Google Drive is a new way to access and share all of your files and folders, at any time and on any device. Google Drive replaces and enhances what you know today as Google Documents.
What is Google Drive?
Think of Google Drive as your personal stash of files and folders that follows you wherever you go - it lets you keep everything and share anything. With Google Drive, you can access files, folders, and Google Docs from a web browser or any device where you've installed a special Google Drive application.
Your Google Drive is still "in the cloud" and available at Mackapps, but you can also install the desktop and mobile application to access your files directly from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Google Drive's built-in sync capability ensures that your files, folders, and Google Docs are the same on all your devices.
Caution: Google Drive makes it easy to move and (mistakenly) share large amounts of information. Sensitive information should not be stored on your Google Drive.
When will this change take place?
Google will be rolling out this change gradually over the next two months.
Do I need to do anything?
No. Once the change is complete all of your current Google Docs will have been moved to your Google Drive.
How is the Google Drive online interface different from my current Google Documents List?
The Google Drive online interface looks similar to the Google Documents List you're used to, with a few key differences:
Collections are now called Folders.
When you first switch to Google Drive, a new folder called My Drive contains:
- Documents that you own or have previously uploaded
- Folders you own and the items contained within (regardless of ownership)
Other items that would have previously appeared in the Home view can easily be found elsewhere. You can choose different views and filters to see recently opened documents, starred items, documents that have been shared with you, items owned by a particular person, files of a particular type, and more.
You'll have powerful new options to search, sort, or preview your files before opening them.
See the Google Drive user help to learn more about Google Drive versus your Documents List, and how to navigate your Google Drive online interface.
How much storage do I have for my Google Drive files?
Google Drive increases Google Docs' storage limit from 1GB to 5GB!
How do I try out Google Drive as soon as possible?
Prior to the full transition there will be a short "opt-in" period starting sometime after 5/14. To opt-in:
In your browser, go to drive.google.com/start.
Click Sign in and log in with your full email address and password.
(Prior to the opt-in period the following message will be displayed: Google Drive is not yet enabled for the Merrimack College domain.)
The first time you access your Google Docs after opting in you will be welcomed to Google Drive and have the option of installing the Google Drive application.
Where can I get more information?
To get started with Google Drive, visit the Google Apps Learning Center.
Please fee free to call the Help Desk at x3500 or email them at AskIT@merrimack.edu.
