Cloud Storage Introduction
Image by Growtika
Prices accurate as of May 2025
One of the more common pieces of tech jargon around these days is “the cloud”. Like a lot of jargon, it gets applied to so much that it can start to lose all meaning! Generally, when talking about the cloud, we are talking about storing files. In this guide to cloud-based storage, we’re going to quickly and clearly explain what it is and how we can utilise it in our day-to-day tech use.
When anyone talks about sending something to “the cloud”, all that means is that you are a sending a file (whether that is a photo, word document or video) to be saved on an external storage device which you can access via the internet. Usually, the external storage device will be in a massive commercial “data centre” building which contains a huge amount of digital storage space. But you don’t really need to worry about the specifics!
The main thing to remember is that sending something to the cloud means you are creating a copy of a file which is stored somewhere outside your own computer/phone/tablet. Because you can get to one of your files stored on the cloud through the internet, you should be able to access that same file through any device which can connect to the internet. As a simple example, you could take a photo on your phone, upload it to the cloud and download this same photo to your laptop from the cloud without having to physically connect your phone and laptop.
Cloud Storage Pros:
You can immediately access files uploaded to the cloud from any internet connected device logged into your specific storage account from all over the world.
You can easily share your files on the cloud with any number of chosen contacts.
You don’t have to worry about running out of storage space on your own phone/computer etc.
If there is a problem with your own device (e.g. your laptop malfunctions) you won’t lose access to any files which you uploaded to the cloud beforehand.
Cloud Storage Cons:
A reliable internet connection is required to frequently upload and access cloud files. If you experience any internet disruptions, you will have no way to access files only uploaded to the cloud.
If you need a lot of storage space on the cloud, you might have to pay a subscription fee.
If you lose access to your specific cloud service log-in details, you won’t be able to access the files you’ve uploaded.
Your files are potentially at a bigger risk of a cybersecurity hack than those just stored on your own device.
The company which operates the cloud service you use will have access to the files you upload. Different companies have different privacy agreements and record regarding this.
Data centres where files on the cloud are stored use a huge amount of energy and may negatively affect the environment.
Now that you know the basics of how cloud storage operates and its positives and negatives, you need to work out which specific service you want to use (or are already using) to access cloud storage. There are a large number of cloud storage providers, so we’ve compiled a breakdown of four of the biggest and most commonly used services:
Microsoft OneDrive
New computers using Windows usually have OneDrive installed by default – getting rid of it or disabling it can actually be quite difficult! When installed on a Windows computer, OneDrive creates its own folder in Windows Explorer file directory. Adding any file (or folder) to this folder automatically uploads it to The Cloud. You can also access these files by logging into OneDrive from any web browser (or using the iPhone/Android app). Within Windows, OneDrive also encourages you to turn on backup for the standards Documents and Pictures folders. Users should be careful with this however – depending on the number of items stored on your computer, OneDrive uploading these to The Cloud can cause a system slow-down.
Users with a standard Microsoft account get 5GB of OneDrive storage for free. When upgrading to the “Microsoft 365 Personal” subscription (which includes Word, Excel etc.) you get a massive 1TB of OneDrive storage included. OneDrive’s integration with the other Microsoft apps mean it can be a powerful productivity tool for file back up, multi-device syncing and sharing with other users.
Apple iCloud
Apple’s cloud storage platform has fantastic integration with iPhone and enables both seamless photo backup and allows users to effectively expand the storage of their phones (provided they have a constant data or Wi-Fi connection). Apple accounts get 5GB of storage for free. There is a three-tiered “iCloud+” subscription, the most expensive AU$9.99 per month tier coming with a massive 2TB of storage. If you are already invested in the “Apple Ecosystem” (using iPhone, Mac, Apple Watch etc.), using iCloud can be a smooth and well-integrated cloud storage option.
Google Drive
If you have a Google account (if you have an @gmail.com email address you already do) you automatically get 15GB of free storage on Google Drive. This puts it ahead of the competition from the other major players in the free cloud storage space. The “Premium” pricing tier comes with 2TB of storage for AU$14.99 per month. Google’s cloud-based apps Docs (for word documents), Sheets (for spreadsheets) and Slides (for presentations) all use storage based on Google Drive, so sharing and collaboration of shared files is already integrated. The specific Google Drive app for Apple and Android devices also works smoothly and quickly. When used on Android devices (especially Google Pixel phones) it can easily be used to increase the amount of device storage available.
Dropbox
Of the services listed here, Dropbox is the only company which isn’t connected to a major tech hardware manufacturer. If just want cloud storage, Dropbox might be the way to go! Free Dropbox plans come with 2GB of storage while the “Professional” pricing tier comes with a gigantic 3TB of storage for $30.79 per month – this is definitely the option for users with serious cloud storage needs. Like Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox offers a Windows application which can automatically backup specified folders. But also like OneDrive, this app has the tendency to try and upload too much at once! As one of the original cloud storage providers, Dropbox comes with a suite of handy tools to sort and share your cloud files.