All genealogists and most other computer users as well need to make backups of important files, family photographs, and much more. Ideally, there should be at least two backups of every important file: one near the computer in a convenient location and another copy stored "off-site" for protection against major disasters that could destroy the computer as well as the home and all backups stored within that home. Indeed, computer owners have dozens of online backup services to choose from, with many online services offering "introductory specials" of free storage for one to perhaps five gigabytes and then modest fees for even more storage space.
Microsoft has now "raised the bar" with an update to SkyDrive that offers up to 25 gigabytes of free storage to anyone.
All files stored on SkyDrive's servers are well protected by user names and passwords. However, the user always has the option of making any file or group of files visible to others, should he or she wish to do so. Making files visible to others is a simpler alternative to running a website to host documents or media files. It works especially well for video files that are often too large to send by email. Of course, it also works well for pictures, MP3 music files, and all sorts of textual information, including genealogy information.
When you select a photo album, the new mosaic layout displays your pictures in a way that lets you see all your photos in their original aspect ratio. SkyDrive creates thumbnails that reflect the way you took the picture, whether it be a portrait, a landscape, or a panorama shot.
Microsoft has made several other improvements to SkyDrive, including faster performance, easier navigation, eliminated Flash in favor of HTML5, and tighter integration with Internet Explorer version 9.
While this is hosted by Microsoft, SkyDrive will also work on Apple products.
With 25 gigabytes of free space available to you, what's your excuse for not backing up?
You can read more in the Windows Live Blog at http://goo.gl/VrALN and in a video at http://goo.gl/yOznL or click on the image below.
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