Cloud Storage - Is it worth it


TraceyW

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Hi

I am seriously considering using cloud storage. I've not done so thus far due to the time needed to upload the sort of files I want to place in the cloud since currently I only have an 8Mbps upload speed. However, next week we'll be upgraded to Full Fibre 500 with BT since it has arrived in our locale and this should give us 73Mbps upload.

My current plan with BT already gives me 1TB cloud storage but having downloaded and installed the cloud app on my PC I'm damned if I know how it works as I can find little to no info about it. Not to be put off I've been looking at the way other services work and quite frankly I'm very little better off - possibly apart from one, Icedrive. However, I'm beginning to wonder whether its worth the hassle for what I want to do. All I am after is a means of uploading my Macrium Reflect backup files so I know they are safe in the unlikely, but always possible, event of the worst happening.

I have three lots of files for each of three PCs that would need to be uploaded on a rotating basis one PC per week. But is this a good use of a cloud service or should I retain the system I have at the moment, i.e. multiple copies of the last weeks files and at least two/three copies of the two/three weeks prior to that (not worded very well but I hope you know what I mean). The biggest file I would have to upload is around 320GB and another at around 215GB but all others are somewhat smaller than these.

So! Is it worth spending time uploading to a cloud service and indeed is there a limit imposed on the maximum size of files. These are all things I just don't know since I am a raw beginner in all this. Therefore if anyone can put me wise it would be very much appreciated and I thank you in advance.

Tracey
 
Windows Build/Version
21H2

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Cloud storage is rather expensive and I would opt for buying storage IE.. HDD drives for backup. HDD is a one time cost.. cloud storage is a monthly expense.

HTH
Jeff
 

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Cloud storage is great when you need files in multiple places across multiple devices. It's also nice in that it gives you a backup of sorts, so if your local computer dies, you don't necessarily lose your files.

As far as cost goes, i guess it depends. Since I was paying for Office 365 anyway, for my $99 a year, I get 6 user accounts who each get 1TB of cloud space. This works great for my family. Have all of our cell phones auto backing up to OneDrive, so nobody ever looses anything.
 

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Microsoft OneDrive was flaky when I used it, it didn't consistently copy all the files that it should and often created duplicate files for no reason, that was a good while ago. I used Google Drive for a while with no problems, but I now use Dropbox because I can send someone a link for them to upload a file to share with me, handy for my video upscaling sideline. I have it set to mirror my documents and backups, mainly so if the house burns down, my data is safe. I use the Android app Dropsync to sync the folder containing my podcasts and audiobooks from my phone so my two phones, tablet and PC always have the up to date files. My only grumble is it's a bit fiddly to set up Dropbox to use a custom location for files, but most folk would probably be happy with the defaults.
 

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    Windows 11
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BT cloud storage is dead easy to use. Go online to mybt and there should be a link to setup bt cloud account, then you use BT app to set up folders that sync to online. I have 1 TB as well but I prefer to use onedrive. I tend to use my BT Cloud for older backups.

A 320GB file is huge and would take ages to upload. Just a minor glitch and upload will fail. I would break it down into say 10x32GB so you can back them up individually - less risk of a glitch and if one glitches, you do not have to reupload everything.

I know Macrium Reflect Free can break a large file into a number of smaller files - just tried it with 20GB max size per file. Not sure what the upper limit is but even at 20 GB that would only be 16 files.

Even though BT is fairly fast at 8 MB/s, 320 GB will take 40,000 seconds approx i.e. over 10 hours. Break file into smaller sections and you could do a few each night for 2 or 3 nights.

BT cloud allegedly has no maximum file size if you use BT app but long time since I tried it.
 
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    Yep, Laptop has one.
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    16 GB
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Cloud storage is rather expensive and I would opt for buying storage IE.. HDD drives for backup. HDD is a one time cost.. cloud storage is a monthly expense.

HTH
Jeff
OP has 1TB of cloud storage as part of ISP contract.
 

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    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
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    ASUS Vivobook 14
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    I7
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    16 GB
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    Integrated Intel Iris XE
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    Realtek built in
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    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
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Consider cloud storage as a resource for sharing/accessing data/files between devices, only.

NEVER as the sole backup option, always maintain a local hard backup (as well?)

Also remember that many cloud storage services/software are SYNCHING services, not backup. Many a user has been bitten by deleting files off their device because they're already "in the cloud", only to find auto synching has also subsequently deleted the files from the cloud storage to match the device ... Now, I wonder why I immediately think of OneDrive ...?:grrr:

Note there is a difference between "cloud storage" and off-site (cold) backup services. The term "cloud" has become a bit too generic and is bandied about indiscriminately to describe these services, as well.
 
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    Samsung NVMe 512GB
    + numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
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    NBN FTTN 50
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    Brave
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    KIS
Microsoft OneDrive was flaky when I used it, it didn't consistently copy all the files that it should and often created duplicate files for no reason, that was a good while ago.
As I like to say, there's always that person who comes up with the horror story. I don't care what it is, someone has a negative.

Anyway, maybe I'm lucky, maybe I know how to use the program, but I've had no issues with OneDrive. I drop and retrieve all sorts of files without issue.

I also love the fact that OneDrive will sync with any device running the OneDrive app (of course sign in is required). As a student, I have both a laptop and desktop, so when I'm in class doing my work, I just drop the files in the OneDrive folder. When I get home, I don't even have to grab my laptop, just go to the OneDrive folder on the desktop and retrieve my work. I can also access file online by signing into OneDrive.

I find OneDrive so convenient its now one of my must have apps. Even better is you get 1TB of free storage with Office 365 :)
 

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    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (Build 22631.3296)
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    Intel i9-9900K
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    Gigabyte Aorus Z390 Xtreme
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    32G (4x8) DDR4 Corsair RGB Dominator Platinum (3600Mhz)
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    Onboard (ESS Sabre HiFi using Realtek drivers)
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    5 Samsung SSD drives: 2X 970 NVME (512 & 1TB), 3X EVO SATA (2X 2TB, 1X 1TB)
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    Win 10 Pro 22H2 (build 19045.2130)
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    Intel i7-7700K
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    Gigabyte GA-Z270X-GAMING 8
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    This is my backup system.
I don't fancy my files floating around the earth. I prefer old school hard drive
 

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    Windows 11
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    Asus 570 plus
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    32
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    samsung 4k 28"
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    2 x 1 gb nvme
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    Corsair 650w
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    midi tower
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    Watercooled
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    rgb wireless
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    wireless logitech
    Internet Speed
    50m
    Browser
    Edge
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    Defender
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    Windows 11 pro
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    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink
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    Amd ryzen 5 5600H (Cezanne)
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    beelink
    Memory
    32 gig
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    Vega
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    2 x 1tb nvme
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    50m
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    edge
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    Windows 11 Pro (Beta Build 22635.3350)
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    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware
With each reply I read I'm getting the feeling I shouldn't bother with cloud storage but there are some things I don't understand.

A couple of responders have used abbreviations without explaining what they mean. BunnyJ says buy storage IE but what is storage IE - it means nothing to me as its a term I've never seen or heard used before! Again, cerebus uses the term OP but what the heck does that mean although it sounds like you're talking about an ISP (no I'm not perfect and have never claimed to be but ISP is such a common term these days). Please, if you're going to use abbreviations please spell it out and follow it with the abbreviation in brackets so those who don't know the term know what you're talking about. Can I please ask the individuals concerned to please explain what the term they have used actually means to give me a better idea of what they are saying.

In all honesty though I really do appreciate the responses and it has given me a good deal of food for thought - its just the question of what IE storage is that I can't take into consideration because I don't know what it is.

Tracey
 

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    Windows 10/11 (dual boot)
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    Ryzen 5 3600
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    MSI MAG B550M Mortar mATX
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    Corsair Vengeance LPX Black 2x16GB 3200MHz
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    RTL ALC1200 7.1 HD
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    Acer QG271 27" + Acer G276HLA 27"
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    Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 NVMe 250GB (x2)
    Sandisk SSD 240GB; WD Blue HD 3TB
    WD MyBook 3TB Ext
    PSU
    Corsair CX550M 550W
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    Fractal Design Define C Mini
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    Corsair Hydro H80i v2 AIO
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    Logitech K520 (wireless)
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    Logitech M310 (wireless) & M110 (wired)
    Internet Speed
    Approx 35-36Mbs
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    Firefox (main) & Edge
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes Premium & MS Defender
    Other Info
    Printers: CutePDF, Epson ET-2500 AIO
    Wacom Tablet CTL-4100 (small)
    Canon 110 Scanner
@TraceyW

Cloud storage is like putting all your important files, in a file cabinet and then setting that file cabinet on the street corner, with a sign on it saying: "Check it out".

As someone mentioned... hard drives are a one time cost.


Another thing to consider is shrinking the size of your backups, by re-evaluating your backup methods.


Consider these 8TB or greater, hard drive's cost vs. any cloud solution's cost...


Internal...

External...



Maybe two of these (one an exact copy of the other). Easy to grab on the way out the door, in case of fire or whatever...


2.2 lbs. each. 3 year warranty.
5000Mb/s through a USB 3.2 GEN 1 port.
 
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  • OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦22631.3374 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦23H2
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    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 4702)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
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    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Internet Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 13 years?
If you're a Microsoft Office user, then the Microsoft 365 Personal + 1 TB (1000 GB) OneDrive storage is a great deal.
If you choose Microsoft 365 Family, 6 family members including yourself gets Office + 1 TB (1000 GB per Person [6 TB Total])

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Stigg's Build
    CPU
    Intel Core i9-10900X
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE X299X DESIGNARE 10G
    Memory
    Corsair 64 GB (4 x 16 GB) CMW64GX4M4C3000C15 Vengeance RGB Pro 3000Mhz DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1660 Super Mini ITX 6 GB OC
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 27" FHD LED FreeSync Gaming Monitor (LS27F350FHEXXY)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 Pro Series 1TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
    Western Digital Red Pro WD8003FFBX-68B9AN0 8 TB, 7200 RPM, SATA-III
    Western Digital Red Pro WD8003FFBX-68B9AN0 8 TB, 7200 RPM, SATA-III
    PSU
    Corsair HX1200 1200W 80 Plus Platinum
    Case
    Fractal Design Define 7 Black Solid Case
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15 Chromax Black
    Keyboard
    Razer Ornata V2
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Essential
    Internet Speed
    FTTN 100Mbps / 40Mbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    N/A
    Other Info
    Logitech BRIO 4k Ultra HD USB-C Webcam
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Zephyrus M GM501GS
    CPU
    Core i7-8750H
    Motherboard
    Zephyrus M GM501GS
    Memory
    SK Hynix 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) HMA82GS6CJR8N-VK 16 GB DDR4-2666 DDR4 SDRAM
    Graphics card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC294
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AU Optronics B156HAN07.1 [15.6" LCD]
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung MZVKW512HMJP-00000 512 GB, PCI-E 3.0 x4
    Samsung SSD 860 QVO 4TB 4 TB, SATA-III
    PSU
    N/A
    Case
    N/A
    Cooling
    N/A
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder Essential
    Keyboard
    PC/AT Enhanced PS2 Keyboard (101/102-Key)
    Internet Speed
    FTTN 100Mbps / 40Mbps
    Browser
    Mozilla Firefox
    Antivirus
    N/A
    Other Info
    USB2.0 HD UVC Webcam
@TraceyW

IE - is another way of saying "For Example" so it would read "buying storage for example HDD drives for backup"

OP - means "Original Poster" so it would read "Original Poster" has 1TB of cloud storage as part of ISP contract"
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build-22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Intel S1200 Core i3 10105
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte S1200 MicroATX B560M DS3H DDR4
    Memory
    32.0 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI GT710 2GB PCIe Video Card
    Sound Card
    Realtek® Audio CODEC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual Acer 24in
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial P1 M.2 PCIe SSD
    PSU
    500W
    Case
    Thermaltake ATX Versa H21 Case
    Cooling
    Internal fans by (3)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 850
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless mouse
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps / 20Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender, Malwarebyte
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 Build-22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built Test-PC
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-4460 CPU @ 3.20GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS S1150 MicroATX B85M-E
    Memory
    12.0 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Video Card
    Sound Card
    Integrated Sound Card
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Chimei 22"
    Screen Resolution
    1680 x 1050
    Hard Drives
    120GB WD 2.5" Green SATA 6Gb/s SSD
    1TB WD 3.5" 7200rpm SATA 6Gb/s Caviar Blue
    PSU
    400W
    Case
    Cougar MicroATX MG100 Case Black
    Cooling
    Deepcool 120mm Case Fan
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless mouse
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless keyboard
    Internet Speed
    50Mbps / 20Mbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Only running Win 11 on this PC for test purposes
My opinion is...use an external hard drive. When using a "cloud" service you are putting your files/data on someone else's computer. Then you "they" can do what they want with them. If they go out of business, who do you think the files belong too? I bet there is a user agreement form that you just said ok to (where all guilty of this) that will tell you that your files now belong to them. Umm.

I do use onedrive but only for things I really don't care about...but nothing important.

Just my .2 cents. Hope this helps.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidea??
    Sound Card
    MB Sound only
    Hard Drives
    m2.nvme
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus
    Case
    Cougar
    Cooling
    Enermax Liquid CPU
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    2.5 GB
    Browser
    BRAVE
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
@TraceyW

Cloud storage is like putting all your important files, in a file cabinet and then setting that file cabinet on the street corner, with a sign on it saying: "Check it out".
Guess it all depends upon what your files are. For example, the vast majority of my files in the cloud are
1). Personal pictures taken with my cell phone. Nothing super private here, these pictures go on facebook and the like
2). Quick documents that I have written describing how I set something up or a small script that I wrote. Hardly anything sensitive
3). Notes about a variety of things, for example the spare parts that my lawn mower takes, or the maintenance logs for my cars.
4). Backup copies of my licensed software that I have bought. In case I lose my home copy. Again, nothing private.


So it really comes down to what you store in these files. For things like tax returns and the like, I don't store them in the cloud, I keep them on a drive at home. But if I were to store them in a cloud, I could use the vault functionality of OneDrive to store them securely there, in an ecrypted format. That keeps them pretty safe. And for a person who isn't diligent about taking bckups of their data, in the event of a hard drive failure, or something more catastrophic (like when my sisters house burned down), having a copy of the data offsite could indeed prove valuable.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink SEI8
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8279u
    Motherboard
    AZW SEI
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 2666Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus 655
    Sound Card
    Intel SST
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus ProArt PA278QV
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVMe
    PSU
    NA
    Case
    NA
    Cooling
    NA
    Keyboard
    NA
    Mouse
    NA
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Mini PC used for testing Windows 11.
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900x
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    64GB DDR4-3600
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2TB WD SN850 PCI-E Gen 4 NVMe
    2TB Sandisk Ultra 2.5" SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus 850
    Case
    Fractal Meshify S2 in White
    Cooling
    Dark Rock Pro CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm case fans
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Corsiar K65 RGB Lux
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender.
Hi

I am seriously considering using cloud storage. I've not done so thus far due to the time needed to upload the sort of files I want to place in the cloud since currently I only have an 8Mbps upload speed. However, next week we'll be upgraded to Full Fibre 500 with BT since it has arrived in our locale and this should give us 73Mbps upload.

My current plan with BT already gives me 1TB cloud storage but having downloaded and installed the cloud app on my PC I'm damned if I know how it works as I can find little to no info about it. Not to be put off I've been looking at the way other services work and quite frankly I'm very little better off - possibly apart from one, Icedrive. However, I'm beginning to wonder whether its worth the hassle for what I want to do. All I am after is a means of uploading my Macrium Reflect backup files so I know they are safe in the unlikely, but always possible, event of the worst happening.

I have three lots of files for each of three PCs that would need to be uploaded on a rotating basis one PC per week. But is this a good use of a cloud service or should I retain the system I have at the moment, i.e. multiple copies of the last weeks files and at least two/three copies of the two/three weeks prior to that (not worded very well but I hope you know what I mean). The biggest file I would have to upload is around 320GB and another at around 215GB but all others are somewhat smaller than these.

So! Is it worth spending time uploading to a cloud service and indeed is there a limit imposed on the maximum size of files. These are all things I just don't know since I am a raw beginner in all this. Therefore if anyone can put me wise it would be very much appreciated and I thank you in advance.

Tracey
Im not into any business stuff nor do I have private or confidential things I need kept safe, however I use cloud storage for my Ebooks and the apps I use so i can reinstall easily as Ive been throught the multitude of software to backup my PC only to have it fail on me twice. So now thats all i store in the cloud. And with that Ill tell you I use the typical..Google, Mega, Dropbox and a few other popular ones. I did try out a few newer ones I researched and only to have all my stuff deleted and gone the next day. So, with that in mind it really may just be a matter of which one you trust. Now granted Google or similar others may be totally safe to use but I explained my story to suggest It can be a great thing but use caution as it can also be not so great. Good luck.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Version 22H2(OS Build 22621.963)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    AMD
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 8 Core
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte X570 Aorus Pro WiFi
    Memory
    32 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    PCI Express 3.0 x16: PowerColor RX Vega 56 Red Dragon
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220 and AMD Greenland - High Definition Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 - 27 inch Westinghouse
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SSD - 2 TB each
    1 HDD - 2 TB
    Keyboard
    logitech
    Mouse
    logitech
    Internet Speed
    1 GB
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Avast Premium
@TraceyW

IE - is another way of saying "For Example" so it would read "buying storage for example HDD drives for backup"

OP - means "Original Poster" so it would read "Original Poster" has 1TB of cloud storage as part of ISP contract"
IE stands for that is from the Latin id est. For example is eg from exempli gratia.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 22H2 22635.3286
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 Pro 4650G
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B550M DS3H
    Memory
    16 Gb DDR4 3200 Corsaire Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    On CPU: Radeon Vega 7
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 Pro USB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2312HM + Dell U2412M
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200 Dell U2412M 1920x1080 Dell U2312HM
    Hard Drives
    Crucial CT250P2SSD8 System; Sandisk SDSSDA240G Apps; Seagate 2Tb HDD Data
    PSU
    Corsair Bronze 550W
    Case
    No idea, got it from my son
    Cooling
    standard
    Keyboard
    Aukey KM-G12
    Mouse
    Micrsoft bluetooth
    Internet Speed
    3.7 Mbs
    Browser
    Brave / Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows / Malwarebytes
With each reply I read I'm getting the feeling I shouldn't bother with cloud storage but there are some things I don't understand.

A couple of responders have used abbreviations without explaining what they mean. BunnyJ says buy storage IE but what is storage IE - it means nothing to me as its a term I've never seen or heard used before! Again, cerebus uses the term OP but what the heck does that mean although it sounds like you're talking about an ISP (no I'm not perfect and have never claimed to be but ISP is such a common term these days). Please, if you're going to use abbreviations please spell it out and follow it with the abbreviation in brackets so those who don't know the term know what you're talking about. Can I please ask the individuals concerned to please explain what the term they have used actually means to give me a better idea of what they are saying.

In all honesty though I really do appreciate the responses and it has given me a good deal of food for thought - its just the question of what IE storage is that I can't take into consideration because I don't know what it is.

Tracey

IE should be written i.e. - a widely and commonly used expression from the Latin id est which means "that is" (not technical/computer related)

OP, a standard across multiple internet forums referring to either the Original Post (message) and/or the Original Poster's (person) messages (first and/or subsequent messages)

HTH (Hope This Helps ;-))
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 22H2 (latest update ... forever anal)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Slim S01
    CPU
    Intel i5-9400
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT730
    Sound Card
    OOBE
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 32"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2 x 1TB SSDs
    PSU
    OOBE
    Case
    OOBE
    Cooling
    OOBE
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless
    Internet Speed
    Classic Australian w.a.p.
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro (latest upadte ... anally always)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion 15
    CPU
    i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Hard Drives
    Samsung NVMe 512GB
    + numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
    Internet Speed
    NBN FTTN 50
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
I don't fancy my files floating around the earth. I prefer old school hard drive
As long as you follow the 3-2-1 backup rule it's fine. Three backups, on at least two different storage media, one at a remote location.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 22H2 OS Build 22621.675
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 5482 2-in-1
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-8565U
    Memory
    8GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BenQ
    Internet Speed
    1Gbps/300Mbps (nominal)
    Browser
    Chrome, Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Defender UI, Voodooshield

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