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CT GAFE - Google Drive #1 - Introduction



Google Drive is first, and foremost, a file storage and file management system. It is the basis of the Google Apps for Education (GAFE) suite of programs. This suite includes Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drawings, Forms, Photos, and YouTube. The system stores files in the “cloud,” freeing up storage on your device.


Google Drive allows for the storage and use of many different types of files. For instance, all of the files that you create with the tools provided by Google (Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drawings, and Forms) are stored natively in a format that is only readable by Google Drive. If you have a PDF, a Word (.doc or .docx) file, a PowerPoint (.ppt or .pptx) file, or an Excel (.xls or .xlsx) file, Google Drive will store them in their original file format. You would be able to open and edit the file within Google Drive, if you so choose, but be aware, you may lose some of the formattings.

Google Drive also allows you to store photos in various formats as well as various types of video. Google drive will also store music files if you have them. Google Drive is unique in the market that it allows you to store almost any type of file and be able to access, edit, and use it within your browser window.  

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