How to use your PC as cloud storage [Complete Guide]
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Key notes
- Cloud storage services are everywhere, so what do you say about enjoying them?
- We’re here to give you a thorough review of the best PC cloud storage software so that you can make an informed choice.
- You should also take a look at these reliable decentralized cloud software solutions to use today.
- With less focus on local storage hardware, we invite you to visit our Web Storage Hub too.
Today we will be discussing how to use your PC as cloud storage. Cloud storage is an online/virtual storage for files and folders.
Cloud storage providers allow users to upload any size and type of computer file, only e-mail attachments usually have limitations.
Over the years, many organizations have come up with their own solutions to Cloud Storage and Data Privacy.
Although any remote storage is used for file upload during backup, providers dedicated to backup as a service (BaaS) usually perform automatic uploading and store multiple versions of files.
Professional cloud storage services specifically designed for sharing such as Dropbox and Box make it easy to invite others to download files.
Some storage providers are known for storing the same files in sync on every device owned by a particular user.
Companies such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft use their cloud synchronization as a way to retain users within a fold.
Even some hardware producers use cloud services as a bonus when selling external hard drives.
Types of Cloud Storage
Cloud storage providers that retain data for automatic downloading to the application or Web page of a user, fall under the “content management” group.
There are basically three types of services related to Cloud, they are:
- SaaS (Software as a Service) – it allows users to access other available public clouds of large organizations in order to store their data such as Gmail, PaaS.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service) – It is used for apps or software hosting on other public clouds: for example, Google App Engine which hosts apps of users.
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) – it is used for the virtualization of any machine.
What’s the best PC cloud storage software to get?
Sync.com
Arguably the best PC cloud storage software solution at the moment is Sync. It boasts great storage since you may automatically back up your files in one centralized location.
In spite of that, rest assured that they are synced across all of your PCs and devices. This means that you can access them while on the desk or take a peek when having a walk in the park.
Even more, the standout feature is how easily accessible the service is even for those who don’t have a Sync account. To be more precise, you can send files to anyone, regardless of using this service or not.
As for its enterprise-grade infrastructure, this means that you can also fully trust Sync to keep your files safe and secure.
Great key features to expect from Sync.com:
- Clean, user-friendly design
- Increased security for confidential data
- Granular user permissions
- Never collect or sell app usage information or private data
- Dedicated Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android apps
- In-house support from Premium plans
Sync
If you value simplicity, security, and power, then Sync is the best PC cloud storage software to use today!OwnCloud
This cloud storage software has several functionalities, which are quite similar to that of DropBox. It is a self-hosted file sync and share server.
Its open-source functionality offers users with great access to a large amount of unlimited storage space.
OwnCloud enables you to keep your files private and secure. Organizations have the ability to access and manage their files through this application.
Key features to consider:
- It is written in JavaScript, PHP, and available for Windows OS X desktops and can also be used on Android and iOS
- It uses WebDav server for remote access and can effectively combine with a large number of Databases such as MariaDB, SQLite, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle Database, etc.
- It has several features such as File storage and encryption, content sharing across URL’s, Music Streaming, Mozilla sync hosting and RSS/Atom feed reader, Video and PDF viewer, one-click app installation and many more
- The latest version contains some new features such as improved design, notification, and retention limits on files in the trash
Seafile
Another software you can also use is Seafile. This software is ideal for cloud storage as a file hosting software system because of its versatility.
Seafile is compatible with the Windows OS, also usable by mobile clients such as Windows Phone.
Key features to consider:
- Pydio comes with built-in file encryption
- It has a very high performance
- It is very easy to upgrade. Within a few seconds, you can run a simple script
- Syncing and sharing of files, focusing mostly on data safety
- Editing of files online
- Differential sync to reduce the required bandwidth
- Client-side encryption to secure client data
Pydio
Initially, it was called AjaXplorer. This cloud storage software is good for file hosting, sharing, and syncing. Pydio is written in JavaScript and PHP. It is available for Windows OS.
Pydio is one of the most famous and used Cloud Storage Software in the market. It runs on a web server and can easily be accessed through any browser.
Key features to consider:
- It has an integrated WebDAV interface making it suitable for online file management
- SSL/TLS encryption for encrypted transmission channels
- It secures data and ensures privacy
- Customizable UI
- Great access control management
- Text editor with syntax highlighting
- Audio and video playback
- It integrates S3, Amazon, MySQL, or FTP Databases
- It has an image editor
Syncany
This cloud storage software was released years ago This cloud storage software is compatible with Windows OS and it is an open-source cloud storage and file-sharing application.
Currently available as a command-line tool for all supported platforms; however, the GUI version is still under active development.
Key features to consider:
- One of the most vital features about Syncany is that it is a tool and expects you to bring in your own storage such as WebDAV or Samba Shares, FTP or SFTP storage, Amazon S3 buckets etc.
- It has a 128-bit AES+Twofish/GCM encryption for all data leaving the local machine
- It enables secure backup
- It allows encryption of files before uploading
- File-sharing support that enables you to share your files with your friends
- Offsite storage as selected by the user instead of provider-based storage
- On-demand or interval-based backups
- Binary compatible file versioning
- It is very good for organizations and companies who prefer using their own storage space rather than trusting the storage space of these software providers
Cozy
This cloud file-sharing or synchronization software is a complete package of functions that enables you to build your complete App Engine.
Just like Syncany, this software tool offers increased flexibility to users in terms of storage space.
However, it depends on some open-source software for a complete functioning such as Whoosh for indexing and the CouchDB for Database storage.
It is compatible with Windows OS.
Key features to consider:
- It allows you to store and share files easily
- It enables the automatic importing of bills
- It has the ability to store all Contacts, Calendar, Files, etc in the Cloud and sync them between smartphones and laptops
- It provides users the ability to create their own apps and share them with other users by sharing the repository Git URL
- It has HTML5 video game consoles
- It can host static websites
The cloud storage software’s list in this post reveals some of the best picks that have gained much popularity over the years and created a mark in this industry.
These cloud storage options literally are the best to store, control, and manage the files on your PC.
That’s your chance to turn even an old computer into a cloud server, so let us know your pick in the comments area below.
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