On Thursday 30th June 2022 Tom Stevenson explained the features of Microsoft One Drive to us. Below is the slide show content from this presentation/discussion.
What is OneDrive?
- Cloud Storage
- 5GB for free, pay for additional space
- 1000 (6000) GB included with Microsoft 365
- Integrated with Windows and Microsoft Office
- And more to come
History
- Released in 2007
- Originally known as SkyDrive
- 2011 Clients available for all major platforms
- 2012 Added file synchronisation
- 2012 Added Recycle bin………
- 2019 Added Personal Vault
Installation/Setup
- Requires a Microsoft account
- How to get OneDrive
- Adds a new folder named OneDrive labelled “OneDrive – Personal” under your user account
- Adds a cloud icon to Taskbar corner
- Now browse Settings
Folder Back-up
- Automatically synchronises Desktop, Documents and Pictures folders
- This is very useful, but it is not a back-up!
- Remember free version gives 5GB of storage space – how many pictures do you have?
- And above all, remember that deleting it from OneDrive deletes it everywhere
- Now browse Settings
Synchronisation
- OneDrive cloud storage is the control version
- All devices sync from there
- You can optionally keep a copy on device storage in addition
- Files on Demand
- Control speed of synchronisation
- Microsoft Office options
- Now browse Settings
Sharing
- Recipient(s) do not need a Microsoft account
- You control the recipients’ ability to change your file(s)
- Can share at folder or file level
- Sort and View options
- Can also Upload and Download (as .zip)
- Now view OneDrive online
Personal Vault
- Additional sign-in
- Locks itself after 20 minutes of inactivity
- Neat feature, extra sign-in a pain!
- Look at Personal Vault
File Explorer
- Icon to indicate status of folder/file
- Not 100% reliable indicator
- Can’t add a Personal Folder (what’s this?) under OneDrive
- More customisation coming for File Explorer
- Look at File Explorer (size on disk)
Wrap Up
- Not considered mobile phones, tablets, Apple devices today
- Apps exist (as far as I know) for all platforms
- Benefits from speedy internet connection
- Just don’t get yourself in the situation where you create a loop….