50GB Online Storage | A Drive Review - Secure Cloud Storage

Exploring Online Storage Options: A Look at ADrive

This article is part of a series examining various online storage services. We will concentrate on free options, detailing their capabilities and limitations to assist you in determining the best fit for your needs. Incorporating online storage into a comprehensive backup strategy is highly recommended.

Previously, we reviewed Microsoft's Live SkyDrive and briefly touched upon Mozy Home. Today, we will focus on ADrive, which provides a substantial 50GB of free online storage. They also offer several premium subscription plans. It’s prudent to thoroughly test free versions before committing to a paid service.

Setting Up and Uploading with ADrive

Upon account creation, you may be prompted to download Java if it isn’t already installed. A link to the download site is conveniently provided. If using Vista, ensure you select the "always trust..." option and then proceed to Run the installer.

Following installation, a Java file explorer interface becomes available, allowing you to easily navigate and select files or directories for uploading to ADrive.

The selected files are then added to the ADrive upload manager, accessible directly on their website.

To initiate the upload process, simply click the Upload button. A Java progress window will display the status of your file transfers.

Alternative Upload Methods and File Access

If you prefer not to install Java, a basic uploader is also available for use. This provides a simpler, albeit less feature-rich, upload experience.

Once logged in, you can access your stored files through an explorer-like interface. This allows for easy organization and management of your data.

The download section enables you to browse your files and select those you wish to retrieve.

Advanced Features: Backup Client and Online Editing

ADrive offers a Backup Client, a downloadable utility available after signing up for a Basic Account. This tool facilitates scheduled full and incremental backups. However, its free functionality is limited to a 30-day trial period, after which a paid subscription is required.

For new users, enabling the "Tip of the Day" feature within the Backup Client provides helpful guidance each time the application is launched.

A particularly useful feature is the ability to modify Microsoft Office documents directly within ADrive using the Zoho Online Document Editor. To utilize this, right-click on an Office document within your drive (note: Office 2007 documents saved in XML format may not be compatible with Zoho) and select "Edit in Zoho" from the menu.

The document will then open in a separate window with Zoho Document Editor, allowing you to make changes and save them directly back to your ADrive storage. This functionality is available at no additional cost.

Sharing and Overall Impression

Like most online storage providers, ADrive allows you to share documents via a public folder.

You are provided with a direct link to the document and given options to prevent sharing, downloading, or emailing.

The email option includes sender information and a direct download link for the recipient.

Overall, ADrive has proven to be a compelling storage solution. They are consistently adding new features. With 50GB of free storage and a 2GB maximum upload file size, it’s a strong contender. Continued use may lead to an upgrade to one of their paid plans, offering increased space and additional functionalities. Despite not being the most widely recognized online storage provider, ADrive is certainly worth serious consideration.

Available Plans

Currently, ADrive offers three subscription plans: Basic, Signature, and Premium. Detailed comparisons of each service are available on their website.