Google Drive

Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service developed by Google. At UMD, all current faculty, staff, and students have unlimited Google Drive storage when using their UMD-provided account.

Google's overarching documentation for Google Drive can be found here: https://support.google.com/drive/

Desktop Apps

Google currently offers two desktop apps for Windows and macOS computers that can be downloaded here:

• Google Drive for Desktop: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/7329379
• Google Drive Backup and Sync: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/2374987

The key difference between these two apps (i.e. what one provides that the other does not) is that Drive for Desktop provides on-demand streaming of files stored in your Drive to your computer, whereas Backup and Sync allows you to continuously sync local folders from your computer (such as Documents, Pictures, Videos, etc.) to Google Drive.

A full feature comparison can be found here: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/7638428?hl=en

Please note that Google has stated that Backup and Sync's exclusive features will be included in Drive for Desktop in an update later in 2021. Backup and Sync will then be phased out in favor of Drive for Desktop. However, until further information is available, Backup and Sync is still the only way to continuously sync local folders to Google Drive. Further information can be found here: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/10309431