What is Google Drive?

 

• Google Drive is the district’s cloud storage platform for saving and accessing files.
• It allows you to store all types of files, including Google files (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Microsoft Office files, and files from other applications on your MacBook.
• Files are stored in the cloud and connected to your district account, rather than being stored only on your device.
• It includes tools for organizing files, such as folders, search, and file management.

 

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Do I have to use Google Drive?  

 

 

• Yes. Google Drive is the district’s official and approved platform for storing and accessing files.

• All USC-related files must be stored in Google Drive. Storing files in any other cloud platform, personal storage, or unapproved device is not permitted.
• Access your files from anywhere by signing in to your account.
• Your files are protected. If your MacBook is lost, damaged, or replaced, your documents remain safe and accessible.
• Automatic saving and syncing ensures your work is continuously updated and reduces the risk of lost work.
• Files are backed up regularly, and in some cases may be recoverable if accidentally deleted.
• Built in security protections help keep your data safe.
• Supports collaboration, allowing you to share and work with colleagues.
• All files, documents, and data are the property of the district and must remain in Google Drive and district-managed systems and devices.

 

Important Tech Department Recommendation: 

 

Do not store files on your Mac desktop or in the Documents folder. All files should be stored and accessed through Google Drive.

 

If your computer is damaged, crashes, or needs to be replaced, files saved locally on your device will not be accessible. When you sign in to Google Drive on a new device, all of your files will be available.

 

 

 

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Google Drive: Web Version vs. Mac Finder Folder

 

Google Drive gives you two easy ways to work with your files on a Mac:

 

1.  Through a web browser (drive.google.com)

Use For: Google files (created in a web browser using Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and other tools at drive.google.com)

 

 

2.  Through a regular folder in your Mac’s Finder

Use For: Non-Google files (files created in other programs):

 

This is also exactly where you save and store files that are not created in Google, for example:

• Microsoft PowerPoint presentations (.pptx)
• Microsoft Word documents (.docx)
• PDFs
• Images, videos, spreadsheets from Excel, or any other file type you created on your Mac

 

 

• In your Dock, The Mac Finder is in the bottom left hand corner of the screen

 

 

• Click on Google Drive from the left, and click on My Drive to access your files.  This where you would access and save Non-Google files.

 

 

 

When saving a Non-Google files,

 

1. Choose Google Drive
2. Select My Drive
3. Choose the folder where you want to save the file
4. Enter a file name
5. Click Save

 

 

 

 

Note:  Both versions connect to the same cloud storage and show the exact same files. The main difference is how you access and work with them.

 

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