TECH SPECIAL...Now Get Free Online Storage Of UP TO 125 GB

Now Get Free Online Storage Of UP TO 125 GB
Hard drives can crash and laptops can get stolen, but you can protect your data from any eventuality by storing your files online.

ADrive www.adrive.com

ADRIVE OFFERS 50GB free storage for personal use. After a quick sign-up and verification routine, it loads up a web-interface using which you can view/edit files stored online. Since it’s a web-based interface, it works across platforms (but it does require Java). The file manager window lets you search through files and offers quick navigation between all the uploaded files. You can also view files shared with others and a history of uploaded/edited files. The service allows you to upload or download a batch of files simultaneously. You can also upload and download files at the same time. They offer a desktop client for Windows/Mac/Linux but only for paid plans. Unfortunately, Adrive does not offer any mobile app for upload using handheld devices.

Badongo www.badongo.com

BADONGO IS the only one to offer unlimited online storage for free. But there is a catch. Free users have restrictions in terms of downloads per day (4.8GB per day), limited download speed (limited to 500kbps) and no parallel downloads (only one file can be downloaded at a time). However, the service offers multiple ways to access content. You can either use the web file manager, Windows/Mac desktop software or the iPhone app. Content is segregated on the basis of file type — if you don't organise into folders, you can choose to view only a particular file type (for example, view all videos or audio only). The web file manager lets you create folders and upload multiple files using the browser, while the desktop file managers allow drag and drop of files and folders. You can search, queue downloads and share files easily. The web interface also shows statistics at a glance (number of downloads and account usage).

Box www.box.com

BOX OFFERS storage ranging from 5 to 50GB depending on how you sign up (A desktop sign up gives you 5GB,but signup using the free iPad app and you'll get 50GB). Although Box does not offer a desktop client to sync files using Windows or Mac, it does offer apps for Android phones and tablets, iPhone/iPod/iPad, BlackBerry phones and the PlayBook tablet. Using the mobile apps, content can be uploaded, viewed and files can be shared with others via email links. The web-based file manager lets you drag and drop files from a PC, create folders as well as create Word and Excel documents using Google Docs. The only issue we found here is that you cannot search for a specific file that you have uploaded.

DropBox www.dropbox.com

THE MOST versatile in terms of content access, Dropbox not only offers a desktop client but also access via apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry devices. You can view and share files directly from the mobile device by downloading the free app and signing in to your account. Dropbox offers 'just' 2GB storage for free — but more space can be earned by inviting friends. The desktop client (Windows/Mac/Linux) seamlessly integrates with the operating system. A Dropbox folder on your PC will automatically update all stored files — accessible directly without the need to open a browser. This way it allows for easy search, drag & drop as well as easy updating. Alternatively, files can be accessed via a web file manager that shows files and folders in a list format with options to create new folders, download & share files.

Microsoft SkyDrive http://skydrive.live.com

SKYDRIVE offers 25GB of free storage and works much like Windows explorer with a folder structure on the left side. Files and folders are visible on the right side and on selecting a file, various functions including copy, delete, edit and download come up automatically. Office documents can be created from within the file manager and can be saved directly to SkyDrive or shared with others. You can add files to a folder simply by draging and dropping it from your hard drive into the browser. Although SkyDrive does not offer a direct app for desktop or mobile, it's by Microsoft — so MS Office programs can access documents stored on SkyDrive and Windows Phone devices support direct upload of images and office documents to SkyDrive.

Pros & Cons

Is online Storage of Data a Good Idea? It sure is ! There are several advantages. For starters, hard drives are susceptible to failure. Imagine all your documents, photographs, videos, email records and contacts vanishing without a trace. Secondly, ease of access. You will be able to access all your data securely from any internet connected PC (or mobile device), anywhere in the world – which means you don’t need to lug your own devices over borders. It’s cheaper — rather than buying additional hard drives or flash drives for storage and backup, going online will save you some money. In fact, even if you simply opt for free accounts from some of the big names in cloud storage (Skydrive, Box, Adrive) you can get a total of 125GB without paying a single Rupee. If one service suits you more than others or you are looking for specific features like online collaboration, you can always explore paid options like Mozy.com which can cost as less as US$ 5 per month for 50GB of secure storage. Plus cloud storage is inherently more secure than the data you store locally — it is offsite, safe from natural disasters, fires, password protected and encrypted if you so wish. Finally, it also makes sense if your devices are prone to theft. But as the old saying goes, don't keep all your eggs in one basket — use multiple providers to store your critical data in case one of them goes bust.

- KARAN BAJAJ AND HITESH BHAGAT