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Thread: Thinking of using the cloud storage offerings from MS or Google etc?

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    Smile Thinking of using the cloud storage offerings from MS or Google etc?

    A few have asked me about it, so I duly looked around. Me, I'm just paranoid so I'll store my own but I can see the need for streaming across multiple devices etc, and other uses. So after a little looking about I came across this [whilst I got diverted looking at the new Galaxy 3 articles lol!]

    http://blog.gsmarena.com/reading-the...les-editorial/

    So, good Hexus folk let me reopen that debate; comment?

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    Re: Thinking of using the cloud storage offerings from MS or Google etc?

    I currently use Dropbox and I've recently started with SkyDrive as well as using Bitbucket (code hosting). I thought about Google Drive for as long as it took me to skim the T&Cs, thus not that long.

    Sadly Google already own or rather it feels like they do a fair portion of my soul. I've used Gmail since a week or two after it was released (during the invite only phase). I've held a Hotmail account for prob even longer, though I hardly use it much any more as Gmail is just so straight forward, and well everyone how needs to contact me, uses that address.

    So to the question.

    I'm worried about my stuff been taken/used by another party though I've found the need to access files all over the place, I still carry a USB drive everywhere. The ease of using some form of Cloud storage just makes some things so easy, I was using my main PC last night and needed to transfer a file to my laptop next to me, so I just dropped the file into a folder in Dropbox and it was there by the time I opened the Dropbox folder on the laptop it was there. I do not have a private server, though as soon as financial constraints allow I will most certainly look into this option.

    I must admit the Google T&Cs made me wonder about keeping my email with them though sadly I think they are all much of a muchness. The link you have attached breaks it down, while Google is in your face about it, Microsoft and Dropbox are a little more subtle about it, they all effectively say the same thing, "your stuff are belong to us".

    As these are multinational mega-corporations (maybe not Dropbox) they can and they cannot afford to do what ever they want. On the one side they have to try uphold their reputation and keeping the trust of their customers. On the other hand, as they are so big, what is taking something from some small end user, they could complain but will it really make such a massive dent into the greater scheme of things? Google could probably bury your blog/emails/youtube rant/whatever form of internet complaint so that no one can find it. Microsoft could more then likely find a way of doing something similar.

    So I'm not 100% comfortable using Cloud services, though they are a convenience that I use. I try not to store anything on there that I can't afford to loose. After I get my own personal server, I will more then likely continue to use a Cloud service.

    Hopefully my 2p is coherent, I did not mean to type such a long response.

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    Re: Thinking of using the cloud storage offerings from MS or Google etc?

    I use SkyDrive just for the 25GB I get free and store various things on it JBossApp servers, Web Server stuff, some personal files. It can be easier to get some things via on-line than off a USB these days (especially when dealing with Virtual Servers).
    I trust the services enough with some things such as files, photos and music if needed but if you don't want anyone to ever see it then don't put it on a cloud would be my advise. Few things are safe from hacks (although they probably don't care about you) so if your unsure you want anyone to see it keeps it on a non-networked device but for most things the cloud will be the future.

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    Re: Thinking of using the cloud storage offerings from MS or Google etc?

    Thanks The Fish, for pointing out the Small Print lost among the Cloud.

    Kryloch, I too carry a USB drive everywhere, and since a few days ago when I tripped over the TrueCrypt Thread, my files are now encrypted on it.

    All my computing life I have had to agree to Term and Conditions that are so lengthy, and written in prose obscure to the extent of being impenetrable, that I never bothered to read them -- instead I asked myself the question,
    'Do I want and need this Software on my Computer?'
    If the answer was 'Yes,' I installed it and hoped that I was doing the right thing.

    Then, along came The Cloud, and I stopped abruptly in my tracks. Even I realised that storing something 'In The Cloud' was placing it not only within reach of persons unknown, but actually in their hands. Now The Fish, you have opened my eyes to the permissions I have to give these persons, in addition to the open gift.
    Yes I accept Google et al's explanation as being basically truthful, and honestly meant, but likewise the permissions look all embracing to me, and wide open to interpretation. Just exactly how long before an employee with an attitude similar to that of Nick Leeson turns up and starts interpreting?

    I'm sure that The Cloud has a wonderful future, but I ask myself a paraphrase of the question above, 'Do I need The Cloud'? and the answer is 'No', and it certainly doesn't need me, nor my approval. I'm a one string banjo in a one girl band, we can do without each other. I'll just buy a few more Memory sticks, and utilise TrueCrypt.

    I do not deceive myself that my Files are of much intrinsic value, but their safety matters to me, so I will take charge of it.

    I hope this doesn't come across as a rant, it isn't meant as one, just a decision; and now an enlightened decision.

    Petra.

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    Re: Thinking of using the cloud storage offerings from MS or Google etc?

    I use Dropbox and Box, but I am wary about what I put there. Anything sensitive I encrypt first (Truecrypt) aqnd the mount the dropbox file as a truecrypt drive.
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    Re: Thinking of using the cloud storage offerings from MS or Google etc?

    Quote Originally Posted by peterb View Post
    I use Dropbox and Box, but I am wary about what I put there. Anything sensitive I encrypt first (Truecrypt) aqnd the mount the dropbox file as a truecrypt drive.
    That sounds like a good idea, I should look into it. Thanks.

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    Re: Thinking of using the cloud storage offerings from MS or Google etc?

    A few good points raised on the replies. As I said I am paranoid when it comes to large companies, and know they have little morality when it comes to making money. So I will never trust them with my stuff.

    But I did put the article up because I got the point of 'we have your permission to modify your stuff only when needed to store your stuff'. Its the legal thing - without that permission there could be trouble when say moving your files from one server farm to another. Having said all that - all the 'consumer protection' in the world won't be any good if someone just takes down your files and copies your latest masterpiece and is just plain criminal about it.

    What do you mean 'the servers are really protected' or 'could never happen at our firm' etc. Well ask Sony about that eh?

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    Re: Thinking of using the cloud storage offerings from MS or Google etc?

    Quote Originally Posted by peterb View Post
    I use Dropbox and Box, but I am wary about what I put there. Anything sensitive I encrypt first (Truecrypt) aqnd the mount the dropbox file as a truecrypt drive.
    +1 I do this, although I sometimes wonder how well dropbox handles syncing the files since the container is hashed - can it work out the contents has changed and for large files the incremental content? particularly if you use the steganography feature.

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    Re: Thinking of using the cloud storage offerings from MS or Google etc?

    Quote Originally Posted by Tifosi View Post
    +1 I do this, although I sometimes wonder how well dropbox handles syncing the files since the container is hashed - can it work out the contents has changed and for large files the incremental content? particularly if you use the steganography feature.
    As far as Dropbox is concerned, the container is just a file, so if the contents change, the entire container is re-synced, not just the changed files within it.
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    Re: Thinking of using the cloud storage offerings from MS or Google etc?

    Wuala is not bad as storage provider, also the data is hosted in EU so subject to EU data protection laws

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    Re: Thinking of using the cloud storage offerings from MS or Google etc?

    I get by fine with Sky drive and drop box.

    I've got 25gb with skydrive by using my old hotmail when signing up and 10.4gb on dropbox by doing lots of things like, invites, syncing with htc sense phone, uploading 3gb of pics.

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