Microsoft OneDrive 24.216.1027.0001

Winner Best software in 2014 - Cloud Storage.

Overview

SkyDrive is an easy and fast way to back up, share, store your files across a network of your devices - PCs, tablets, phones and the like. SkyDrive is an application that functions as an interface between your PC and the SkyDrive storage system by Microsoft. This powerful online sync and store tool offers 7GB of free online storage space. The desktop SkyDrive app allows you to sync files as big as 2GB in size. The approach is similar to that of Dropbox with a handy SkyDrive folder on your computer. Copy the file or folder to your SkyDrive folder on your PC, and web SkyDrive synchronizes simultaneously. Equally, delete a file from your PC folder and it will disappear from your web interface.

Installation

This freeware installs on Windows 7/ 8/ Vista machine. The only obvious requirements are Windows Live account, Internet connection, processor 1.6 GHz or higher, Pentium IV or higher and Memory 1 GB of RAM or higher. There are no hidden apps or toolbars that come with the installation. The good point here is a user can choose what folders to synchronize and whether to grant SkyDrive web app access to fetch any files and folders from his PC. A user also can choose the folder location on his computer.

Interface

The interface is that of your Windows Explorer. The application integrates with your system, and you can see the SkyDrive folder in your libraries, or wherever you chose to locate it. You can immediately proceed with copying the files and entire folders you wish to store in your cloud. All formats and sizes are supported, provided you fit into the 7GB free storage. Otherwise, you can choose to upgrade to a paid plan. After you have synchronized your files with SkyDrive, you can access them from any device that has SkyDrive installed and connected to your personal account. Drag-and-drop works perfectly fine, as well as copy paste. The upload is simultaneous, but the speed depends on the file size and your connection. The application displays a 'check' on files that have been successfully uploaded. A user gets to choose which files to make public, and which ones need to remain private.

Pros

- Ease of access. Your synchronized PC files are accessible from the web interface.
- A drag-and-drop feature allows for quick synchronization.
- Easy to organize and a pleasure to manage, SkyDrive provides free web applications of Microsoft Word, Excel, image editor, and more.
- Fetch feature allows for a quick sync of files you forgot to upload to SkyDrive. It is possible to upgrade for a larger storage with paid plans.
- Share your files with anyone with a simple share link or via email.
- It is an excellent alternative to external storage devices, like USBs. The app runs hidden in the system tray, and all you need to do is right-click to open SkyDrive folder or access its settings.

Cons

This might not be a con, but some may expect more functions or a larger storage available for free.

Alternatives

Microsoft SkyDrive is an easy, quick and reliable solution to sync your files with your cloud storage and have access to it from wherever you have Internet connection and a device with SkyDrive installed, be it a PC, tablet, cell phone or Mac. The application is simple, easy to use, navigate and set permissions, which makes it a rather transparent and safe solution. Free Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote in a web browser are very convenient to access and edit.

Winner Best software in 2014 - Cloud Storage.