⚠️ GUIDE NOTE: Pardon the dust! This guide still under construction. ⚠️

Google Drive App

STEP 1

Download Google Drive App

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STEP 2

Select STREAM FILES

Streaming uses less hard drive space.

Store all My Drive files in the cloud only
Access files from a virtual drive on your computer
Choose specific files and folders to make available offline.
- SETUP OFFLINE ACCESS: Right-click on the file or folder you want to make available for offline use. Next, choose “Available Offline” under the “Offline access” menu. LEARN MORE

STEP 3

This then puts the files to be accessible as a drive, which is in the cloud, but through your hard drive. If you are not connected to the internet, it will save to your local hard drive, then upload it as soon as your connected back to the internet. It treats all the files like a normal hard drive.

NOTE: Algorithm Info (How GDrive Decides what to keep on your physical drive (CACHE))

Google Drive for desktop primarily uses two mechanisms to manage your hard drive space: the "Streaming" feature and the "Content Cache" algorithm.

1. The "Streaming" System The streaming feature of Google Drive for desktop is designed to minimize the use of local disk space. Files are primarily stored in the cloud. When you access a file, it is temporarily downloaded to a local cache on your computer. Local storage is only utilized when you are actively working on files or for those files you have recently and frequently accessed. Stream & mirror files with Drive for desktop : This article explains how the streaming feature works and minimizes local disk usage.

2. The Content Cache Algorithm For more technical details on how Google Drive for desktop manages the removal of cached files, the "Advanced Drive for desktop configuration" guide for administrators provides information on the ContentCacheMaxKbytes logic. Advanced Drive for desktop configuration (See the ContentCacheMaxKbytes section): This guide provides technical details on the content cache algorithm, including the 20% limit and the Least Recently Used (LRU) logic.

The 20% Limit: The cache size is capped at 20% of the available space on your hard drive, irrespective of other settings.

Removal Trigger: The system continuously monitors your disk space. When additional space is required or the 20% threshold is met, Google Drive for desktop uses a "Least Recently Used" (LRU) method to remove the oldest cached files.

Data Safety: It is important to note that this setting does not apply to files you have specifically made available offline. Any files that you right-click and "Pin" will remain on your local drive indefinitely.

Google Workspace Support 66470483

https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/13022292?hl=en

CYA SHARED DRIVES

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