Using Google Drive as a Backup

As Jean mentioned in her e-mail, you may want to back up your files before you hand in your laptop.  There are a number of options you can choose from.  Being that we now have access to unlimited storage in Google, you may want to use Drive as a place to backup your files.  Below is a visual set of directions for this process.  If you have any questions, please contact a Tech Team member.  If you need addition support, you can contact Cristina and she can help out.  With Google, we have a feature to be able to work and see other computers even if we aren't in the same room or building.

Step 1

Go to Google Drive and sign in with your school account.  UPDATE: Use Google Chrome to ensure everything transfers correctly.

Step 2

Create a new folder.  To do this click on the red NEW button and then click Folder.

Step 3

A window will pop up asking you to name the folder.  Give it any name you want.  Something like 2014-2015 School year might be good.

Step 4

Double Click on the new folder that you just created.  This will open it up. 

Step 5

Next you'll want to open up finder to the folder you want to backup.  Many of you will be backing up your documents folder so that is the one you want to open, but some might have things stored elsewhere. 

It is suggested that you resize the windows so that they both fit on the screen without overlapping. 

Step 6

To copy your documents into Google Drive, you will have to select them all and drag them into the Google Drive window.  Note: You aren't removing them from your computer, just creating a copy in Google.  

While the finder window is selected, you can press "command" and "A" at the same time and this will select all of the folder and documents in that window.  You can also drag the folders and files one by one.

It may take a few minutes depending on how many files you have, but after that you are all done!

CrashPlan - getting your backed up files

As you may have noticed, we have a new method for backing up our files.  It's called CrashPlan (it's the house icon on the top of your computer).  The great thing about it is that it is always backing up your files no matter where you are (you no longer need to be at school for your files to back up)

This means that if you log into another person's computer (or a library computer) you will not be able to access your files.  If for some reason you don't have your laptop with you and need to access a file there is a way for you to get it. 

If you have any questions please contact a tech team member.

 You can also find the document by clicking here.