Hello everyone:
Welcome to my 10 tip series where each month I’ll be sharing 10 tips on various pieces of technology.
This would include tips on popular screen readers, office software, and browsers.
If you have any suggestions on what you would like me to share then by all means! Write to me at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.
For this month:
10 tips for learning about google drive
Here are 10 tips for learning about Google Drive and getting the most out of it:
1. Understand the Basics
• Google Drive is a cloud storage service that lets you save and access files from any device.
• You get 15GB of free storage (shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos).
2. Organize with Folders & Labels
• Create folders to categorize your files.
• Use colors & stars to mark important folders.
• Use the “Priority” section to quickly find frequently used files.
3. Learn Sharing & Permissions
• Share files with others via email or a link.
• Choose between Viewer, Commenter, or Editor permissions.
• Use “Restricted” mode to keep files private.
4. Use Google Docs, Sheets, & Slides
• Google Drive integrates with Docs (word processing), Sheets (spreadsheets), and Slides (presentations).
• Files auto-save in Drive, and you can access them offline if enabled.
5. Utilize Drive Search & Filters
• Use keywords in the search bar to find files quickly.
• Filter by file type, owner, and modification date.
• Use “has:attachment” in Gmail search to find Drive files attached to emails.
6. Sync with Google Drive for Desktop
• Install Google Drive for Desktop to sync files between your PC and the cloud.
• Choose between “Mirror” (full sync) and “Stream” (cloud-only) options.
7. Backup Important Files
• Upload critical files to Drive as a backup.
• Use Google Photos for backing up pictures and videos.
• Enable “Offline mode” for access without an internet connection.
8. Use Google Forms & Apps Integration
• Create surveys and quizzes with Google Forms, and responses go directly into Sheets.
• Integrate with third-party apps like Adobe Acrobat, Trello, and Slack.
9. Recover Deleted Files
• Files in the Trash stay for 30 days before permanent deletion.
• Use “Manage Versions” to restore older file versions.
• If you delete something permanently, try contacting Google Support.
10. Enhance Security
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for extra protection.
• Review who has access to your shared files.
• Use Drive encryption when storing sensitive data.
To contact me please send an email to donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca
I’m Donna J. Jodhan (sight loss coach and accessibility advisor)
