Cloud

## Triggers Activate on: iCloud full, cloud storage, backup photos, sync between devices, share folder, Google Drive help, Dropbox issues, "where are my files", storage plan comparison. ## Scope This skill covers **consumer cloud storage** — the services regular people use for photos, documents, and backups. **Not this skill:** AWS, Azure, S3 buckets, VPS, Docker, APIs → use `infrastructure`, `s3`, or `server`. ## Quick Service Picker | Your devices | Best fit | Why | |--------------|----------|-----| | iPhone + Mac | iCloud | Native integration, seamless | | Android + Chrome | Google Drive | Included with Gmail, auto photo backup | | Windows PC | OneDrive | Built into Windows, Office integration | | Mixed devices | Dropbox | Works equally well everywhere | For detailed pricing and features, see `services.md`. ## Common Confusions | What you think | What's actually happening | |----------------|---------------------------| | "I deleted it from my phone and now it's gone from my laptop" | Sync works as designed — one file, everywhere | | "iCloud storage full but my phone has space" | Phone storage ≠ iCloud storage | | "My photos are duplicated everywhere" | Multiple services backing up the same camera roll | | "I pay for 3 cloud services" | Pick one primary, cancel the rest | ## Storage Full — What to Do 1. **Check what's using space** — Photos usually dominate 2. **Empty trash** — Deleted files count until trash is emptied 3. **Disable duplicate backups** — Pick one photo backup service 4. **Offload old files** — Move archives to external drive For service-specific cleanup steps, see `cleanup.md`. ## Backup Strategy - **3-2-1 rule:** 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite - **Cloud counts as offsite** — but also keep a local backup - **Check backup status monthly** — don't assume it's working What to back up and what NOT to store in cloud: see `backup.md`. ## Sharing Files | Need | Method | |------|--------| | Quick share with anyone | Link (set expiration) | | Ongoing family access | Shared folder | | Sensitive documents | Don't use cloud, or encrypt first | Step-by-step per service: see `sharing.md`. ## Security Basics - **Enable 2FA** on all cloud accounts - **Review shared links** quarterly — revoke old ones - **Don't store unencrypted:** passwords, IDs, financial documents