Following a delay last month, Google has now finally rolled out its Backup and Sync desktop tool for both Mac and Windows users, letting them sync anything they might have in the cloud — pictures, videos, documents, and other important stuff.
Google Outs Backup And Sync Tool For Mac, PC
Google's backup tool ensures that files won't remain stuck in one place only, which is a handy solution for when hard drives suddenly stop working or inexplicably refuse to cooperate.
"It's a simpler, speedier and more reliable way to protect the files and photos that mean the most to you," says Google in a blog post. The tool replaces the Google Photos desktop uploader in addition to the Drive program for Mac and Windows.
The tool is a great way to make sure users have universal access to certain files anywhere. Anyone whose work involves moving from place to place, putting documents up in the cloud could save their lives in certain situation. Forgot an important presentation? Need to continue writing that lengthy post for your travel blog? Accidentally forgot to bring your laptop? If you've backed these files up on Google Drive, they'll be there waiting.
Business Users, Just Wait For Drive File Stream This Year
Business users of G Suite, on the other hand, are advised to keep using Google Drive until Drive File Stream comes out later in the year. Drive File Stream is one of Google's enterprise-ready tools, allowing teams to stream files directly from the cloud to their computer. It's now available via an Early Adopter Program.
How To Use The Google Backup And Sync Tool
To start using Google's Backup and Sync tool, simply download the program from the site.
Once installed, open the program and log in to your Google account. After doing so, you'll be able to select which folders you want to sync automatically. In case you intend to sync photos, Google will offer you the option to store them in their original quality — which counts against your total available storage — or under Google's own compression — which offers unlimited storage.
Once the folders have been selected, Google practically takes care of the rest. Expect to see them on your Drive either not long afterward or after a long while, depending on how big your files are. Backup and Sync works for both Google Photos and Google Drive.
Do you have Google's Backup and Sync tool installed? How has the experience been so far? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
