Overview
Google Drive is a reliable cloud file storage service that is part of the Google Application Suite. When you store files in your Google Drive, you can access them from any device when you are logged into your Google account with your F&M credentials.
There are two components of Google Drive: My Drive and Shared Drives. Everything in My Drive is visible only to you unless you specifically choose to share a file with someone. Files in a Shared Drive are visible to anyone who has access to that Shared Drive. We encourage you to use Shared Drives for group, departmental and committee files that others may need to access in your absence.
Note: After you leave the College, your Google account is deleted, so any files stored in your My Drive are not accessible. However, files in a Shared Drive are not deleted.
When you access files in Google Drive, you are streaming them from the cloud, so you need an internet connection. However, you can set a specific file to be available when you are offline so you can work on it without an internet connection. Then, the file will sync the next time you are connected to the internet.
Please see the Related Articles for information on how to set up, manage, and work from Google Drive. Or you can access Google Drive help on Google's site here.
Saving files to Google Drive
When you create or open a file in a Google Application (such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.), your file automatically saves to your Google My Drive by default. You can edit and manage the file within the Google application. Any changes, edits or updates to those files are saved automatically in your Drive.
When you create files in non-Google applications (such as Paint, Microsoft Word, Photos, etc.), the application typically defaults to save in a folder on your local computer. However, you do have the option to save to your Google Drive from within the application. When used this way, Google Drive acts a lot like a network drive providing additional storage beyond what is locally available on your machine.
Note: It is important to be selective about what you keep in your Google Drive. Keep in mind that storage space does have limits. You should not replicate EVERY file that is on your device -- choose files to keep in your Google Drive that would be irreplaceable without considerable efforts.
Important Notes
- Use the Chrome browser for an optimal experience in any Google application, including Google Drive.
- You can manage access, edit, and organize all of your files in the Google Drive browser interface.
- Use the robust search feature to locate files stored anywhere in your Google Drive.
The Help Desk
Need more help? Contact us!
- Enter a Service Request here on this page to route your request to the right expert.
- Call the Help Desk at 717-358-6789.
- Stop by and see us in Martin Science Library.