
Some services offer only one hot folder, others allow several. So if you drag a photo into the hot folder the cloud service looks at the contents of that folder and makes that file accessible to any of the other devices that may be using the cloud service. Some services don't allow files any larger than 2GB for example, whereas some may let you store anything up to 10GB in size.Ī hot folder is a location the cloud service provides that looks like a normal folder on your desktop or mobile device but it is a constantly monitored online location. On most days you're unlikely to be uploading massive files, but on the rare occasion that you need to send a few gigabytes to the cloud, you need to know whether your service puts any restrictions on the size of individual files. What else you need to know about cloud storage File size limitations Although 50GB of cloud storage may sound great, if your ISP limits you to 25GB per month then you're unlikely to completely use the space.

If you're not on an unlimited plan with your ISP you'll need to keep an eye on how much data you're using with the service. Every time your hot folder syncs you're adding to your monthly upload/download limit.
#Best cloud storage backup for mac free
You can often earn more free storage space by referring friends to the service, or you can buy more space with a monthly/annual subscription.īut before you open up your wallet it's important to consider the practicalities of buying more storage. If you're thinking of syncing high quality photos, audio and video files you'll want to consider a service with more space. Most services start you off with free storage of between 5–15GB – which is often enough for storing your most important documents.

Most cloud storage services provide an amount of space for free, and if you need more you start to pay.

See online cloud backup review Free or paid?
