Overview:

Drive is Google's document/file management system, available online via desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices through the mobile app. All documents and files placed onto a user's Drive account are stored on Google's server and may be accessed anywhere with an internet connection or from any device as long as the user has a Google account. 

Everything on a Google Drive account is kept private by the user unless the user "shares" those files/documents with others who have a Google account. Account and privacy settings can be adjusted and changed anytime by the user. 

Video: 

Uses:

• Provides a platform to create documents, slides, forms (surveys), drawings, spreadsheets, and many more applications 

• Keeps all files and documents on a safe and secure network  

• Allows users to view, edit, and comment on each others' files and documents  

• Allows user to access files and edit them if necessary from any device as long as the user has his/her account information  

• Supplies capability for users to print or download files as Microsoft Word documents or PDF's

• Has easily searchable files and contacts 

Below is a screenshot of how Google Drive would appear to a user.  

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• Allows creation of many different items, including documents, presentations, drawings, spreadsheets, and forms 
• Provides 10 GB of free storage for all Google accounts on Google server
• Supplies document management system that is easily organized
• Imports documents and files created outside of Google platform  
• Converts documents to other file types
• Shares items with other Google users and receive items from those same users
• Can place numerous documents based on subject into folders for organizational purposes  

Cons

• Does not support certain features when converting Microsoft Word documents into Google Docs
• Contains glitches, slow networks, and lost files in instances
• Without internet, Drive will not work in most cases  

Alternatives:

Amazon Cloud Drive:  Amazon Cloud Drive is a new desktop software that allows for files to be saved in the Cloud.  Users get 5 GB free.  Although it is built more for music, it does allow users to store files.

Box:  Box is an online file sharing and personal cloud content management service that provides up to 10 GB of free storage

Dropbox:  Dropbox is a personal cloud storage available through multiple operating systems (Windows, Macintosh, and Linux).  Users receive 2 GB free and can purchase more if needed.  

OneDrive: OneDrive is an online cloud storage service from Microsoft, which allows users access to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents.  Users get 15 GB free and can purchase more if needed.

SpiderOak: SpiderOak is a cloud storage service that focuses on privacy.  They strive to ensure that user data is kept 100% private (and only the user can read it).  Various pricing plans are available (based on the amount of space desired).

Resources:

Bradley, T. (2012, April 25). The Problem with Google Drive.  Retrieved June 24, 2015 

 from  http://www.pcworld.com/article/254490/the_problem_with_google_drive.html 

Hudgins, J. (2015, March 30). Google Drive Blog. Retrieved June 18, 2015, from

 http://googledrive.blogspot.com/

Matteson, S. (2013, February 25). Ten Ways to Maximize your Google Drive.  Retrieved on June 16, 2015 

from http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/google-in-the-enterprise/ten-ways-to-maximize-your-google-   drive/

Prindle, Drew. (2013, January 27). How to Use Google Drive: Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices. Retrieved on

June 16, 2015 from http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-use-google-drive/

Soloman, S. (June 25, 2015) 15 ways to Maximize Your Productivity with Google Drive. Retrieved in July 5, 2015

from http://blog.bettercloud.com/google-drive-productivity