If you have visited Google Docs recently, you may have noticed that Google Drive is now available for opt-in with Brown accounts. Google Drive creates a folder on your computer which syncs with your Google Docs. Files dragged into or saved in that folder will be conveniently stored in the cloud, accessible from any computer or device from which you log into your Brown Google account.
If you are planning to try this new feature, be aware of the following. The last two points are especially important for those of us who work extensively with shared collections.
- Google Cloud Connect and Google Drive aren’t compatible. Before you can sync Microsoft Office files with Google Drive, you’ll need to uninstall or sign out of Google Cloud Connect.
- Google Drive allows anyone with access to your computer to access your docs and log into your Google account, even if you have logged out in the browser. Only install Google Drive on your own computer (not a public computer), and make sure the computer is password protected and not left unattended.
- Google Drive is considered a core app and does fall under Brown’s privacy agreement with Google, which provides a higher level of security and privacy than that of consumer accounts and apps.
- Google Drive changes the way your collections appear on the left side of your Docs list. Instead of seeing “My Collections” and “Collections Shared with Me”, you will only see “My Drive.” This has been confusing for people who rely on “Collections Shared with Me” to find shared docs.
- You will not be able to add docs to other people’s collections unless you drag them into “My Drive.”
If you install drive and the loss of “Collections Shared with Me” is making it difficult for you to find docs, try the search technique in this Google Tip: http://blogs.brown.edu/cis/2012/03/16/google-tip-a-better-way-to-find-docs
For more information about Google Drive, including installation instructions and known issues, please see the detailed help page at: http://support.google.com/drive/?hl=en
