My Cloud and cloud storage

[mikeyr]

If you have an .edu email that is still active, storage through that Google drive account is unlimited with file sizes up to 5TB.

I don't find any reference to that anywhere, where did you see that ? I have a current .EDU address.

[yellowsulphur]

Access your account, then go to settings and check your storage. It should show the amount used only without a total.
If you click it it should look like this:

[Marauder2003]

This thread has made me review my backup procedures. Currently every time I shut down my PC a batch file copies selected important data to alternating HDD under a directory that has the day of week in the name. This give me multiple copies of data. I also regularly burn data to a DVD and put them in the gun safe.

But, like all the NAS conversation here, the data still resides in the same building. Now, since I have Ethernet to my external garage, I could put a NAS in the garage but it gets to 120+ in the summer.

I learned here that Amazon Prime member have cloud storage available. I think I will add that to my backup procedure. Since much of my critical data are pics for my website the unlimited photo storage will be handy. As for the other data I will individually zip the directories with a password then encrypt the zip files. I think that will keep the data to under 5 gig and keep any prying eyes out.

[Flyliner]

I use a Sinology NAS for backups of PC and Mac. My second line of backup is off site (cloud) backup via a program called Arq (https://www.arqbackup.com). It encrypts your data BEFORE it leaves your machine. Arq backs up to your choice of location, I use Amazon Cloud Drive for $59.99/yr unlimited storage size and you are set. Set and forget actually..

[atc4usmc]

Might want to double check the google photos app. I don't recall it being limited to .edu accounts as I didn't have an .edu account when I set mine up. All you have to do is download the google photos app and use that for back up of pics and videos. There are size limitations (16 mega pixels, under 4K video etc..) but most phones do not exceed this anyway.

[DaveInOroValley]

Personally prefer a hardware backup vs. cloud based options.

[JohnnyMtn]

I have used Carbonite for a number of years and have been very happy with them. All files on my PC get backed up on their servers.

I also have an external HDD that I make weekly backups too.

[pterrell]

Might want to double check the google photos app. I don't recall it being limited to .edu accounts as I didn't have an .edu account when I set mine up. All you have to do is download the google photos app and use that for back up of pics and videos. There are size limitations (16 mega pixels, under 4K video etc..) but most phones do not exceed this anyway.

As I said earlier, I don't have a .edu account so I don't get any of the freebies. About half of my pictures are taken with my phone, sure, but the others are taken with my DSLR. Depending on which settings you use, those pictures can take up a good bit of space.

Personally prefer a hardware backup vs. cloud based options.

I agree, which is why I'm leaning towards my own storage device rather than paying for a yearly subscription.

[atc4usmc]

Ok Im tracking that you don't have an .edu account, neither do I and I have google photos as a back up. You can use that to back up your DSLR pics as well.. this is what I do, just note it will size them down to 16 megapixels if they are larger than that. For me, that's good as I am not a professional photographer.

Just trying to clarify and help...YMMV

[atc4usmc]

IRT your own storage, Synology NAS' are hard to beat. I have had one running non-stop for six years now and no issues what-so-ever. (Knock on wood).

[MaHoTex]

I am using the new Synology DS215J and could not be happier. $200, add your own drives and pick your configuration. Simple and reliable.

The model I have is a two drive version, but they do make it in a 4 drive version. I do not know that is necessary. Just get the two drives you want right up front. You can also attach external drives via USB3 so expansion seems simple enough. I have not tried to share the drives on the USB port, but I assume that would work as a shared drive.