Home > First Things > Installing and using Google Drive

Google Drive for Desktop (previously called Backup and Sync)

Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service developed by Google.  Google Drive allows users to store files on their servers, and then have them synchronized across multiple devices. 

Installing Google Drive for Desktop on your PC

The files that accompany the class text will be installed in either your Dropbox or in Google Drive.  If Google Drive for Desktop is being used, you will need to install it on both the PC you will be using in class and the PC you will be using at home.  You will frequently work on the class exercise files in Google Drive for Desktop in class, and then continue to work on them at home.  Any changes you make to the exercise files while in class will get updated at your home, and vise versa.  To install Google Drive for Desktop, download the software here:

https://dl.google.com/drive-file-stream/GoogleDriveSetup.exe

https://www.google.com/drive/download/

All of the files used in your class textbook exercises are stored in Google Drive.  Follow these instructions to install it on your PC or laptop.

STEP 1

First, click on this link:  Google Drive for Desktop.  You will then see the following screen.

STEP 2

Click on the blue button Download Drive for desktop.

STEP 3

The Save As dialog box will open.  The installation file is called GoogleDriveSetup.exe.  You probably want to put it in your Downloads folder (red arrow below).  Left-click once on the Downloads folder.

STEP 4

Double left-click to open "GoogleDriveSetup.exe."   Follow the on-screen installation instructions.

When the installation is finished, you will see the following screen.

Click the Get started button.

Google Drive will then prompt you to log in.

The next prompt is a security check.  Click on Sign In.

Use your school email account to log in.

When you have successfully logged in, you will be all set.

You will next be prompted to to go to File Explorer to see your new Google Drive folder.

Click the Open File Explorer to see drive files button.

Filke Explorer will open, and you will Google Drive in the left-hand column, with a drive letter of G:

Double left-click on the MyDrive folder in the right-hand column.

That will then show the empty contents of your MyDrive folder.

Left-click on the New Folder icon in the top ribbon.  A new folder will appear. 

Type in a name for the folder and press Enter.  In the example below, it was named Class.

For the next step, you will share this folder.  

Right-click on the folder you just named.  A menu will appear.  Left-click on Share with Google Drive.

The Share item contextual menu window will appear.  Type in helpdesk@cgcseagles.org and left-click the Done button.

The next Share item window that will appear will set up an email that will be sent to me.  Make sure Editor is selected to the right of the email name, and that Notify people is checked below that.  Then left-click the Send button.

The next screen will verify that you have shared your folder.  Left-click on Done.

After you have done that, I will get an email that says you have shared that folder with  me.

You will next be asked i fyou want to have the files in your folder be available to you when you are offline.  

The directions state that you should go back to File Explorer, then right-click on the folder you created, and then select Available Offline.  This will appear as shown below.

Google Drive will then ask if you also want to back up other folders to Google Drive. This is completely optional. 

 For now, left-click on Skip, as you can later change these settings if you want.

Google will now ask if you also want to back up your photos to Google Photos.  Left-click the Got it button.

For now, left-click on Skip, as you can later change these settings if you want.

You are now all set.  Left-click the Open Drive button.

At the bottom of your screen the Google Drive monitor screen will appear.  Note the Google Drive icon on the taskbar below it.

You can create a Desktop icon for your new shared folder in Google Drive.  Right-click on the Class folder you created in the right-hand column (don't right-click on Google Drive (G:) on the left-hand column.).  

A contectual menun will appear.  Select Send to, then select Desktop (Create Shortcut).

The shortcut to your Class folder will now be on your desktop.

Your Class folder will now be ready to receive the files that accompany the class text.

Once I have received the email notifying me that you have shared your Class folder in your Google Drive with me, I will copy over all the class text files.  This is how they will appear:

If you double left-click the first folder, ch04, the files you will need for the Chapter 4 exercises will appear.

The End

For more information, go to: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/10838124

Optionally, the preceeding steps can also be accomplished using the Google Drive web interface:

1. In the left-most menu in Google Drive for Desktop, click on My Drive.

2. At the top, left-click on the button labeled "+ New".

3. Select New Folder.

4. The New Folder dialog box will open.  Type in the name of your class folder, for example "Class".

5. Right-click on the folder you have created, and select Share --> Share.

6. The Share Class dialog box will appear.  Enter my email address in the box: helpdesk@cgcseagles.org.

7. Be sure that you have given me Editor rights, and that the Notify people box is checked.  The left-click on Send.

8. I will get an email that you have accomplished that, and I will start to put all the class files into that folder.

9. Remember to always access your Google Drive from your File Explorer menu.