Sorry your browser is not supported!

You are using an outdated browser that does not support modern web technologies, in order to use this site please update to a new browser.

Browsers supported include Chrome, FireFox, Safari, Opera, Internet Explorer 10+ or Microsoft Edge.

Geek Culture / Best remote file storage/backup service

Author
Message
Michael P
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 6th Mar 2006
Location: London (UK)
Posted: 13th Sep 2012 17:37
Link
I am looking for a service to regularly commit files to for backup purposes, and so that I can more easily share between my different PCs.

Really I want a folder on my PC that I can just drag stuff to, bit like a network drive, except is is stored on a remote server somewhere.

What services do you recommend?

DarkNet - multiplayer plugin
Back to top
Profile PM Email
budokaiman
FPSC Tool Maker
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 24th Jun 2009
Playing: Hard to get
Posted: 13th Sep 2012 18:00
Link
Dropbox is definitely the easiest, but they've had a lot of security problems. If you're storing something that should remain private, I'd recommend checking one of these three out:
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/secure-files-3-encrypted-dropbox-alternatives/


3DS friend code: 0044-2895-5474
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
bitJericho
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 13th Sep 2012 19:57
Link
or just encrypt your files before you place them on dropbox!

Also, there's Amazon S3 and with many clients available:

http://www.labnol.org/internet/amazon-s3-clients-roundup/8286/

darkBIT TGC Torrent Tracker / File Server - AGK Chat: #agk : irc.devhat.net
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
The Zoq2
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Nov 2009
Location: Linköping, Sweden
Posted: 13th Sep 2012 20:36
Link
What about google drive?

It's about the same as dropbox, but with more free storage...
Back to top
Profile PM Email
MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 00:10
Link
Google Drive... Yes let us give away ownership...

But alternatively... Sky Drive gives away a generous amount of space and if you are lucky enough you can grab 25GB for free and there is an app...

Back to top
Profile PM
Indicium
16
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 26th May 2008
Location:
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 00:14
Link
Quote: "Yes let us give away ownership..."


What?

Google Drive is awesome! Used it for 2 days and I'm in love, write a document, and I can view it instantly on my phone, share it, copy it. Amazing.


They see me coding, they hating. http://indi-indicium.blogspot.co.uk/
Back to top
Profile PM
BlackFox
FPSC Master
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th May 2008
Location: Knight to Queens Bishop 3
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 01:33 Edited at: 14th Sep 2012 16:48
Link
It depends on what you want as far as syncing and what you are syncing. We use Drop-Box for our photos to sync between our phones and desktop. We use SpiderOak for a few items to sync between our laptop and desktop (mainly manuals in pdf form). We use Goggle Drive/SkyDrive for syncing documents between us and a few other locations.

Quote: "Really I want a folder on my PC that I can just drag stuff to, bit like a network drive, except is is stored on a remote server somewhere."


Drop-Box, SkyDrive, and Google Drive have a "folder" you can drag items to for syncing/storage. SpiderOak allows you to select folder(s) on one machine, have it uploaded to storage, and sync with another machine; it does not create a "folder" to drag items to like the other two.


Twitter: @NFoxMedia
Back to top
Profile PM
MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 12:49 Edited at: 14th Sep 2012 12:51
Link
This might shine light on my earlier point...

Quote: "Summary: Google Drive's terms of service allows you to still own your own files, but grants the company a license to do 'as it wants' with your uploaded content. "


Source - ZDNet

I would assume this was still the case...

I know there are some on here that are... "Like my files are important anyway..." just remember the world is bigger than your little bubble...

EDIT

So yeah... if you see your game project being used in Google advertising and they make a lot of money from said advert [be it solely your work or a combination with others]

You can forget about suing...

Back to top
Profile PM
BlackFox
FPSC Master
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th May 2008
Location: Knight to Queens Bishop 3
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 17:56
Link
@ MrValentine,

If you have the need to "shine a light", you should also look at SkyDrive's (Microsoft) Terms. Look at the two in context (just a quick glance).

Google-

Quote: "When you upload or otherwise submit content to our Services, you give Google (and those we work with) a worldwide license to use, host, store, reproduce, modify, create derivative works (such as those resulting from translations, adaptations or other changes we make so that your content works better with our Services), communicate, publish, publicly perform, publicly display and distribute such content. The rights you grant in this license are for the limited purpose of operating, promoting, and improving our Services, and to develop new ones."


Microsoft-

Quote: " When you upload your content to the services, you agree that it may be used, modified, adapted, saved, reproduced, distributed, and displayed to the extent necessary to protect you and to provide, protect and improve Microsoft products and services. For example, we may occasionally use automated means to isolate information from email, chats, or photos in order to help detect and protect against spam and malware, or to improve the services with new features that makes them easier to use. When processing your content, Microsoft takes steps to help preserve your privacy."


As I mentioned in my previous post, we use Google Drive, DropBox, SkyDrive, and SpiderOak. Each one is used for a specific task, either company, personal, military (search & rescue). We have had no issues with Google Drive, or any of the others mentioned.

The bottom line is if you need to use these types of storage, one should encrypt the work before it is uploaded. Anyone needing these just needs to be mindful of their data and use a bit of common sense, considering they are using a service to store their information on, regardless if it is Google Drive, SkyDrive, DropBox, etc.


Twitter: @NFoxMedia
Back to top
Profile PM
Jeku
Moderator
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Jul 2003
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 18:45
Link
Quote: "If you have the need to "shine a light", you should also look at SkyDrive's (Microsoft) Terms."


If you didn't point that out, I would have. To suggest that SkyDrive is any better than Google Drive in terms of EULA, then you're dreaming


Senior Developer - CBS Interactive Music Group
Back to top
Profile PM Website
Dar13
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 12th May 2008
Location: Microsoft VisualStudio 2010 Professional
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 19:27
Link
The reason why they have those clauses is so that they're able to copy your files around their server farms as needed, because otherwise they'd be violating copyright law(at least in the U.S.).

They're not intentionally stealing their users' stuff for their own nefarious purposes, they're just making sure they don't get sued.

Facebook has a similar clause in it's ToS as well.
Quote: "For content that is covered by intellectual property rights, like photos and videos (IP content), you specifically give us the following permission, subject to your privacy and application settings: you grant us a non-exclusive, transferable, sub-licensable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use any IP content that you post on or in connection with Facebook (IP License). This IP License ends when you delete your IP content or your account unless your content has been shared with others, and they have not deleted it."


Follow WTLD's progress on Twitter
Git repository for WasTeLanD
Back to top
Profile PM Email
ionstream
20
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Jul 2004
Location: Overweb
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 20:45
Link
I use DropBox for some sensitive data, and put it in an encrypted 7zip archive just in case. You can do that, or you can use TrueCrypt (http://www.truecrypt.org/), which does the same thing and is probably a little more straightforward/secure. In fact, I may switch to that.

Back to top
Profile PM Website
MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 20:55
Link
Quote: "Microsoft takes steps to help preserve your privacy.""


Think this narrows Down SkyDrives intentions... SkyDrive does not state it will have rights to USE your files, only to copy across its networks as stated above by Dar13, on par with GoogleDocs it is not exactly saying the same is it now >.<

But meh I do not use it anyway... I have my own web space... I use 256bit encryption not like the govner... lol 128bit lmao... but I also use an application which automates the process for me on an hourly basis...

On top of that I have five minute backups so I can always undo permanant changes to any documents in my marked working folders... very handy

Specially if you just rewrote an entire code section and realised you cabuffled the whole thing lol... go back an hour/five mins/ten mins etc... for that particular file... job done



Back to top
Profile PM
BlackFox
FPSC Master
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th May 2008
Location: Knight to Queens Bishop 3
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 21:13
Link
Quote: "SkyDrive does not state it will have rights to USE your files, only to copy across its networks as stated above by Dar13, on par with GoogleDocs it is not exactly saying the same is it now"


What? Did you even see the line (SkyDrive Terms)...

Quote: "When you upload your content to the services, you agree that it may be used, modified, adapted, saved, reproduced, distributed, and displayed to the extent necessary to protect you and to provide, protect and improve Microsoft products and services."


How do you get "it only copies across its networks..."?

Quote: "But meh I do not use it anyway... I have my own web space... I use 256bit encryption not like the govner... lol 128bit lmao... but I also use an application which automates the process for me on an hourly basis..."


If you don't use the service(s), how can you criticize? The OP was asking what services were available, and they were presented. You were debating a service mentioned, and then basing your "opinion" on an article without either knowing or using the services. We use them- both in our company and with the military. Others use them, or a combination of them.

The biggest problem is the paranoia, and spreading of misinformation.


Twitter: @NFoxMedia
Back to top
Profile PM
xplosys
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Jan 2006
Playing: FPSC Multiplayer Games
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 21:19 Edited at: 14th Sep 2012 21:22
Link
When you just have to reply to everything because you love to see what you write, you eventually run out of valid responses and have to fill the gap with crap. Lucky for me, I wore my boots today. Is there a "boots" emotie?

And by boots, I mean 512k, 5, 10 and 15 minute boots with redundant power supplies.

Brian.

!retupmoc eht ni deppart m'I !pleH

Back to top
Profile PM
BlackFox
FPSC Master
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th May 2008
Location: Knight to Queens Bishop 3
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 21:23
Link
What more could be said?


Twitter: @NFoxMedia
Back to top
Profile PM
MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 21:40
Link
Quote: "If you don't use the service(s), how can you criticize?"


I used to use them?

I did say Anyway >.<

but either way... it was just my point to raise awareness of this issue, If MS is using your files... then so be it... just consider the issue, thats all, no reason to bash the messenger...

Back to top
Profile PM
BlackFox
FPSC Master
17
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th May 2008
Location: Knight to Queens Bishop 3
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 21:54 Edited at: 14th Sep 2012 21:54
Link
Quote: "but either way... it was just my point to raise awareness of this issue, If MS is using your files... then so be it... just consider the issue, thats all, no reason to bash the messenger"


The messenger brought it on himself by stating ...

Quote: "Google Drive... Yes let us give away ownership..."


... and then proceeding to outline (via an article) on the practices of Google Drive without looking at the other services (SkyDrive, DropBox, etc). Honestly, it does not matter what service you use- each one has its "terms of service" and anyone that wants to upload their information onto a network "outside" of their own control needs to be prudent to "protect" their information (either encrypt it, archive it with a password, etc). The key here is if you are going to start a debate of one and criticize it, make sure the other you refer to does not do the same. Also ensure you know exactly what does go on to prevent misinformation.


Twitter: @NFoxMedia
Back to top
Profile PM
MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 21:56
Link
Only Human BlackFox [sends your way]

Back to top
Profile PM
Sergey K
21
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 4th Jan 2004
Location:
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 22:31
Link
Dropbox, Google Drive
or if you want it to be a game files so ppl can download remotely the game files of your game with latest updates, u should try the AdvUpdater wich posted on WIP forums some time ago.
it had pretty neat features for game developers

Advanced Updater for your games!
Back to top
Profile PM Website
MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 14th Sep 2012 22:50
Link
Crafty Sergey K

Back to top
Profile PM
Phaelax
DBPro Master
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 16th Apr 2003
Location: Metropia
Posted: 15th Sep 2012 08:02
Link
Can't you just turn on remote access to your own private NAS? Then you'll have total control to do whatever you need.

"You're not going crazy. You're going sane in a crazy world!" ~Tick
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Michael P
19
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 6th Mar 2006
Location: London (UK)
Posted: 25th Sep 2012 02:47 Edited at: 25th Sep 2012 02:48
Link
Thanks guys, I decided to go with Google Drive because:
- I like Google.
- Google products tend to work well without too many bugs or outages.

I am concerned about privacy but of course nothing is for free. So for anything sensitive I will encrypt it or just not put it in Google Drive.

So far Google Drive has been awesome! I even have a shared folder with my friend where we work off the same documents. Although I don't think it handles conflicts, so will be interesting to see what happens if we try to modify at the same time.

Anyway it is hassle free, just a folder on my computer which syncs automatically, it seems to check every few seconds for any changes. Is a bit like using TortoiseSVN but checking in straight away.

DarkNet - multiplayer plugin
Back to top
Profile PM Email
bitJericho
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 25th Sep 2012 12:41 Edited at: 25th Sep 2012 12:41
Link
Speaking of which, does anyone know of a open source alternative to those? With a client just like dropbox? Seems silly for those of us who run their own servers to use a third party for this sort of thing

...

So I suppose I should check google first, and I found this: http://sparkleshare.org/

Since it uses git, I'm almost certain you could integrate it with redmine or similar for a "web accessible" copy of your files.

Anyone know of any other projects?

darkBIT TGC Torrent Tracker / File Server - AGK Chat: #agk : irc.devhat.net
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
MrValentine
AGK Backer
14
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 5th Dec 2010
Playing: FFVII
Posted: 25th Sep 2012 12:56
Link
I am working on one soon but you need your own FTP server...

Back to top
Profile PM
budokaiman
FPSC Tool Maker
15
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 24th Jun 2009
Playing: Hard to get
Posted: 25th Sep 2012 14:51
Link
Quote: "Anyone know of any other projects?"

Here's a list of some:
http://www.webresourcesdepot.com/open-source-dropbox-alternatives-to-start-building-a-file-storage-sharing-system/


3DS friend code: 0044-2895-5474
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
bitJericho
22
Years of Service
User Offline
Joined: 9th Oct 2002
Location: United States
Posted: 25th Sep 2012 15:57 Edited at: 25th Sep 2012 16:40
Link
Well sparkleshare was a bust, requires a newer version of mono. After installing it I had more problems! (I'm running ubuntu 10.04 which was probably my main issue)

So I checked out owncloud, installed straight away and super easy to use. Haven't tried the clients yet (and there is a client for windows, the article is outdated/wrong). There's all kinds of plugins and stuff for the web interface, and since it's PHP you should be able to add new features pretty easily. IE7 seems to have some issues with the interface but so far I can work around it. (Stuck with ie7 at work)

I'm going to take a look at integrating elFinder into it cuz that's my favorite online editor

Basically this does everything feng office does but also with dropbox type syncing. Totally awesome.

Thanks for the link!

darkBIT TGC Torrent Tracker / File Server - AGK Chat: #agk : irc.devhat.net
Back to top
Profile PM Email Website
Back to top

Login to post a reply

Server time is: 2025-05-18 10:17:53
Your offset time is: 2025-05-18 10:17:53