDrive) account on the device. This process is what we call file syncing (file synchronization).
By the way, some Windows PCs and smartphones usually come with a OneDrive folder by default. Hence, using this folder, you can simply upload files to your SkyDrive (OneDrive) account.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsYou can also download files from this cloud storage service to the device via the OneDrive folder. However, your Microsoft account must be logged into the device to do all these.
Features of SkyDrive (OneDrive)
Now that we know what a SkyDrive is and how it works, it’s time to know its features. Below are some of the features of this cloud storage service.
It is a Cloud-Based Storage
According to Amazon.com, cloud storage is a computing model that stores data on the internet.
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Using the internet means that the storage drive/space that users access is not physically present on their local computer. Instead, anyone who needs a cloud storage space will have to purchase it from a cloud storage provider.
However, if you sign up for SkyDrive (OneDrive), you will get free 5 GB of storage space.
SkyDrive is Now OneDrive
Microsoft officially rebranded this cloud storage service as OneDrive in 2014. This is because Microsoft lost a trademark lawsuit filed by a British broadcasting company called Sky UK limited.
It Allows Users to Upload an Individual File That has a Size of Up to 2 GB
With a web browser, this cloud storage service allows uploading a single file with a maximum size of 300 MB. However, with the SkyDrive (OneDrive) application, you can upload a single file of up to 2 GB in size.
Easy Access Through Microsoft Account
Using SkyDrive (OneDrive) is very easy, and you don’t need special skills. As long as you have an internet connection, all you need is a Microsoft account to access this cloud storage service.
Ability to Share Files With Other SkyDrive (OneDrive) Users
One other feature of Microsoft’s SkyDrive is the ability to share files with other SkyDrive (OneDrive) users. This makes it somewhat similar to other cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Pros of Skydrive
Easy Usage and Access
Using Microsoft’s SkyDrive (OneDrive) cloud storage is very easy. All you need to have to access SkyDrive is an internet connection and a Microsoft account.
Hence, you don’t need any special skills to make use of this service. Besides, you can access this cloud storage service via a web browser or the OneDrive application.
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- The available storage capacity may vary.
It Offers More Security Than Local Storage Drives
SkyDrive (OneDrive) is way more secure than local storage drives because it saves files on a cloud server.
Hence, even if a virus infects your computer or device, you don’t have to worry about your files being corrupted. Besides, Microsoft also encrypts your files when you share them from your SkyDrive (OneDrive) account to a device or another account.
It is a Cost-effective Means of Sharing Large Files Among Multiple People
When multiple people need to access a very large file, sending the file individually costs more data. Instead of that, you can simply get the link to the file you wish to send from your SkyDrive (OneDrive) account.
So, when you send the link to other people, they can access the file just by clicking the link. Besides, you can send a file from your SkyDrive (OneDrive) account to multiple SkyDrive account users at the same time.
All you need is the email of the SkyDrive accounts you wish to send the file to. This saves time and consumes less data.
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Free 5 GB of Storage Space for New Users
Once you sign up for this cloud storage service, you instantly get free 5 GB of storage space.
Moreover, you can increase this storage space if you wish. However, you will have to pay for it.
Access to your Files Anywhere/Anytime
With this cloud storage service, you can access your files from anywhere and at any time. This is because the cloud infrastructure will synchronize your data from any device linked to your SkyDrive account.
Thus, you can create a file on your SkyDrive (OneDrive) account using a Windows PC and later edit the same file using a smartphone. All you need is an internet connection.
Cons of Skydrive
Very Little Free Storage Space for New Users
This cloud storage service offers you free 5 GB of storage space when you sign up. However, this free storage space is quite limited compared to other cloud storage services.
For example, when you sign up for Google Drive, Google offers you free 15 GB of storage space.
Storage Expansion Attracts a Fee
You can expand the storage space on your SkyDrive (OneDrive) account even with the free 5 GB. However, storage expansion isn’t free.
Basically, to add more storage space to your SkyDrive account, you need a Microsoft 365 subscription. This subscription can either be monthly or yearly.
There is a Limitation to the Individual File Size Allowed
As I mentioned earlier, using a web browser lets you upload an individual file with a maximum size of 300 MB.
Also, with the SkyDrive (OneDrive) application, the individual file size limit is 2 GB. This implies that you cannot upload a single file that’s above 2 GB in size on this cloud storage service.
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Limitation on File Name Length and Path Length
Just as in the Windows OS file system, there are also restrictions on the length of file name/path in SkyDrive (OneDrive).
So, even though you can have directories and subdirectories, the depth of subdirectories is considerably shallow. That’s because the drive references each file path using a URL that grows longer with subfolders.
Conclusion
Are you a computer user with much concern about file security and accessibility? Then, Microsoft’s SkyDrive – now OneDrive – should give you peace of mind.
Moreover, you can also take advantage of this free cloud storage service if you are battling with insufficient storage. To be more specific, when you sign up for SkyDrive (OneDrive), Microsoft will offer you a free 5 GB of storage space.
Besides, you can increase the storage space that was offered by Microsoft. However, you will need to buy a Microsoft 365 subscription to do that.
On a positive note, this cloud storage service works on various platforms and operating systems. In addition to that, you can access it either via a web browser or the official OneDrive application.
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