Google Drive
Contents
About
Google Drive is a cloud based storage system. Cloud based means that the information uploaded or created with Google Drive remains on Google's servers. This is an additional protection against data loss if your hard drive fails, or your files become inaccessible. Google Drive is available to all users that have a Google login. Google Drive lets you create documents (text document, spreadsheet, slideshow) and store them online accessible with your Google credentials. Documents created in Google Drive are able to be shared and edited with people you grant access. You can also upload documents to Google Drive and access them from location you have a connection to the Internet.
If you are a 鶹Ƶ user, you have a Google Drive account associated with 鶹Ƶ. If you are also a Gmail user, you have at least two Google Drive Accounts (one for each gmail account, and one 鶹Ƶ account). These two accounts are separate, however you are able to share the documents between the accounts.
How Do I Access my Account/Files?
That's a great question! The method for access varies depending on which account you wish to access.
- 鶹Ƶ account
The login process for accessing your 鶹Ƶ Gooogle drive looks slightly different. After visiting , enter your full 鶹Ƶ email in the email field. This mean "username@gustavus.edu", and not "username@gac.edu". You can either enter your 鶹Ƶ password or not. Whether or not you enter your password does not matter, because Google recognizes the 鶹Ƶ account, and forwards you to the 鶹Ƶ login page.
- Gmail account
If you are looking to access your Google Drive account associated with a gmail address, visit . You will then be prompted with a login screen. Input your gmail email address and your password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you may be asked to enter a code before Google Drive will allow you to access your files. Two Factor Authentication is optional and takes deliberate, specific steps to set up. If you're reading this, and have no idea what two-factor authentication is, you likely don't have it and thus, do not need to worry. For more information regarding two-factor authentication, please see
Sharing Folders/Files
To share a file or folder with others on Google Drive, simply right click on the folder/file you want to share (this will be a Control click if you do not have a right mouse button). Go to share as displayed below.
Click on share. When the new window pops up, enter the e-mails of the google accounts of the people you want to share the folder/file with in the space near the bottom. Then click "Done." The people you shared the file with should be able to find it in their "Shared With Me" folder in their Drive.
How much can my Drive hold?
Your 鶹Ƶ Google Drive account has unlimited storage space, while regular Gmail Google Drive accounts have a 15GB limit to share between your Gmail email storage and Drive storage.
Uploading a Folder
Google Drive allows for single file upload as well as a folder full of documents to make uploading a lot of files easier. To upload a folder while using Google Chrome, click and drag your folder onto the Google Drive web page. You will see a big blue circle with a (+) on it and it also will say "Incoming."
Google Drive Desktop Application
Google gives you the option of installing Google Drive on your computer. This means that you will have a Google Drive folder stored on your computer that is connected to your Google Drive. Saving a file in your Google Drive folder on your computer means that your computer will also save it online. This is very useful as a backup for important files.
To install the Desktop Application, follow and choose the type of Device (Mac, Android, PC, etc) that you are using.
More Questions?
Please visit . If in need of further assistance with your 鶹Ƶ Google Drive, please call Technology Services at 507-933-6111.