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Where should I store my important files?
When you save your important documents, there are a few options as to where to keep them. Each has different benefits or risks, which you can read about below.
- Cloud Storage (recommended) - saving to a program like OneDrive or SharePoint to save your data to the cloud and access it from any device anywhere.
- Network Storage (recommended) - saving to the Columbus State provided storage space.
- Local Storage (not recommeneded) - saving locally to your computer's Desktop, Documents, or Downloads folder has been common practice, but it is not the recommended way to save files.
Storage options:
Cloud Storage (recommended)
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 (recommended)
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.
Local Storage (not recommended)
Saving locally to your computer's Desktop, Documents, or Downloads folder has been common practice, but it is not the recommended way to save files for several reasons:
- Your computer can crash causing you to lose your important work.
- You have to remember to back up important data regularly to prevent any major loss.
- When you are away from your computer and need access to something you were working on, you won't have it.