Lab 12
Lab 12
Title:
Exploring Online Organization and Cloud Storage Solutions: Google Drive,
OneDrive, Dropbox, and More
Objectives:
1. To understand the basics of online storage systems and their significance in modern
digital organization.
2. To learn the functionality and features of popular cloud storage solutions, including
Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
3. To evaluate the advantages and limitations of various cloud storage platforms.
4. To practice organizing, sharing, and managing files in an online storage system.
Introduction:
Cloud storage has revolutionized the way we store and access data. It offers a convenient
and secure way to store files online, making them accessible from any device with an
internet connection. In this lab, we will explore the fundamentals of cloud storage and its
advantages.
Tasks
Part 1: Creating a Cloud Storage Account
1. Choose a Cloud Service: Select a cloud storage service (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive,
Dropbox) and create a free account.
2. Account Setup: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account setup process.
3. Security Settings: Familiarize yourself with the security settings of your chosen cloud
service.
4. Navigate the Interface: Spend 10-15 minutes exploring the interface of each platform.
• Identify the dashboard sections, including “My Drive” (Google) and “Files”
(OneDrive).
• Familiarize yourself with upload/download, file creation, and navigation options.
5. Compare the User Interfaces: Write a brief (2-3 sentences) description comparing the
ease of use, layout, and accessibility of each platform.
Part 2: Uploading and Organizing Files
1. Create a Folder: Create a folder on your local device to store files you want to upload.
2. Upload Files: Use the web interface or desktop app to upload files from your local device
to your cloud storage account.
3. Apply Tags and Descriptions (if applicable): On Google Drive, experiment with adding
descriptions or colors to folders.
4. Organize Files: Create folders within your cloud storage to organize your files efficiently.
5. File Sharing: Share a file or folder with a specific person or group, setting appropriate
sharing permissions.
6. Write an Observation: Record any observations on ease of file management, accessibility
options, and organizational features.
Part 3: Collaborating on Documents
1. Create a Document: Create a new document (e.g., Google Doc, Microsoft Word Online)
within your cloud storage.
2. Share and Collaborate: Share the document with your classmates and collaborate on it in
real-time.
• Set permissions for each shared file/folder (e.g., view only, edit permissions).
• Send the shared link via email or through the platform’s sharing options.
3. Track Changes: Use the version history feature to track changes made to the document.
• On Google Drive, create a Google Doc and share it for collaborative editing.
• On OneDrive, create a Word document and share it.
• Try adding comments, suggesting edits, and tracking changes.
Expected Outcomes:
By completing this lab, students should be able to:
• Navigate and utilize the essential features of both Google Drive and OneDrive.
• Understand the process of organizing, sharing, and collaborating on files in an online
storage environment.
• Analyze and discuss the advantages and limitations of each platform based on their own
experiences.
Evaluation Criteria:
• Successful completion of each task.
• Observations, comparisons, and reflections documented clearly.
• Analysis of storage and security features based on research and personal exploration.