Where should I store my important files?
When you save your important documents, there are a few options as to where to keep them. It's important to learn the benefits and risks, which you can read about below.
Risky:
- Local Storage
- can be lost if the computer crashes
- isn't accessible from other locations
- Unencrypted external and USB drives
- can be lost or stolen, risking data exposure
- can introduce malware into CSCC network
Less risky:
- Encrypted external or USB drives
Secure:
- Cloud Storage (OneDrive / SharePoint)
- Secure, cloud-based, accessible anywhere
- Network Storage (V Drive)
- Centralized, collaborative, and backed up
Secure storage details
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage means saving to a program like OneDrive or SharePoint to save your data to the cloud and access it from any device anywhere. Can integrate easily with Teams.
OneDrive -
Personal Storage |
Store your own files and folders here. These can be shared with others, but for files requiring team collaboration, SharePoint is preferred. |
SharePoint -
Shared Storage |
Easily share files and folders here to collaborate smoothly with coworkers. |
Benefits of Cloud Storage
- Cloud storage eliminates the need to backup your data, because the cloud storage sites back up the data for you.
- You can access your files in a browser from any device, anywhere.
- Install the OneDrive or SharePoint apps on your computer, phone, or tablet to quickly and easily access your files.
Examples of OneDrive and SharePoint in use
Windows 10
Installing OneDrive and SharePoint will put them as options in the left-side Navigation Pane of the Windows Explorer window, as shown below, where you can access and use them just like you would use the Documents or Downloads folder.
Teams
Sharing files through Teams actually stores them in the related OneDrive or SharePoint drives. Read more in the article File Storage in Teams.
Network Storage
Network storage means saving to the Columbus State provided storage space: Home Directory (S:) and Share Directory (V:). Learn more by choosing the relevant article below.
Benefits of Network Storage
- Network storage eliminates the need to backup your data, Columbus State backs up the data for you.
- You can access your files in a browser from any device, anywhere.