[Jim B]

Tip here fellows. If you have a Windows Live ID (free) you can get 25 gigs of cloud storage for free from Microsoft Skyline, they even have an app for the iPhone.

Apple iCloud gives you only 5 gigs, not sure how much Dropbox or the others give you (maybe someone can tell us). I downloaded the app for free of the iTunes store and it works pretty good for storing data, files, pics, etc. I mostly back up to my server but this is just too good to pass up.


I do have to admit that I like some of the features of Apple iCloud like find my phone, and contact backup.

[JeepNWilly]

Dropbox gives you 2GB to start with.

I like it because when you install the PC client it actually places a folder in your Documents folder that you can access just like any other folder.

The one thing I do not like about Dropbox is that on the iPhone/iPad app the photos are degraded when you download them of view them on the iPhone/iPad. If you use the web client phots you uploaded are fine so it seems to be an issue with the app only.

I will give SkyDrive a try

[Jim B]

Willy, don't have the time now, but when you try Skyline let me know if there is a back door to be able to log into it through ftp. I have an app that I use on my server for photos/movies that I will explain later that will solve the degradation that you are talking about. Also did not look to see if it has a PC client.

[JeepNWilly]

By the way it is called SkyDrive

[Rollbar]

So how safe is this iCloud to house your junk?

Seems like an access point to me but then again what do I know.

[Jim B]

IMO nothing can be safe once it leaves your possession. That said if your information files are not sensitive I don't see a reason not to use it unless a company goes bankrupt and you lose your data. Yes, there is always a possibility of glitches but Murphy pretty much applies to everything.

I have my own cloud at the house controling all my data. In fact Willy was testing it at one time. I do see an advantage of the Microsoft Skydrive and iCloud. iCloud is good for the backups of your iPhone such as pictures, contacts, calendar, etc. In the event your phone fails and you have to restore, the information is at your fingertips no matter where you are. The other cloud services do the same but don't sync all just some. If you need to get a hold of files on the fly no matter where you are it becomes handy. I know people with large music collections that use it.

Hey Willy, thanks for catching Skydrive over Skyline, too many names and things to remember on my vintage gray matter.

[deevee]

At work we were using dropbox until the breach earlier this year. We then switched over to TeamDrive.

[Rollbar]

So how do you like the Team Drive. And what was the breach?

[Rollbar]

http://www.apple.com/icloud/setup

Questions:

1. When I get my iPhone on Tues (its sitting in Reno @ FedEx, they are closed on Monday) do I have to log in w/my Windows Live ID first or how does that work to where I get the 25gigs?

2. I see on the set up page that I can turn on different settings. By turning on these setting do they automatically upload to the Cloud. Emails; contacts; calendar etc.

Thanks,
JimII

[JeepNWilly]

It seems to me that you are mixing up 2 different cloud services.

The 25gig free is SkyDrive which is by Microsoft and yes that uses your windows live id. You need to install the SkyDrive app via the app store.
There is nothing automatic about SkyDrive. You are responsible to upload the files you want manually from the iPhone App or the PC using the Web Client.

The link you typed is for Apple iCloud service which you get 5gig free and it is fully integrated with the iPhone running iOS 5 or higher. Yes it can be used to store all those things you mentioned as well as iPhone Backup which you normally do via iTunes. Now you have the option to also backup to the iCloud along with apps you have installed.



P.S. I will be on vacation from Dec 29th thru Jan 9th so any support calls should be directed to Rollbar's level 1 tech support agent (JimB)

[Rollbar]

JeepNWilly, on 26 December 2011 - 08:40 PM, said:

P.S. I will be on vacation from Dec 29th thru Jan 9th so any support calls should be directed to Rollbar's level 1 tech support agent (JimB)

Ok, I signed into the SkyDrive, SWEET. Up loaded some stuff so far so good we will see when the phone gets here tomorrow

I hope Jim didn't change his number

[Rollbar]

Ok, I just shared some stuff w/Ashley///////I enabled her to see two folders on my SkyDrive.

She tried to pull them up on her phone but it hasn't come up yet.

Does it take time?

Does she have to go to a PC first even being on WLive/SkyDrive on her I phone?

Questions:

When I share something, does it take up double space?

When I share something does she have to log in to my SkyDrive?

P.S. Your not gone YET

[JeepNWilly]

Good questions but I have never shared anything on any cloud service.

[Rollbar]

Ok, I shared two folders 36095kb and Ashley can view as long as she can connect to the net.

To share, you click on the folder or sub folder and click share, add e-mail address and then there are two options to select.

It works well.

Question:
Of said folders (36095kb) I shared that are on my SkyDrive. Can I upload those to my HDrive on the phone in case I do not have internet (I'm in the dessert-lack of AT&T towers). They are PDF's.

I guess I can plug the phone in but where would you upload them to since there is no Windows Office on the iPhone?

Signed, new iPhone Test Subject for Apple

Jim/Willy, do you use iCloud for the iPhone back up and Skydrive for your Docs etc?

It would seem smart to use iCloud for the iPhone since the 5gigs is free and enough for the iPhone.

[Jim B]

Rollbar, use iCloud for your iPhone backup for pictures, contacts, reminders, anything that is on the phone. Because it is seamless. I personally back up to my computer except for reminders but I have mirror images in case I lose info. For you it would be best. Since you have a few iPhones in the family each must have it's own icloud account, they can use their own email address. For docs, files etc I would use Skydrive from Microsoft, you can't beat 25 gigs of free. I have my own cloud but that's another story.

Rollbar, on 26 December 2011 - 10:42 PM, said:

Ok, I just shared some stuff w/Ashley///////I enabled her to see two folders on my SkyDrive.
She tried to pull them up on her phone but it hasn't come up yet.
Does it take time?

I don't think so. I have not worked with Skydrive enough to test this.

Quote

Does she have to go to a PC first even being on WLive/SkyDrive on her I phone?

Not sure but I would thin it would instantly show up once the upload to the cloud is done.

Quote

When I share something, does it take up double space?

No

Quote

When I share something does she have to log in to my SkyDrive?

No, she would have a share login that can only see that portion of what you shared.

Rollbar, on 26 December 2011 - 11:17 PM, said:

Question:
Of said folders (36095kb) I shared that are on my SkyDrive. Can I upload those to my HDrive on the phone in case I do not have internet (I'm in the dessert-lack of AT&T towers). They are PDF's.

By uploading to the cloud you do not need them on your phone. Skydrive app on your iPhone connects to the cloud. However if towers are down you will need another application (FTP Pro) that not only connects to your VPS but houses any files on the phone. I'm sure there are other apps.

Quote

I guess I can plug the phone in but where would you upload them to since there is no Windows Office on the iPhone?

See my prior response.

I'll be in and out until after New Years. Let's hope Willy gets back soon as I do not want all of you burdern. I have placed your phone number on temporary call block.

[Rollbar]

Thanks again,

FTP Pro? Linky? Worky?

[Jim B]

Rollbar, on 27 December 2011 - 02:37 PM, said:

Thanks again,

FTP Pro? Linky? Worky?

Do a search on iTunes or on the iPhone app store for FTPonTheGo. I bought the cheaper version since I don't have an iPad, the cheaper version is for iPhone and iTouch. If you want to spend the $3 extra for the Pro version it will do all 3.

This one will log into your server and let you save files. I'm looking into another called Office2Plus, that one lets you edit the word and excel files for $6. Not sure if I'll get this as I don't like editing on a 3" screen. I believe it will also store files but will not connect to your server in a pinch and the login to the VPS is not secured.

[Rollbar]

FTPonTheGo = 6.99

Pro = 9.99

If this is just for getting into the FTP/Server then I hardly ever do that. If this means I can upload pics to my album then MAYBE I will need it.

If it means I can view PDF's/Word etc then I will need it.

Just don't fully comprehend it.

[Rollbar]

Speaking of iCloud, I just turned on my camera to check it out and the app said it can store the photos on the cloud and when I am in a WiFi area they will down load to the phone. That is if I read it right.

What settings are you using and if these settings are used when they down load to the phone does it take a while (I know it depends on the amount) and aloe things down etc.

Thanks,
Jim
Sent from my iPhone

[JeepNWilly]

I would think it the other way around.
You take pics and they save locally and when connected to wifi or 3G they would upload to the icloud.

[Rollbar]

Hum, maybe so. I still have to pull stuff off the cloud/skydrive to the phone. Gotta look into it.

[Jim B]

Rollbar, on 29 December 2011 - 09:06 PM, said:

Speaking of iCloud, I just turned on my camera to check it out and the app said it can store the photos on the cloud and when I am in a WiFi area they will down load to the phone. That is if I read it right.

What settings are you using and if these settings are used when they down load to the phone does it take a while (I know it depends on the amount) and aloe things down etc.

Log into your iCloud from your phone, turn on Photo Stream and any other settings you wish to have backed up.

The way it works is that everytime you take a picture or video it backs it up automatically and keeps it in the cloud for 30 days. After 30 days it starts to drop the older one. You can not edit or delete, you can only view download or recover from the iCloud when you log in with your browser. You will also see another folder on your iphone called Photo Stream which is basically a duplicate of your Camera Roll.

[JeepNWilly]

If you had already signed up for SkyDrive and want to keep your free 25 GB make sure you log in online and go to manage storage and accept the free 25 GB otherwise it will be reduced to 7 GB. Do it fast because not sure when it will end.

They have also released apps for Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and also Mac plus the other Mobile versions they already had. The Windows version is supposed to integrate to Windows Explorer just like DropBox currently does

[Rollbar]

Thanks - ugraded.

[Jim B]

JeepNWilly, on 23 April 2012 - 02:07 PM, said:

They have also released apps for Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and also Mac plus the other Mobile versions they already had. The Windows version is supposed to integrate to Windows Explorer just like DropBox currently does

Good catch, so if you are new to Skydrive you only get 7 GB?

You don't mention XP Pro, have you tried it on your XP machines?

I told my daughter as she uses Dropbox and she also singed up but she did not use because it does not sync with PC.

She writes back
"The 25 gigs doesn't sync with the computer where you can work from it. Fyi"

Maybe she is not aware of the PC app that she has to install.

[JeepNWilly]

Correct if you are new you do not get the free upgrade option.

No XP. Vista and above only plus Mac

[Jim B]

JeepNWilly, on 25 April 2012 - 09:20 AM, said:

No XP. Vista and above only plus Mac

That sucks, I guess they want you to upgrade, wonder how long I can hold out.

Have you worked with the new app update and PC sync yet How do you like it as compared to dropbox?

[JeepNWilly]

Jim B, on 30 April 2012 - 07:58 AM, said:

Have you worked with the new app update and PC sync yet How do you like it as compared to dropbox?

Same as DropBox

[Jim B]

Well looks like 25 gig free Skydrive for me instead of the other online storages.
It now works with my PC XP Pro (Still hanging on)

Found a sweet free utility that will no show me the a folder drive with all the info on the skydrive so now I can now drag and drop from the PC. As I recall it does all versions of Windows, not sure about Square Headlights Mac.

It does not install an application like the Windows PC client that only works on Vista and Up versions. Very simple to use. They have an advance version for a one time charge which is not much.

SD Explorer

They improved the iPhone app and it now opens files with any other apps as well.

[Krocker]

JeepNWilly, on 30 April 2012 - 08:03 AM, said:

Same as DropBox

same here, I though it was different at fist but it's not