Data Backup Digest

Google Drive has been a popular choice for backing up files to a desktop computer for quite some time now, but its much-needed replacement is finally here. The new Backup and Sync program, officially launched in mid-2017, is actually meant as a substitution for both Google Drive and Google Photos and, although its public release was delayed by two weeks, users are already head-over-heels about its accessibility, efficiency and ease-of-use.

In fact, Google Backup and Sync can be seen as an upgrade to the older format of Google Drive. Whereas Drive could only backup the files that were contained in your Drive folder, Google Backup and Sync actually works with your entire computer. There’s no reason to seek out multiple programs and different utilities to archive the various files and folders on your computer – Backup and Sync is your one-stop shop for data archival.

How to Use Google Backup and Sync

The process of archiving files with Google Backup and Sync is incredibly easy. Just follow our handy guide to get started:

1. Download the Backup and Sync app from Google Play or the App Store.

2. After downloading, installing and launching the program, sign into your Google account or create a new one.

3. Check the boxes next to the files and folders you wish to backup. You’ll also be given the option to choose the quality of your photos and videos, a throwback to Google Photos.

4. Click “OK” and begin the process of syncing. You can view the progress while it’s happening, and your synced files will end up with a green checkmark next to them after it’s complete.

5. If you want to sync your newly uploaded image with Google Photos, simple re-launch Google Backup and Sync and navigate to “Preferences.” This also gives you the option of uploading files from any external devices, such as a flash drive or SD card.

And that’s all there is to it! From now on, any changes made to the files within your Google Drive folder will sync in all other locations on your desktop. This makes it easy to access and view your files from anywhere and at anytime.

The Future of Google and the Consumer Market

It is important to note that Google Backup and Sync is geared toward consumers. As stated in a supporting blog post: “Backup and Sync is primarily intended for consumer users. We recommend that our G Suite customers continue to use Drive for Mac/PC until our new enterprise-focused solution, Drive File Stream (currently in EAP), is made generally available to all G Suite Basic, Business, Enterprise, Education, and Nonprofit domains later this year. Drive File Stream will allow users to access huge corporate data sets without taking up the equivalent space on their hard drives.”

To find out more information about Google, including details on any of their latest projects, services, developments or news, please visit their {{https://www.google.com/intl/en/about/products/|officical website}}.