Cloud

--- name: Cloud description: "Choose, organize, sync, share, and back up personal files across iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive." ---

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