Have you ever thought how helpful it would be to access files from anywhere that there is an internet connection? How about online backup for important files? And the ability to restore them anywhere? There are a number of FREE services that allow all of that, plus the ability to transfer very large files, say 50MB, easily. These services all start with a basic amount of free storage, usually two GB and the ability to increase that for a monthly fee.
However, if you use MSN or Hotmail, you can set up a Windows Live SkyDrive account with 25 GB of FREE online storage. This can be a mix of public and private folders. For example, lets say you have a large number of documents that you might need while traveling, you can upload them to Microsoft Live SkyDrive in a private folder, not to be shared, then log on from anywhere and access them. Or, you are traveling and have taken a number of pictures and filled a media card. If you can access the media card from a public computer, you can upload the files and delete the pictures from the media card. There are two issues here of which you need to be aware. Many public computers don't allow you th upload data through a USB port or card reader (possible viruses) and you have to have faith that all went well if you are going to delete images ftom your media card. You will probably want to sign off and sign on again to check that the files are in fact safely stored on line. ONLY then delete the files.
As Microsoft competes with Google (and Google Docs) they have added a feature to Live SkyDrive - the ability to create documents in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint or OneNote formats. When you have logged on, go to your My Documents Folder, select New and a Drop Down Menu appears with the following choices: Word document, Excel workbook, PowerPoint presentation, OneNote notebook, Folder. Select an application,and you'll be presented with a place to enter the file name. (Note that the file will have the standard Microsoft extensions (.docx; .xlsx; .pptx) followed by an "x". Enter a file name and select Save and you will be presented with a limited application to creAte and/or edit the document.
Conversely, you can upload Microsoft document created by Word, Excel or PowerPoint and select the "Edit in Browser" option and edit it before saving it or downloading. This would allow collaboration, even if the PC you are using to access the internet doesn't have Microsoft applications.
More details on using Live SkyDrive in future posts, but go to www.skydrive.com to sign up and explore the options.
Other options include idrive, box net, dropsend, and Google Docs. In addition, there are a number of photo specific options.
Furure posts will discuss other options and the difference between using these sites and photo sharing sites.
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