When it comes to storing data in a cloud it is possible to store just about any type of data – from videos to spreadsheets, and songs to important documents. Google offers the Google cloud storage service also known as Google drive, which offers users easy access to cloud storage services at an affordable cost. For anyone who wants to upload files to cloud storage, all they need is access to the internet and a web browser. The good thing about cloud storage services is the fact that only a copy of the file is uploaded leaving the original file on your computer as it was. With cloud storage services, working on a single file from different computers is easy. All one has to do is login to the cloud service to access the file.

Google cloud storage – Before you begin using Google drive

Depending on the user’s case, some may need to activate their Google cloud storage service to be able to use it.

You will need to activate the service if you want to add objects, create buckets or control who can access the data.

You do not need to activate the service if you are accessing data that is publicly available. To access publicly available data, you can make use of ‘gsutil tool’ which allows you to access and even download the data required without the need of a Google account or a Google cloud storage service.

How to activate Google cloud storage

Before you begin the process of activating the Google cloud storage service, it is important to review whether or not there is need for you to activate the service to be able to view files. The Google cloud storage service has to be activated each time you want to view files, if you have to activate it.

To activate Google cloud storage:

• Go to Google accounts and create an account if you do not have one.
• Login to your Google account to be able to access the cloud storage feature.
• Find the file you want to view and download.

Uploading files to Google cloud storage is equally easy as the user interface has all the tools and tabs needed for uploading the files. Even so, it is advisable to have an extra copy or all the folders you upload to Google cloud storage just to be on the safe side.