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How to Get More Storage on PC and Laptop (5 Solutions)

How to Get More Storage on PC and Laptop (5 Solutions)

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Are you constantly playing the “What Can I Delete Today” game from your PC or Laptop? Well, now is the time to break free from the shackles of storage and give your device the breathing space it deserves. Let’s look at five great solutions to expand your digital horizons and get more storage on your PC or laptop.

The External Hard Drive

Think of an external hard drive as a backpack for your digital life. It’s portable, comes in a variety of sizes, and can store everything from your vacation photos to that indie game collection you’ve been amassing. Simply plug it into your USB port and expand storage instantly!

Cloud Storage

It’s like an invisible storage locker that follows you everywhere. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive offer a chunk of free storage, with the option to upgrade if your digital collection is more than a library can accommodate. Bonus? You can access your data from any device with the internet.

Internal Hard Drive or SSD Upgrade

How to Get More Storage on PC and Laptop (5 Solutions)

Image Source: allthings.how

Upgrading your internal hard drive or switching to a solid-state drive (SSD) is like giving your device a heart transplant. It’s a little more complicated than plugging in an external drive, but the performance boost and extra space is like a double shot of espresso for your PC or laptop.

Network-Attached Storage (NAS)

Imagine having your own mini-cloud at home. A NAS device is just like that. It’s a storage hub that connects to your home network, allowing multiple devices to access and store files. It’s like having a digital library at home, without the late fees.

USB Flash Drives

USB flash drives are the key to the digital world. They’re small, portable, and perfect for transferring files or giving your device a little storage pick-me-up. They may not hold your entire movie collection, but they’re perfect for the essential files you need on the go.

Conclusion

Gone are the days of playing digital Tetris with your files. With these five solutions, you can expand your storage and breathe easy, knowing there’s enough room for all your digital treasures. So go ahead, embrace the space, and never let “low storage” warnings hinder your digital style.

FAQs

  • Will using an external hard drive slow down my computer? No way! It’s like having a second closet for your stuff. It does not affect the speed of your main server (your computer).
  • Is cloud storage safe? Safe like a locked treasure chest! Reputable cloud services use encryption and security measures to keep your digital treasures safe.
  • SSD or HDD: Which is better for internal storage? SSDs are like sports cars: fast and smooth. HDDs are like minivans: more space, but not as zippy. If you want speed, get an SSD. If you want more space for your money, HDD is best.
  • Can USB flash drives be used for long-term storage? They can, but they’re best for transferring files or short-term storage.
  • How much storage can a USB drive hold? USB drives come in various storage capacities, ranging from as little as 2GB to as much as 2TB. The most common sizes are 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB.
  • Can I run programs from a USB drive? Yes, some programs can be run directly from a USB drive without installation on the host computer. These are often known to as “portable” applications.
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Amazon

Amazon sees cloud slowdown in April, shares erase gains

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Amazon.com Inc. gave a warning on Thursday that its long, soaring growth in cloud services would slow down even more as its business clients braced for uncertainty and cut back on spending, dominating the company’s exceedingly strong quarterly revenue and profit.

Amazon
Image Source: reuters.com

On the strength of its optimistic assessment of customer sentiment and the fact that it was holding its own against cloud competitors, Amazon’s stock originally gained over $125 billion in extended trading, only to see the whole gain disappear in just a couple of minutes.

Also Read: OpenAI rolls out ‘incognito mode’ on ChatGPT

Following comments from Chief Financial Officer Brian Olsavsky, who informed analysts that cloud customers continued to try to reduce their bills as of the second quarter of the year and that Amazon was assisting them in doing so to foster long-term relationships, the share price fell.

Accordingly, he said, referencing a period that saw a consecutive decline, growth rates in revenue were approximately five percent lower in April than they were in the first quarter.

Now, shares are down 2%. The unexpected rise and collapse of Amazon are indications of a hazardous time for the business. Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, has vowed to reduce expenditure across the company’s wide range of operations in response to what he has dubbed an unpredictable environment.

Amazon is also dealing with a growing threat from its cloud competitors Microsoft and Google, both of whom are releasing prominent artificial intelligence products.

The cost reductions are extensive. Since November, Amazon has intended to eliminate 27,000 corporate positions. As of the most recent quarter, 1.47 million full- and part-time employees, including those working in warehouses, made up its workforce.

The company is also discontinuing all of its services, including its Halo fitness trackers. Its nationwide fulfillment operation has been reorganized. With a loss of $3.84 billion a year earlier, these initiatives helped Amazon turn a $3.17 billion profit in the quarter that concluded on March 31. However, this did little to entice investors.

An analyst at Huntington National Bank named David Klink described the company’s cloud delay as “tremendous.” “You’re not seeing (that) at either Microsoft or Google,” said Klink, whose bank held $129 million in Amazon stock as of Thursday.

Amazon Cloud, also known as Amazon Web Services (AWS), is a cloud computing platform offered by Amazon. It provides a wide range of cloud-based services to businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Also Read: Chipmaker Arm to make its own semiconductor

These services include computing power, database storage, content delivery, and other functionality that can be used to build and scale applications.

AWS is one of the leading cloud computing providers in the world, offering a highly scalable, flexible, and secure infrastructure that can be used to build and deploy applications of all sizes. It is used by millions of customers across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, government, and education.

microsoft

Microsoft bans cryptocurrency mining on cloud services

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According to media sources, Microsoft has prohibited cryptocurrency mining from using its internet services in order to protect all of its cloud users.

Microsoft has amended the Universal License Terms for Online Services, which went into effect on December 1. Microsoft has restricted the use of online services for crypto-mining. It is implemented to safeguard its consumers and cloud services. The IT behemoth announced the latest changes earlier this month.

MIcrosoft
Image Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

The update stated, “Neither Customer nor those that access an Online Service through Customer, may use an Online Service … to mine cryptocurrency without Microsoft’s prior written approval.”

Microsoft’s Summary of Changes to the license mentioned, “Updated Acceptable Use Policy to clarify that mining cryptocurrency is prohibited without prior Microsoft approval.”

Read More: Microsoft to Offer Call of Duty on Nintendo Devices if Activision Deal Closes

Microsoft suggested requesting pre-approval authorization to use any of its online services for cryptocurrency mining in the ‘Acceptable Use Policy’ section of its website, which comes amid rising worries about cyberfraud and threats.

The company noted, “Cryptocurrency mining can disrupt or even impair Online Services and its users, and is often associated with unauthorized access to and use of customer accounts.

We made this change to further protect our customers and mitigate the risk of disrupting or impairing services in the Microsoft Cloud. Permission to mine crypto may be considered for Testing and Research for security detections.”

Cryptocurrency cloud mining enables users to mine without the need for additional hardware or equipment. According to statistics from the blockchain research firm, Blockchain Council, this aspect of no cost associated has piqued clients’ interest in cloud mining. Microsoft Online Services, a part of the company’s SaaS strategy, is its hosted software product.

One of these services is the Microsoft Azure cloud computing network, which offers cryptocurrency mining for several subscription kinds. As was reported earlier, Microsoft also tested out blockchain services on Azure, but in September of last year, the project abruptly ended.

According to sources, Microsoft cloud computing systems have experienced storage issues in recent years as a result of constraints in the ongoing supply chain. Microsoft issued a warning to users about a new cryptocurrency mining malware last year that has the ability to steal credentials, disable security measures, proliferate via emails, and eventually drop additional tools for human-operated operations.

The cryptocurrency mining malware known as “LemonDuck” is propagated by phishing emails, vulnerabilities, USB devices, and brute force assaults in a number of nations, including India. It targeted Linux and Windows systems. This is not the first time that a major IT company has prohibited cryptocurrency mining on its website.

Similar rules apply at Google, which forbids mining without explicit written consent from the company. A mining malware threat detection solution for hacked accounts in Google’s cloud service was added earlier in 2022. Google stated last year that the majority of “malicious actors” had utilized compromised cloud accounts to mine cryptocurrency.

Crypto mining is likewise not permitted during the 12-month free trial of Amazon’s AWS. If users decide to mine on AWS, they can be charged a fee and risk having their accounts suspended.

iCloud web interface

Apple launched its new redesigned iCloud Web Interface

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A new iCloud web interface has been released by Apple for beta testers. Apple has revamped its iCloud website at http://www.icloud.com. Even though the upgrade is still in beta, it is open to all users, so they may go to beta.icloud.com and sign in using their Apple ID account.

iCloud web interface
Image Source: macrumors.com

Users can access their apps and data like images, files, mail, contacts, and more, using iCloud.

Users will be led to the newly designed web-based iCloud interface after successfully logging in with their valid Apple ID credentials. The new interface has apps displayed as customizable tiles that resemble the widgets on an iPhone’s home screen.

All of Apple’s iCloud apps, including Mail, Calendar, Contacts, Photos, Drive, Reminders, Notes Pages, Keynote, Numbers, and Find My, are accessible quickly with this feature. Users can also monitor their iCloud Storage, iCloud Plan, and Data Recovery.

Customization is, of course, the main appeal of the new design. The preview page’s content can all be customized, exactly like the home screen on the iPhone. The redesign allows for customization; thus, a “+” will add objects to the screen display and a “-” would delete a tile already present.

As a result, users can change the tile size to suit their needs by making it smaller or larger. The re-design also makes iCloud+ tools like custom mail domains and Hide My Email easier to access. A “Data Recovery” tool can help users recover bookmarks, calendars, contacts, and iCloud Drive files that have been deleted in the last 30 days.

Although the majority of users won’t use the iCloud web interface as their primary interface, it might be useful for getting data when the user is using a non-Apple device or isn’t logged in. The apps’ user interfaces and functionalities are unchanged. Even though the revamped iCloud preview is still under beta testing, the limited amount of testing felt stable. There is no date for its official launch yet.

Recently Apple also started testing a significant revamp of the iCloud Mail web interface that more closely matched the design changes introduced in macOS Big Sur. With a sleeker UI and thicker icons, the new design resembled the Mail app on the Mac and iPad.

Recently Apple disclosed that it will be raising charges for certain of its services.  Apple TV Plus will now cost two dollars more, and Apple Music will cost one dollar more. This is a risky move on the part of the company, especially given that the pricing of its music streaming service has remained the same since its launch in 2015.

Although many people will probably keep utilizing its services, the pricing shift might have a significant influence on the industry. Spotify recently announced that it will think about raising its subscription fee in the United States, but first, it needs to talk to its label partners.

Apple had quite a busy week with the release of new versions of macOS Ventura, iOS 16.1, iOS 16.2 beta, and iPadOS 16.1. In the past month, Apple launched new iPads, iPhones, Apple 4KTVs, and other products.

Chromebooks for cloud gaming

Google to introduce Chromebooks for Cloud Gaming

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It’s only been a few weeks since Google announced that its cloud gaming service Stadia will be discontinued next year. And now, the company has made a new cloud gaming announcement that it is launching Chromebooks made by various manufacturers that are optimized for cloud gaming.

Chromebooks for cloud gaming
Image Source: techviral91.com

To bring users marquee titles, Google has also partnered with cloud gaming services such as Nvidia GeForce Now, Microsoft Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Amazon Luna. Furthermore, Acer, Corsair, HyperX, Lenovo, and SteelSeries have collaborated with the company to create “Works with Chromebook” certified peripherals for these devices.

“Chromebooks have always been known for being fast, secure, and easy-to-use devices. Since their launch more than a decade ago, we have improved their capabilities and expanded the variety of devices for people to choose from,” the company said in a blog post.

“Today, we are taking that effort a step further by introducing the world’s first laptops built for cloud gaming along with our partners Acer, ASUS, and Lenovo,” it added.

Source: business-standard.com

Hardware specifications

This first generation of Chromebooks for cloud gaming from Acer, Asus, and Lenovo includes numerous gaming-related features. High-resolution displays with refresh rates of 120Hz or higher, Wi-Fi 6 or 6E compatibility, high-quality audio, and RGB keyboards with anti-ghosting are among them. Anti-ghosting is a feature that registers all the key presses accurately even when you press multiple keys at once.

The first set of devices is priced between $399 and $799 to appeal to a wider audience. These laptops use Intel processors ranging from Core i3 to Core i7, depending on the price. Here’s a quick rundown of the three launch models’ specifications.

Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook

It sports a 16-inch display with a WQXGA screen (2560 X 1500), and a 120 Hz refresh rate and has a 12th Gen Intel Core i3/i5 processor and 8 GB RAM. There are two versions with storage of variations of 256 GB/512 GB SSD and 128 eMMC. It features 4 X 2W speakers with Waves Audi and supports 2 X 2 Intel Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming Chromebook contains 2 USB 3.2 gen 2 type C ports, 1 X USB 3.2 Gen 1 type A, 1 X HDMI 2.0, 1 X audio combo jack, 1 microSD card reader, and a battery backup of 71 Wh.

Acer Chromebook 516 GE

Acer Chromebook 516 GE features a display of 16-inch WQXGA screen (2560 X 1500) with a 120 Hz refresh rate. It contains a 12th gen Intel Core i5 processor with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD. It sports DTS audio with quad-force vibration cancellation stereo. Some other features are 2 X 2 Intel Wi-fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, 2 x USB 3.2 gen 2type C, 1 x USB 3.2 gen 2 type A, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1x audio combo jack, 1 x Ethernet RJ-45 port and battery backup of 65 Wh.

Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip

Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip sports a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 X 1080) IPS touchscreen with 144 Hz refresh rate, 11th Gen Intel Core i3/i5/i7. It is available in 128GB/256GB/512GB SSD. It sports 2X Harman/Kardon certified speakers. Other features are 2X2 Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, 2 x USB 3.2 gen 2 type C; 1 x USB 3.2 gen 1 type A; 1 x HDMI 2.0; 1x audio combo jack; 1 x microSD card reader and a battery backup of 57 Wh.

Google does not currently have a set of requirements or certification for Chromebooks for cloud gaming. So, we don’t know if future devices must meet certain specifications to be included in this initiative, but Google will prioritize future devices with high refresh rate screens and good Wi-Fi connectivity.

However, the company stated that GameBench independently tested all three launch devices to ensure they provide a consistent and smooth gaming experience at 120 frames per second with a latency of less than 85ms.

All of these devices will be available for purchase in October. Acer, Corsair, HyperX, Lenovo, and SteelSeries supported accessories including headsets, mice, and controllers.

Pure Storage

Pure Storage – Company Simplifying Data Storage.

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Pure Storage supports innovators by permanently simplifying data storage. The company is revolutionizing the storage process and empowering innovators by making it easier for users to consume and engage with data. With cutting-edge, cloud-ready storage solutions and the highest technological expertise, the company simplifies storage and turns data into effective results.

About The Company

Pure Storage is an American company that offers hardware and software for all-flash data storage. The company is headquartered in California, USA. Pure Storage was established in 2009 and worked stealthily on its products until 2011. After that, the company saw a 50 percent increase in quarterly revenues and raised over $470 million in venture financing. In 2015, the company went public and debuted on the New York Stock Exchange. In the starting, Pure Storage used generic flash storage hardware and built the software for storage controllers. In 2015, Pure Storage completed the development of its exclusive flash storage hardware.

Pure Storage
Image source: techherald.in

History

In 2009, John Colgrove and John Hayes launched Pure Storage under the code name Os76 Inc. The business was initially founded inside the offices of the venture capital firm Sutter Hill Ventures, and it was supported with $5 million in seed money. The company raised an additional $20 million in venture money in a series B fundraising round. In August 2011, the company emerged from stealth mode as Pure Storage. EMC filed a lawsuit against the company and 44 former employees in 2013, alleging intellectual property theft.

Additionally, EMC asserted that the company had violated a few of its patents. In a countersuit, It claimed that EMC had illegally acquired a Pure Storage device to perform reverse engineering. In 2016, a jury court decided in favor of EMC and Pure Storage was ordered to pay $14 million to EMC. A judge overturned the verdict and mandated a further trial to determine the legality EMC patent at issue. Following that, a $30 million settlement was reached between Pure Storage and EMC. In August 2015, Pure Storage informed the Securities Exchange Commission of its intention to go public. In 2016, the organization held its first yearly user conference. In 2017, The company achieved its first year of profitability and surpassed $1 billion in revenue.

Acquisitions

In 2018 with the $25 million purchase of StorReduce, a provider of data deduplication software, the company completed its first acquisition. The same year, the company announced a binding deal to buy software-based file storage business Compuverde for an undisclosed sum. In 2020, Pure Storage paid $370 million to acquire Portworx, a Kubernetes-based cloud-native data, and storage management platform, supplier.

Products

Employing consumer-grade solid state drives, Pure Storage creates flash-based storage for data centres. Although more expensive, flash storage is speedier than conventional disc storage. The company creates unique deduplication and compression algorithms to increase the data volume that can be kept on each device. Along with that, it makes its own flash storage technology. FlashBlade, for unstructured data, FlashArray/C, which employs QLC flash, and the more expensive NVMe FlashArray/X are it’s three main product lines. Most of the company’s income comes from IT vendors that sell its solutions to operators of data centres.

Founder – John Colgrove, John Hayes

Pure Storage, which was founded in 2009, entered a market that had been dominated for over 30 years by competitors like EMC and HP. John Colgrove and John Hayes, the company’s co-founders, understood that they would need to construct and operate their storage business differently if they wanted to successfully compete with the established market leaders. Their ideas eventually led to the foundation of Pure Storage.

CEO – Charles Giancarlo

American businessman and investor Charles Giancarlo serves as the CEO and Chairman of Pure Storage. He formerly held top management positions at Silver Lake Partners and Cisco Systems. Charles Giancarlo is the company’s CEO since 2017. Giancarlo has an MBA from Harvard University, a master’s degree from the University of California, and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University.