Get Comfy with your Files in the Cloud
On a scale of 1-10 (10 being super comfy), how comfy are you with storing your digital files in the cloud? I’m hovering between an 8 and a 9, and I am a digital organizer!
Regardless, I want to confess that the cloud is a technology concept that I don’t 100% understand. This is probably because I cannot perform the physical sniff test on it and can’t touch it.
However, the more I learn about online cloud storage, the more and more it starts to make sense to me.
For this reason, the cloud is now one of my go-to tools for organizing my information.
Benefits of Storing Your Files in the Cloud
1). Backup and Storage
You can transfer data from your hard drive to the cloud that you wish to store safely.
The files can dwell in the cloud temporarily, or permanently, perhaps functioning as a backup copy of the files that also live on your hard drive.
As a result, you will clear up storage space on your computer hard drive, resulting in a faster running machine.
2). Remote Access
Once in the cloud, you can access these files by logging into your account from any machine, and from any location, where you can secure an internet connection. Read more about other Ways to Use the Internet.
This is a wonderful feature, especially if something were to happen to your computer’s hard drive.
3). Peace of Mind
The third benefit really is peace of mind. Having reassurance that your information is backed up, secured, and always available when needed, is PURE GOLD.
4). Sharing Files and Collaboration with Other Users
Files can be shared using Online Document Management Systems.
Popular cloud storage providers include Google, Dropbox, Amazon Cloud Storage, iCloud and Microsoft OneDrive.
Particularly, you can synchronously collaborate with another user when using a system like Google Drive and / or Microsoft’s Sharepoint (known for sharing and collaborating functionality).
Cons of Using Cloud Storage
Many people, including myself, have had hesitation when it comes to placing personal data on the internet in a document management system.
Questions such as:
Is the cloud really safe from hackers?
How can I guarantee that my data will be backed up?
Will the usability function be solid enough to share and collaborate on efficiently?
What if my data gets deleted, and is gone, FOREVER?!?!
Ahahahahah! Right?
Unfortunately, the answer is that no one completely knows, nor can guarantee either way.
While we spend time in our head debating the safety of using a cloud storage service, we are breeding anxiety. In the meantime, we risk the possibility of water, fire, theft and other tampering with our physical machines holding our precious data. (Sigh.)
What to do, what to do?
Only you, know what is best for you, and your information. Research, make a plan, and then move forward.
To Cloud or Not to Cloud
Ultimately, the choice to store personal data online, and then on which cloud storage server, is a personal decision.
As a Technology Organizer / Digital Organizer, I will help you explore all of the options with their pros and cons further. Together, we will find the best digital storage plan for your personal life information so that you can:
1.) Get your head out of an anxiety cloud, and
2.) Possibly, place your actual life data in the online cloud instead.
This may be the peace of mind, reassurance and relief you are looking for.
Either way, we will get your information backed up and secure. Trust me, the goal is ultimately to feel (as secure as you can be) that your information is safe, backed up, and accessible.
Digital Organizing
As a Professional Digital Organizer, I work with individuals, like you, who want to create a digital filing system for their use at home. Subsequently, experiencing simplicity and ease with technology and their personal data.
Work with me to determine the systems that make the most sense for you so that you can put them to work to manage your quality of life.
Technology Organizing Topics Can Include:
- Accounts and Passwords
- Cloud Storage
- Computer Back Up
- Document Management
- Email, Calendar, Contacts
- Going Digital
- iPhone Apps
- Online Security & Privacy
- Music & Photos
- Social Networking
- Synching Between Devices
- YOUR CHOICE!
FREE Digital Organizing Consultation
Want to spend 30 minutes to brainstorm solutions to your technology organizing woes?
Contact me today to schedule your FREE consultation!
Organizing Your Life in a Box
