Problems with File Storage? Store it in the CLOUDS!

Yes, that's right!

If you're not yet aware of Cloud Storage... and most specially if you're an educator - then you should read this!

How Cloud Storage Works
At its most basic level, a cloud storage system needs just one data server connected to the Internet. A client (e.g., a computer user subscribing to a cloud storage service) sends copies of files over the Internet to the data server, which then records the information. When the client wishes to retrieve the information, he or she accesses the data server through a Web-based interface. The server then either sends the files back to the client or allows the client to access and manipulate the files on the server itself. (discussion from howstuffworks.com)


Personal Choice
I have three personal choice out of these free cloud storage providers - the SkyDrive, Dropbox and Mediafire. Lately a friend from college recommended a newly launch cloud storage - Copy.

1. SkyDrive

SkyDrive is Microsoft's syncing solution, and in our testing, it works very smoothly. SkyDrive starts things off right by offering 7GB of free storage, which is best in class. If you move quickly (and have used SkyDrive before), you can quickly nab 25GB of total free storage space. SkyDrive really excels at syncing documents created using OneNote and other Microsoft Office products like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. SkyDrive creates an experience akin to iCloud, but for Microsoft products — except you can also edit documents in groups like you can with Box or Dropbox. And like with Drive (and Google Docs), you can edit (and create) documents for free within your browser.

SkyDrive also lets you share public links, view-only private links, and view/edit private links, which is nice to have. Unfortunately, there's no sharing yet from the Mac app and you can't download items for offline viewing on all mobile platforms. But as a whole, In the end, SkyDrive makes for an extremely well-rounded entry — especially if you forgot to sync something with it. If your home PC is turned on, you can still access all your files using SkyDrive's "Fetch" feature. (review of theverge.com)

2. Dropbox

Dropbox is the go-to solution for syncing files across multiple devices for a reason. It's a no-brainer to use, allows groups to share files with a couple clicks, and offers few settings for you to mess up. Perhaps the app's greatest strength is the API it's built on, which hundreds of developers have used to create apps that utilize Dropbox. It's right up there with Evernote as the most developer-friendly storage/syncing platforms that apps can leverage to help you access your data everywhere. But, Dropbox does have some drawbacks: It offers just 2GB of storage for free, and forces you to keep everything you need synced inside of just one folder (though you can pick which folders you want synced within your Dropbox). (review of theverge.com)

3. Mediafire

MediaFire is an online storage, backup and file-sharing service offering free and premium accounts to suit the personal and business user. It offers 50 GB secure storage, 200MB maximum file size – completely free, supported by third-party advertising. Launched in 2005, MediaFire is one of the more popular services of its kind, offering “cloud storage for everyone” and attracting 60 million users annually. Offering an easy-to-use interface and the ability to create image galleries as well as sharing of documents and presentations online, the service has long retained its popularity with casual and professional users alike. (review of bestonlinefilestorage.net)

4. Copy

Copy provides 15GB FREE storage PLUS 5GB of additional free storage for every referral (both themselves and the person they introduce to Copy for each referral earns 5GB), with no limit on the total capacity they can earn. The average Copy referrer has earned well over 60GB of free storage, with the largest referrers earning space in the 10s of TBs. Copy is the easiest way to store, protect and share amazing things. It keeps your computers in sync and your files available from anywhere, even on your mobile devices. With Copy, you can also easily share files with anyone publicly or privately. Copy for companies extends the cloud storage and sharing benefits into corporate environments with user and group management and added control of proprietary company data. (from copy.com)

Image Source: http://www.cloudbackuping.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cloudstorage-comparison-chart.jpg

References:

How Cloud Storage Works. http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing/cloud-storage1.htm
10 Free Cloud Storage Services Comparison Chart. http://www.cloudbackuping.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cloudstorage-comparison-chart.jpg
Review About SkyDrive & Dropbox. http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/24/2954960/google-drive-dropbox-skydrive-sugarsync-cloud-storage-competition
Review About Mediafire. http://bestonlinefilestorage.net/mediafire-review/
Copy "Copies" Google with 15 GB of Free Storage. https://www.copy.com/about/pr