Google "Drive" is available by clicking the app launcher in the upper right corner of your browser when you're logged in to your Connect Google Workspace account.  The navigation bar on the left provides you with options for accessing your files.

My Drive and Shared Drives are distinct offerings from Google that both allow for file storage and collaboration.  Both of these services provide real time editing when using Google Docs, Sheets, Slides and Forms.  Shared with me shows all files and folders other colleagues have shared with you.

For information on Google Drive file types and sizes click here.  For information on Shared Drive limitations, click here.  To learn more about Google Drive, visit the Google Workspace Learning Center.

Best Practices

It's important to adhere to some best practices when creating and sharing files and folders on My Drive and Shared drives.  It will help keep your space organized and allow for easier navigation to your files.  We strongly recommend planning your file structure for your Shared drives.  When you create a Shared drives, Google has no restrictions on naming conventions.  Be sure to use Shared Drive names that are unique to your department and team.  Remember, all Connect Google Workspace users across campus can create and manage Shared drives. You want to be sure your Shared drive name will remain unique to your project.

Example:  ITS Connect Migrations

If you've already created Shared drives with generic names and want to rename them, simply right click on your Shared drive name and select "Rename."  If necessary, communicate that you've renamed it with the rest of the team.

Cloud-based Storage Security and Privacy

For information and best practices regarding Google Cloud security, please visit our Security and Privacy Information page.

You can find additional information on UCSB's Security and Privacy policies.

Windows File Shares

If you're currently using Windows shares for file storage and looking for an alternative, Google Drive may be of interest to you.  You should know that the Google Drive options, My Drive or Shared drives, do not have the same permission structure as the Windows file system.  Google is constantly improving their services and could potentially change or improve Drive permissions in the future, but if you are contemplating a migration from Windows file servers to Google Drive there will be limitations.  Please submit a ticket if you wish to discuss these options.