OneDrive

OneDrive is the cloud storage service that Microsoft offers to its customers. It allows users to upload files to the cloud, sync files across devices, and share files with others. If you have a PC powered by Windows 8.1, you don’t have to do anything – OneDrive is already part of the operating system. Get started with 7GB of storage space for free and enjoy the functionality this cloud service has to offer.

OneDrive is available for multiple platforms: Windows, Windows Phone, iOS, Mac OS X, Android, and Xbox.
The system requirements for running the OneDrive desktop application are: 1.6Ghz processor or better, 1GB of RAM memory or more, 1024 x 576 minimum resolution, high-speed internet connection, 32 or 64-bit version of Windows Vista SP2. Windows 7, or Windows 8.

OneDrive is already built into the Windows 8.1 operating system. You don’t need to download and install anything because the app is part of the operating system. Mind you, it might not be called OneDrive, it may be called SkyDrive instead. Microsoft went through several names before settling on OneDrive.

When the cloud service was launched as a limited Beta that was available to testers in the US alone, it was called Windows Live Folders. Then in August 2007, the application was made available to testers in the UK and India under a new name: Windows Live SkyDrive. That name was then shortened to SkyDrive. In 2013 Microsoft had a bit of legal issues with British television broadcaster BSkyB over the “sky” part in SkyDrive. A settlement was reached in the summer of 2013 – and then in January 2014, Microsoft changed the name from SkyDrive to OneDrive.

To get started with OneDrive you need to have the OneDrive app and you need to be logged into your Microsoft account. If you’re logged into your account, you can enjoy all the functionality OneDrive has to offer. Place files into the special OneDrive folder and they will be automatically uploaded to the cloud. Files uploaded to the cloud are automatically synced across devices and they can be shared with others. Documents, photos, app settings, personalization settings, backup settings and other settings can be synced automatically. Access your OneDrive account and all the files you uploaded to the cloud from within your browser.

OneDrive gets you started with 7GB of free cloud storage space - UPDATE June 25, 2014: OneDrive increased the cloud storage space from 7GB to 15GB.

Earn extra space, up to 5GB of extra space, by telling your friends about OneDrive; you can refer up to 10 friends and you will get 500MB per friend. You can earn an additional 3GB of storage space by activating camera roll backup. If all this space is not enough, your only choice is to get a paid plan.

Use OneDrive and the power of the cloud to save, sync, share, and easily access files.