1. T. Meredith, UWE Ed Tech Specialist
File Management Tips
T. Meredith, UWE Ed Tech Specialist
January 24, 2017

2. Managing files in the Cloud

3. Why use Cloud services for storage?
Can access your files from any computer/device with internet access
If your computer hard drive crashes, you still have all your files
You can share files and manage versions/drafts in one location
With some services, you can create and edit documents “in the Cloud” without needing to install software
Price – most services have a “free” version

4. To sync or not to sync?
Most Cloud services have several file management/storage options:
Store everything in the Cloud ONLY, or
Store everything in the Cloud AND sync all files to your computer’s hard drive, or
Store everything in the Cloud AND sync all files to multiple computers/devices
Pros:
Syncing files to your computer/device means you can access and edit them without internet access
All changes made to a document (online or offline) are automatically saved to ALL versions of that file
Cons:
Syncing all your files can fill up your computer/device storage VERY quickly
Deleting/changing a file in one location will delete/change it in ALL locations

5. Other considerations Security Privacy
When deciding where to sync your files, consider how easy it is to access them. Your work computer requires a username/password, but does your tablet? Your phone? If you sync your files to those devices, who might be able to access them?
Privacy
No Cloud service is 100% secure, and each has its own “Terms of Service” that defines what it can and cannot do with your data. If you will be storing sensitive data (personal information, health or financial documents, etc.) choose your Cloud service carefully.

6. Services Comparison Free storage: 2GB Earn more free storage? Yes
Pro plan: 1 TB for $10/mo
Terms of Service:
You retain full ownership to your stuff. We don’t claim any ownership to any of it. These Terms do not grant us any rights to your stuff or intellectual property except for the limited rights that are needed to run the Services.
Free storage: 15GB
Earn more free storage? No
Pro plan: 100GB for $2/mo, 1 TB for $10/mo
Terms of Service:
You give Google a worldwide license to use, host, store, reproduce, modify, create derivative works, communicate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute [your] content.
Free storage: 1 TB
Earn more free storage? No
Pro plan: NA
Terms of Service:
You remain the sole owner of [your] data: you retain the rights, title, and interest in the data. It’s our policy to not mine your data for advertising purposes or use your data except for purposes consistent with providing you cloud productivity services. (HIPAA and FERPA compliant)

7. File Management – Best Practices
Sharing – use work/professional when creating and sharing
Naming – be clear, concise, use DATE, no spaces, etc.
Ex: TenThingsPPT-draft-TM.pptx
Version/Draft – use version # and/or date on documents
If you do NOT want to invite editing, PDF the document before saving and sharing it

8. File Conversion - Zamzar
Zamzar.com
Free (up to 50 MB) file conversion
Upload the file you need converted
Select the filetype you want
Enter your to receive a link with your converted file
Conversion may take a few minutes or more depending on the size of the file

9. Get credit toward your “Tech-spert” badge!
Activity
Get credit toward your “Tech-spert” badge!
Create a well-named file (no spaces, include date, etc.) and share it via Dropbox or Google Drive with someone in your office OR
Convert a document or picture to another format using Zamzar (
When you have finished, go to this Google form and fill it out to receive credit:

10. Questions? Tamara Meredith, tamara.meredith@uwyo.edu