Descubre todo sobre OneDrive: su utilidad, funcionamiento y beneficios

OneDrive is a cloud-based file hosting and management service exclusively for Microsoft users. It is part of the Office suite, providing web-based storage and file syncing for users to upload and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.

OneDrive is compatible with any web browser and major operating systems including MacOS, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone. However, the application is only compatible with recent versions of Windows for computers, specifically Windows 8 and Windows 10.

OneDrive was launched in August 2007 by Microsoft and has gone through different names throughout its development. It was previously known as SkyDrive, Microsoft SkyDrive, Windows Live SkyDrive, and Windows Live Folders. The current version of OneDrive was introduced in February 2014 as an upgraded version of SkyDrive. It is available in 107 languages.

Características

OneDrive is a high-end cloud storage service that offers notable features that Microsoft has been working on for 12 years since the release of its initial version. Some of the main features that make OneDrive a top competitor to other services like Google Drive or Dropbox are:

• It provides tools from the Microsoft Office suite through Office Online, allowing users to create, edit, and share documents, spreadsheets, slides, and more within the web browser. It includes online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
• Users can upload up to 5 files simultaneously with any web browser. By allowing the installation of ActiveX tools, users can also upload an unlimited number of files from the Windows Explorer.
• OneDrive allows users to share hyperlinks and provides a cloud folder to store them.
• It is integrated with other web services to provide complete functionality and cater to additional user requirements. In addition to interoperating with Outlook and Skype, it is associated with Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for users to share their work on social networks. It also has links with Bing to provide users with a search history in the main menu.
• The free version of OneDrive offers 5 GB of storage, while paid versions provide storage options of 50 GB, 100 GB, 200 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB.
• It allows subscription to RSS feeds of public folder content, generating preview images of added files as thumbnails or file icons.
• Users can download entire folders as compressed ZIP files.
• The download limit for a single file is 15 GB, and for a set of files, the limit is 20 GB.
• It implements a recycle bin that stores deleted files for a given interval of time, keeping them in a storage space separate from the user’s available cloud storage.
• Users can view PDF and ODF (Open Document Format) files. ODF is an XML-based file supported by many word processing applications.
• It allows users to upload photos, which can be viewed by others through web browsers. Photos are usually downloaded from Windows Photo Gallery or directly as ZIP files. It utilizes geolocation data to update user media files.
• OneDrive has a client application for devices with Android, iOS, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows Phone operating systems. The application is currently a UWP (Universal Windows Platform) that combines the functions of the app and web versions.
• All files stored in OneDrive’s cloud are monitored by Microsoft. Any violation of the accepted code of conduct may result in the permanent or temporary suspension of the account. Additionally, OneDrive provides a «Personal Vault,» a folder with additional security to store sensitive files.

Cómo funciona

OneDrive operates on a client-server network architecture, where the installed application on the device acts as an intermediary between the cloud servers and the Microsoft user. It also has a web version that eliminates the need for client intermediation and provides direct access to virtual file hosting.

Thanks to integration with Outlook accounts, the web version of OneDrive can directly upload any file or folder from the local disk without the need for device synchronization. It can also create documents, spreadsheets, and slides, distinguishing it from the client application that is dependent on device synchronization. The web version also keeps track of user activities and provides different options in the initial menu.

While the web version allows access from devices with incompatible operating systems, it relies on an internet connection. Therefore, the client application proves to be more practical and efficient for users, especially the UWP.

Cómo usar

The main requirement to use OneDrive is to register as a Microsoft user, simply by creating an Outlook account. Once registered, users can directly access the OneDrive website to upload, create, edit, and share files. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to perform basic actions on OneDrive:

Cómo cargar un archivo

11. Access the main menu of the user’s OneDrive account called «My files» from the official OneDrive website.
12. In the grayish top bar, click the «Upload» button.
13. A small menu will appear with the options «Files» and «Folder.» Select the «Files» option. If you want to upload a set of files contained in a particular folder, select the other option.
14. A window will appear showing the local disk storage to select the file or files to upload to the cloud.
15. OneDrive will notify that the files are being uploaded with a message in the top bar.

6. An additional button called «Uploading X items» will be added to the bar. By clicking this button, users can view the progress of the uploaded files.
7. To open the documents, simply click on their menu icon, and OneDrive will update the portal to display the pages of the file.
8. If you want to copy the file from the «My files» main menu to a folder, click the «Copy to» button in the top bar. You can select the folder that will also contain the document.
9. Using the same dropdown menu, you can create a new folder to contain the document by clicking «New Folder».
10. Enter the name of the new folder and click «Create». Then, select the created folder.

11. Alternatively, functions such as copy, move, and delete can be performed from the «My files» main menu by selecting the white circle in the upper corner of the file or files to be modified.
12. If you want to directly upload files to a desired folder, simply access the cloud folder and click the «Upload» button, repeating the first four steps described above.

Cómo compartir archivos

1. Select the file or files you want to share to update the top bar of the «My files» main menu, and click the «Share» button.
2. Enter the name of the recipients or their email addresses in the text box and click the blue «Send» button. If desired, skip writing a descriptive message.
3. If you want to create a hyperlink to the files, click the grayish circle of the «Copy link» option.
4. Click the «Copy» button to share the hyperlink to the files directly with recipients through instant messaging applications or any other tool.
5. To set restrictions on editing and viewing the hyperlink, click the lower box that says «Anyone with the link can edit.»
6. Finish the configuration by clicking «Apply» and disseminate the link among the intended users.

Cómo crear un documento

1. Access the «My files» main menu again and locate the top bar to click the «New» button.
2. Select the type of Office document you want to create, such as a Word document, Excel spreadsheet, or PowerPoint presentation, etc.
3. You will be redirected to a new tab that consists of the chosen document’s Office portal. In this case, a Word document is chosen, showing the essential Office interface for creating and editing the document.
4. The document’s name can be changed by clicking the «Document1 – Saved in OneDrive» button in the blue top bar.

The document will be automatically saved in the «My files» main menu and can be edited or modified anytime.

Ventajas

• OneDrive is fully integrated with the Office suite and other Microsoft services, allowing users to perform multiple tasks in the cloud besides file uploading and sharing.
• The OneDrive client allows for synchronization between local storage on computers and mobile devices. It also allows access to files stored in the cloud without an internet connection.
• Files are protected by a robust security system, ensuring protection against malware and cybercriminals.
• OneDrive provides tools for collaborative work on the same document and facilitates communication with each team member.
• It offers a mechanism to generate hyperlinks for file sharing.
• Free storage: OneDrive offers 5GB of free storage to all registered users, allowing them to test out the service and determine if it meets their quality standards.
• Synchronization across devices: Users can sync as many devices as they want to have instant access to any data stored in the cloud. This provides convenience and efficiency at all times.
• Security: Microsoft provides layers of security that prevent unauthorized access to stored information in the cloud unless third parties have access credentials. Users can feel confident that their files are secure on the platform.
• File sharing: It allows for quick file dissemination over the internet, sending files to others almost instantly. If files are large, using this type of platform can be a great alternative.
• Collaborative work: Users can upload files to the cloud and collaborate with others on them. This is beneficial for professional activities that require constant modification of a file until reaching the final results.

Desventajas

• Files stored in OneDrive’s cloud can be accidentally corrupted.
• The free storage offered is considerably limited compared to paid versions and even other free storage options provided by competitors. OneDrive also has certain restrictions on configurability available in other cloud storage services.
• OneDrive is dependent on the internet, especially during synchronization, which can be a disadvantage.
• Only one account per user: OneDrive detects accounts created with false information, so attempting to create multiple accounts can lead to account deletion. OneDrive is strict about this aspect, often deleting a large number of accounts from its website.
• Constant internet access required: This is a common issue with any cloud service. Therefore, OneDrive is no exception, and internet access is essential when using such services.
• Risk of information theft: As access can be gained through a user ID and password on any device, there is a risk of third parties accessing this information despite implemented security measures.

Alternativas

While OneDrive is one of the top choices for cloud storage, there may be occasions where individuals have reasons not to prefer the service. Therefore, it is always necessary to mention other alternative options.

MEGA

MEGA has established itself as one of the leading cloud storage options. It is user-friendly and offers reasonably priced storage for all types of data. One of its downsides may be the security risks it poses to the online community. To access this service, click here.

Mega also has applications available for both Android and iOS. You can download them from their respective app stores using the buttons below:

Dropbox

Among other cloud storage platforms, Dropbox has gained a large number of subscribers thanks to its excellent service. It helps store a large amount of data at reasonable prices. You can visit their official website here.

Like the previously mentioned alternative, Dropbox also has applications available for mobile versions. These can be downloaded from the respective app stores using the buttons below:

Google Drive

Finally, Google Drive is also considered an excellent cloud storage platform, thanks to the excellent services provided by the company and the security policies it offers to its users. Therefore, if you want a high-quality service like OneDrive, this alternative should never be left out.

Google Drive also has applications available for iOS and Android on their respective app stores. Below are buttons for downloading the apps.

Historia

OneDrive originated in May 2007 as Windows Live Folders, a platform that allowed users in the United States to host simple and low-space documents.

By August 2007, this service was renamed Windows Live SkyDrive and expanded to over 62 countries worldwide. The storage space was gradually increased over time, reaching 5GB.

In May 2011, an update to SkyDrive was released, allowing compatibility with mobile operating systems of that time and reducing the permitted storage to 7GB (after being increased to 25GB in 2008). This change caused a backlash from users who demanded to have their previous storage space restored.

In 2012, the Android version of SkyDrive was released, receiving positive reviews for its user interface and functionality.

In 2014, Microsoft was required to change the name of its SkyDrive service to OneDrive due to a legal dispute with the British media company BskyB. The legal battle resulted in a victory for BskyB, which claimed that Microsoft had improperly used the SkyDrive name for its cloud service.

Today, OneDrive remains one of the leading cloud storage platforms, providing convenience and comfort to users. Its service excellence continues to attract a growing number of users who choose to utilize the platform.