How to Use Drive File Stream
You may have heard that Google is doing away with Google Drive. This is inaccurate. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and headlines such as those, are simply (highly effective) click bait. 🙂
Google Drive (cloud storage) is one of Google’s (revenue generating) core features – and, it’s not going anywhere.
On the contrary. What is happening – is a great new update to the drive. Users will continue to access and use the Drive in much the same way. So relax – it’s easy. And we’re going to give you step by step instructions on how to use Drive File Stream.
Effective December 17, Google Drive will be “renamed” Drive File Stream. Drive File Stream is available to all G Suite users. And – it’s a game changer. At least for those of us who like to access – stream files (on the cloud) from anywhere in the world, at any time – without using disc space.
What is G Suite
Gmail, Docs, Drive, and Calendar for business– All you need to do your best work, together in one package that works seamlessly from your computer, phone or tablet.
Supercity Realty settled on G Suite because “it is at the forefront of cloud-based tools“. We have two offices and mobile agents, so syncing information is key, as it allows us to do everything remotely. G Suite has really streamlined our processes, and is very easy to manage. We offer G Suite to all our agents.
With one login Supercity agents have access to the entire apps suite (Gmail, Docs, Drive and Calendar). With the ability to create “teams” making it convenient for collaboration on digital files – in real time by agents and their clients.
Step by Step Instructions on How To Use – Deploy, Drive File Stream
First, the admin of the G Suite account has a little work to do, behind the scenes.
G Suite Admins – navigate to your Google Admin Panel. You will see the following screen:
Click on Apps.
Then Click G Suite.
Then click Drives and Docs. Hint – note under status – each of the apps should be turned on for everyone.
Open Sharing Settings:
And configure your settings to look like this:
Note the Access Checker: By clicking “No Google account required” you are going to save a lot of headaches when sharing files via the drive (by email) with users who do not have a Google account.
Close Sharing Settings and open Data Access. Configure your settings to look like this:
Congratulations! You’re brilliant! 🙂 You have just enabled Drive File Stream at admin level for your organization. Yay! Does it make you wonder what all the fuss was about?
Now, it’s time to notify your Users and simplify the process for them. Each User in your organization will have to Download Drive File Stream. Google has made this part easy for you, with a Customizable Sample Drive email for new users. Thanks Google.
Drive File Stream is available for Mac and Windows and can be downloaded here: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/7329379?vid=0-194503755409-1509120718607#macos
Follow the on-screen instructions once download is complete.
Once downloaded Google works seamlessly to automatically sync your data with Drive File Stream. That’s right. You don’t have to do a darn thing. Once it’s downloaded you’re ready to go. But where did it go? And how will you access Drive File Stream now that it is downloaded? The answer is different for Windows and Mac users:
Look for the Drive File Stream icon: For Mac users look within the menu bar at the very top of your home screen – over to the right. Windows user your Drive File Stream icon will be found at the bottom right.
There. You’ve downloaded Drive File Stream – your information from your current Google Drive has automatically synced, and you know where to find – and how to access it.
So what is all the fuss about? Now that you have made the necessary changes – what will this mean to your life?
For myself as web designer and InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop user, I can now place, open from and save, directly to the Drive. No more downloading files to manipulate and re-uploading. This also means, my disc space is no longer necessary to perform these tasks. If you are a “click-counter” like myself – without a doubt, you’re doing the dance of joy right now. 🙂
The ability to work within applications like the ones I mentioned, is not just limited to Adobe products. Word users – start celebrating.
Being cloud-based translates into convenience. Supercity agents can access their information wherever they are from any device. And in the event they’re stuck somewhere out of range and unable to find an internet connection, they can still access their documents offline.
We’re proud to offer such an enterprising solution to our agents. If you’d like to know about more of the percs of becoming an agent with Supercity. Please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Author: Nancy Bain
For Supercity Realty
