An effective and powerful OCR.

Occasionally, we are writing a text, which needs to be accompanied by several quotations, and we must transcribe them all from a physical book. We have good news for you, it can be done with minimum effort. You only have to take a clear photo, where you can size each of the letters in the image. Then upload it to Google Drive.

You must do the next part of the process on your computer. In Google Drive, you stand on the image you uploaded and right click on it. Now, select Open with and finally, Google Docs, you will have the image transcribed in seconds.

Voice typing.

This is a very effective trick for Google Docs. In effect, we will be able to create a new document without typing. With this in mind, we will use voice typing. That is, through the microphone, we will be able to indicate the text and the tool will copy it automatically. Check how to do it. First, open a new document from Google Docs. Next, go to Tools. Then scroll down to the Voice Typing option.

Then, we just have to start dictating. The tool will start copying what we indicate via voice. It is so effective that it even works with YouTube videos.

We should add that Google has one of the best voice recognition, thanks in part to the development of its assistant. This technology applied to text documents becomes a really reliable and fast dictation service. Note that it is possible to modify the dictation language and choose from an infinite number of languages.

Wizard to create a web page.

Do you need to create a website and don’t know how to do it? Don’t worry. With Google, you can create it from scratch. This time, we will not use Docs itself. Actually, we should go to Google Drive. Once there, just click on the +New icon. Now scroll down to the bottom under More. Finally, click on Google Sites.

And you can start editing immediately, with all the customizations you require.

Create a new document from the navigation bar

If you want to create a new document quickly, type in the Google Chrome navigation bar:

• http://doc.new. This will create a new text document.
• http://sheet.new. This will open a new blank spreadsheet.
• http://slide.new. Use this shortcut to create a new presentation.
• http://form.new. With it, you can create a new form.
• http://site.new. Quickly create a new website in Google Sites.

Create customized drawings for your documents

Google Docs incorporates a simple graphic editor that will help you insert custom drawings in your documents. Just go to Insert>Drawing>New. A pop-up window will display a blank canvas where you can add shapes, text, images and more. Then click Save and Close to add it to your document.

Add a comment for another user

Notify other users of changes with comments. Indeed, collaboration is one of the pillars of Google Docs. It is very easy to add users to a document, a spreadsheet or a presentation. This way, they can edit it completely. Or simply view it. People who have access to a document can add comments. As a result, everyone else will know that a modification has been applied or that a task is pending in a particular place. Add comments easily like this:

• Select a text, an image or any other element.
• Right-click to reveal the context menu.
• Select Comment. You can also use Control + Alt + M.
• Type your comment and save it.

From that moment on, your comment will be visible to all users. You can assign comments to specific people or quote them in the text using the @ symbol.

Change the page configuration

Like its competitors, Google Docs allows you to modify some page parameters. In File>Page Setup you can change the margins, orientation and even the background color.

Export your files to popular formats

Google Docs supports the most popular formats. Indeed, the Google suite uses its format. However, it is compatible with other file types. Exporting a document, a spreadsheet, or a presentation to a known format is easily done in the menu. Just go to File>Download. As a result, you can get your file in the format corresponding to its Microsoft Office equivalent or create a PDF.

Go back to a previous version of your document

Google automatically saves changes made to any file and does so every few seconds. Therefore, it is very difficult to lose data or information with Google Docs. Additionally, it saves a history of changes that will allow you to quickly return to the previous state of the document. Just click on the link next to the Help menu. It indicates when the last change was made and whether a copy has been saved to Drive.

Add functionality with add-ons

All Google Docs tools can be extended with various add-ons. To get them, just click on extensions. Then click on Add-ons>Get add-ons. Among the functionalities you can add are document signing, formatting functions for spreadsheets and advanced database management. There are also spelling and grammar tools.

Protect your spreadsheet data

Finally, we will tell you how you can protect a specific part of a calculation book. Click on Tools>Protect sheet. Then, select the sheet you want to protect to avoid unintentional changes. You can also specify a range of cells. This way, even if you share your sheet with other users, the data in that area will remain secure.

Okay, we have finally seen the best tricks for Google Docs. So you can get the most out of Google’s office suite. Bye.

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What is an FTP server

The first thing we will do is to define what an FTP server is. It is a service used to transfer files. That is, to upload and download data between two remotely connected computers. Usually, it is between a client’s local computer and a provider’s server. For this to be possible, it is necessary to have an FTP client and an FTP server. It is actually the software that allows the transfer of files between two computers. Note that the connection is bidirectional. That is, we can receive and send data at the same time. In addition, we can upload all kinds of files. For example, you can upload images, video files, text documents, etc.

We can increase the security of the service by using username and password. This allows us to authenticate ourselves. In addition to verify a specific account to access a server and transfer files. However, it is also possible to access as a guest, which could be anonymous.

How to use Google Drive as an FTP server. Step by step.

We have briefly explained what the FTP protocol is and how the client and server work. Now we are going to explain how we can use Google Drive for it. With this in mind, we will use google-drive-ftp-adapter, which is the application needed to achieve this. In addition, we will have to download it to our computer and configure it. Finally, we will start using it with our user to start uploading and downloading files.

Download google-drive-ftp-adapter

Logically, the first thing you have to do is to download google-drive-ftp-adapter. This is a free, open-source software, and we can download it from GitHub. Kindly note that it is imperative to have Java installed for it to work flawlessly. In the GitHub page we will see all the information related to the project. Previously, we had to download the ZIP file and from there look for the files needed to run. However, the author has simplified the download and use of the tool. In fact, it has brought together, in a single file, the tool itself together with its dependencies. Therefore, you only have to scroll down and download the file that I indicate in the following image:

It is likely that the system will warn you about the alleged dangerousness of the download. Please be advised that you can download without any problems. It is actually a false positive. The tool is perfectly safe and harmless to system security. It simply fulfills its mission of using Google Drive as an FTP server. Undoubtedly, it widens even more the range of possibilities of this cloud storage service.

Execute the jar file

We have mentioned that the procedure has been modernized. Previously you had to download the ZIP file. Then you had to unzip it. Then go to the google-drive-ftp-adapter-master folder. And from there, run the homonymous jar file. It was certainly a bit more tedious. However, the methodology has been simplified to the extreme. In fact, you just have to double-click on the google-drive-ftp-adapter-jar-with-dependencies.jar file.

As mentioned above, it is likely that the execution of the file will throw an error. This error occurs because the system detects it as potentially dangerous. But we have already told you that it is perfectly safe. So if it says that it cannot be read or executed, don’t worry. Just run it again. Most likely it will run without problems.

Linking Google Drive account

We are going to work with Google Drive. Therefore, it is necessary to add our user credentials. Don’t worry, this is something that the program handles automatically. Once we double-click on the file, we will be redirected to the Google Drive website. Please log in. Furthermore, we have to give the necessary permissions for it to work properly.

It is necessary to grant the necessary permissions for the program to work correctly. In addition, Windows Defender is likely to display a warning message. You have to accept it, otherwise the program is likely to have problems. Similarly, access to the Google Drive account with username and password is essential. In this way, we can access the content we have already saved or upload new files we want to the platform.

From this point on, Google Drive is already configured as an FTP server. The best thing is that the tool automates the whole process. From now on, we only need an FTP client. In this case, we will use WinSCP, which works very well. However, the process is the same with any other client. Have a look at this list of FTP clients we prepared for you.

Configuring the FTP client.

The configuration is elementary, you only have to add some data to be able to connect to Google Drive. We have to put in host name Localhost. In the user section we put user and password also user. Regarding the port we will use, we put 1821. This is the port that google-drive-ftp-adapter configures by default. In the options that will appear above, we have to select FTP and without encryption.

All that remains is to press the connect button. Please wait a few seconds while the tool synchronizes. As a result, we will see all files present in our Google Drive. From now on, we will be able to upload and download data at our convenience. Ultimately, we have seen how to use Google Drive as an FTP server. Another use you may not have known about for this popular storage service. See you later!

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Backing up the hard disk

This is one of the recently added features of Google Drive. Indeed, it is possible to copy all the content of your hard drives, cameras or SD cards to Google Drive. However, you must have enough space available. This is done through the Drive desktop application that you can download here. After installing it, you must restart the computer. Then, from the Windows search bottom, please enter Backup and Sync from Google. As a result, the app will start loading for the first time. After a while, a Google Drive icon will appear in the taskbar. Specifically, on the right side, next to the time and date. Just click on it to display the menu. From there, you will access the Backup and Synchronization options.

You must choose the folders on your hard drive that you want to synchronize with the Google Drive cloud. Any changes you make from both PC and Drive will be reflected from one to the other. That is, it is a bidirectional synchronization. You can also set how to save the photos: in original or compressed quality. Remember that this decision will affect the size reduction available in Google Drive.

Commenting on Office documents

Google Drive now allows direct commenting on Office files. The interesting thing is that it is not necessary to convert them first to Google Docs format, or use a Chrome extension. Simply find an Office document and click on it. If it asks you if you want to open it with Google Docs, answer yes. In the upper-right corner, a couple of icons will appear. The one with a + is the one that allows you to add a comment. Consequently, highlight the text you want to comment on, and type the comment. This comment can be read by anyone with whom you share the document.

Convert a document to PDF

Maybe you didn’t know, but it is possible to convert documents stored in Google Drive to PDF. You don’t need to install any application or Chrome extension. Once you open the document with Google Docs. Once the document is open, go to the File menu and choose Download. In the next menu, you can download the file as PDF.

Using other non-Google applications

When you open a document or file from Google Drive, by default it opens with the related Google application. I.e. Google Docs, Google Photos, etc. However, you may want to use different apps. Fortunately, Google Drive allows you to switch them. Just click on the New icon. In the menu that appears, tap on More. Then click on Connect more apps.

In the new window, you will be able to select dozens of third-party programs. These apps work as a browser application and are compatible with Google Drive:

Select the ones you want to add, and you will be able to use them when you handle files related to these tools.

Create new documents with a URL

Last October, Google Drive released a very original feature. Indeed, we will be able to create a new document in Google Drive instantly. Just type doc.new in the browser, and Google Drive will automatically open with a blank text document, ready to be edited. There are other URLs that open different types of blank documents. These are:

• http://doc.new: opens a new Google document
• http://sheets.new: opens a new Google Sheets spreadsheet
• http://deck.new: opens a new Google presentation
• http://site.new: create new website in Google sites
• http://form.new: create new form in Google form

This is one of the best time-saving tricks. So, you can get the most out of Google Dive.

Voice typing

This trick is also very practical. In fact, writing a document while you are doing other things. Even if you don’t have the computer in front of you. Google Drive allows you to dictate texts with a microphone. If you haven’t done it, we urge you to try it. The results are excellent. With this in mind, open a new document. You can use the link we showed you above: doc.new. Next, from the Tools menu click on Voice Typing.

Tap on the microphone to dictate the text. If you are not using a laptop, you will need a headset with a microphone to dictate. You can then dictate while doing other activities.

Saves web content

You probably surf the web for a long time. In the process, you may have seen content that you want to keep. It may be an address, an interesting article or a nice picture. Well, here is another appealing feature of Google Drive. Indeed, we will be able to save any content from a web page directly to Google Drive, simply by touching a button. You only have to install an official Google Chrome extension called Save to Google Drive. When installed, the extension icon will appear in the browser. When you see something you like, click on the icon to save it to Drive. Please remember that you are not only saving what you see on the screen, but the entire web page that is currently in the foreground.

All right, we have finally seen the best tricks for Google Drive. Although most of them are intended to be used from the PC, they can also be managed from the mobile. Note that you must have a Google account to enjoy Google Drive. If you don’t have one, just sign up for the service. Something easy to do and it is also free. See you soon!

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Learn how to mount cloud storage as a local disk with Air Live Drive.

To achieve this purpose we will use the Air Live Drive service. Its main purpose is to mount our clouds as if they were computer disks. Consequently, we will be able to manage them locally. It also allows you to work online with local tools. It also supports most of the clouds: OneDrive, OneDrive for Business, Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, Mega, and Yandex. One advantage of working online is that it saves space on the computer. Additionally, by managing files directly, we avoid the synchronization process.

On the other hand, the tool has some interesting additions. For example, the optional cache system speeds up file access. It is also possible to upload files in the background. This way it is not necessary to wait for the file to be uploaded to start working on it. Finally, it has integration with the Windows context menu. This makes your work easier. On the other hand, the program has two paid versions and a more limited free version. This version is limited to 1 disk per cloud. In addition to being able to register a maximum of 3 disks. However, it is more than enough for a home user. Therefore, we will use this version for the tutorial.

Installing and configuring Air Live Drive.

The first thing you have to do is to download the tool from this link. After downloading it, you just have to install it like any other Windows program. You will immediately see the main screen of the program. Obviously, the main function resides in the Add Cloud Disk option. But there are also other options that are worth checking out.

• Drives: The clouds that have been added are shown here. It can also be used to export or import disks. Although this version is limited to the paid version.
• Uploads: Displays data related to file uploads. So it indicates the cloud name, file name, destination folder, among others.
• Logs: Displays the actions performed. It is also possible to delete this list at any time.
• Pro version: Provides the possibility to increase the options by activating the paid version.
• Syncrhonization tool: This allows you to keep your files synchronized. To be able to use it, it is necessary to install Air Explorer. Which is also a free program. However, for some functions the paid version is required.

How to create a cloud in Air Live Drive

The time has come to create a cloud with the tool. With this intention, just click Add Cloud Disk.

We will immediately see the services available. In this case, we will use Google Drive.

You will immediately be redirected to the browser. Once there, you have to enter your Google account information. Then, you have to authorize Air Live Drive access to Google mail.

Back to the program interface, just click on connect to start managing the cloud. In addition, this button is used to disconnect the unit. In the same way, we can assign the drive letter.

The file explorer will be displayed immediately. As you can see, it is possible to manage Google Drive as if it were a local drive.

From now on, you can manage the service as another local disk. Therefore, you can save, delete or move any file. Finally, we have learned how to set up cloud storage as a local disk. So long!

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What does Google Drive for Windows do?

We have discussed that Google Drive allows you to access files from different devices. However, it is also an office suite that allows you to edit text, generate presentations and work with spreadsheets. Well, the PC app works as a shortcut to the content stored in the cloud. It is therefore a good alternative to Microsoft’s OneDrive.

Therefore, by installing Google Drive for PC, you will be able to synchronize files. It is indeed possible to download items from the cloud, but you can also upload files from local storage. This aspect allows you to have your files always at hand. To take advantage of the 15 GB that Google gives for free. The downside is that you will not be able to directly edit documents in Google Docs and other apps. You will certainly see the files in the synchronized folder. But they are not editable documents. They are actually shortcuts to edit them online. Therefore, you will be able to synchronize and share your files. But the office functions are limited to use in the web browser.

How to download Google Drive for PC

The first thing you need to do is to log in to your Google Drive account. Once there, you have to click on the cogwheel. This will bring up a small menu of options. Please click on Get backup and sync for Windows.

You will be redirected to the Google Drive tools download page. You can also go directly from here. Please click on For Individuals and confirm the download.

The wizard will immediately start downloading the files needed for the installation. Then, the tool configuration process begins.

The first thing you have to do is to log in with your Google credentials.

Next, select the folders on the computer you want to synchronize. This is an optional step. In fact, just uncheck all the boxes. In addition, we can also send the photos and videos to Google Photos.

Once this is done, the synchronization process will begin. You can see how the Google Drive icon now appears in the file explorer.

So we have seen how to set up Google Drive for Windows 10. It is always advantageous to have cloud storage options. See you soon!

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ODrive and Google Drive

Although Google is sympathetic to many open source projects, it’s rare that there isn’t an official Google Drive client on Linux. Yes, as you read it, not even for Ubuntu which is the most popular distribution out there.

That’s why ODrive was born, to give an unofficial answer to this situation. ODrive is an unofficial client of Google Drive, is very simple to use and has little limited options, but that meets its goal. The goal is simply to synchronize our Drive files on our computer. Just like that. It is open source, released with the GPL license, so we can examine the source code of the application without any problem.

Additionally, the application is available for Windows and MacOS, so it becomes quite easy to test. In the case of Linux, there are installers in Flatpak, Snap, DEB, RPM and AppImage formats. That is to say, it is installed in almost any modern desktop system.

Install ODrive on Ubuntu 18.04 – Linux Mint 19

For Ubuntu 18.04 and Linux Mint 19, we have several ways to install ODrive. The first is using the .DEB package. So I think it’s more efficient because we’ll just have to download a lightweight package.

Open a terminal and run the following:

:~$ wget -c https://github.com/liberodark/ODrive/releases/download/0.2.2/odrive_0.2.2_amd64.deb

In this case, the last stable version of the project is 0.2.2. If you read this post at another time, check the version first.

Next, install it using gdebi. If you do not have gdebi installed, install it first.

:~$ sudo apt install gdebi
:~$ sudo gdebi [file_path]

image

After that launch it.

However, if you don’t want to install it and just want to download a “portable”, you can download it in APPIMAGE format. Give permission to run and double click on the file.

:~$ wget -c https://github.com/liberodark/ODrive/releases/download/0.2.2/OpenDrive.0.2.2.AppImage
:~$ chmod +x [file_path]

However, there are installers in a snap and Flatpak format.

Using ODrive

Once you have installed ODrive, run it. Either from the main menu or as portable APPIMAGE.

Next, set your credentials and choose the folder location. And that is it.

Conclusion

An official Google Drive customer is what should exist. However, thanks to the existing developer community, it is possible to count on Google’s cloud service on Linux. However, it is good that you know that it is not the only one, but that Mega, Dropbox can also be installed on Linux. On the other hand, you can create a private cloud with Nextcloud on Ubuntu 18.04.

Please share this post with your friends.

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