APPLE CLOUD

How to Save Files to the Cloud

Still haven't jumped onto the cloud bandwagon? Never fear. Cloud storage is a great way to make sure your files are preserved without taking up vast amounts of space on your PC. Even better, it's often completely free. Whether you've got documents, photos or music -- or any combination thereof -- here's how to make sure your digital treasures don't get lost.

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Personal file storage on a computer used to involve a PC-based hierarchical folder system that was maintained on local, PC-based hard drives.

Today we are embracing the cloud, which allows for redundancy, remote access, remote backup and the use of convenient input/output mobile devices like phones with limited storage but outstanding portability.
If you're still using your PC as a catch-all repository for media and documents and haven't moved over to the cloud yet, here's how to go about trying it painlessly -- and at no cost to you.
I've chosen two broad file types that are well-suited to the cloud. Each has unique services geared towards it, and both demonstrate cloud-services principles that you can try.

Cloud Documents and Photographs Using Dropbox

Step 1: Browse to the Dropbox website on a computer. This service allows you to access files saved across all of your disparate computers and phones, regardless of OS.
For all intents and purposes, it lets you bring your files with you, without e-mailing them to yourself, as long as you have an Internet connection.
Step 2: Sign up for a basic, free account at the website by entering your name, e-mail and a password and pressing the 'Sign Up' button. A Dropbox client will download. Choose 'Save' when prompted and open the Dropbox installer. Then follow the run and setup prompts.
Step 3: Launch the Dropbox folder on your computer by clicking on the newly created desktop icon (in Windows 7). The folder will open and appear as a regular Windows folder.
From the Start menu, browse to Documents within Libraries and open it. Drag a sample file, like a Word document or image from Documents, to the new Dropbox folder.
Step 4: Install Dropbox on other machines or download an app from your phone's market or store. Sign in and browse to your Dropbox folder, which will be created on the other machines and devices.
Check the installations and you'll see that the file name you dragged over will be synced across devices and on the Dropbox website. Click or touch the file name to download the actual file to that machine or device.
Step 5: Make a change to the file. Changing the file name will demonstrate this step. The change will sync across all of the Dropbox-enabled devices and on the Dropbox website.