Microsoft OneDrive (formally SkyDrive) is a cloud-based storage and syncing solution that will work for just about anyone. All you need is a Mac, PC, or mobile device, plus access to the Internet.

Once you install OneDrive on your Mac, it appears to be just another folder. Drop a file or folder of any type into the OneDrive folder, and the data is immediately stored on the Windows Live cloud storage system.

You can access your OneDrive content using a supported web browser, which includes just about all of them, from any Mac, PC, or mobile device.

Using OneDrive As a Replacement for iDisk

It may seem odd that one of the leading candidates for replacing Apple's iDisk is Microsoft's OneDrive; well, what can I say? OneDrive offers features that are very similar to iDisk, and it's just as easy to use.

The reason we're looking for a replacement for iDisk is that Apple dropped the iDisk feature from iCloud. Well, iCloud never actually had this feature, but it was part of MobileMe, the precursor to iCloud. iDisk allowed you to store up to 5 GB of documents and other files, and sync the data with any Mac or iOS device.

iCloud also offers data storage features, but in its first iteration for OS X Lion, it only allows you to store specific data types; essentially, any format that works with an iWork app (Pages, Numbers, or Keynote). In my opinion, that's too restrictive.

There are quite a few possible replacements for iDisk, including Google Drive, Dropbox, Box.net, and SugarSync.

In this article, we're going to show you how to set up and use Microsoft's OneDrive.

OneDrive Plans

OneDriveOneDrive currently offers several tiers of service.

• OneDrive Free: 7 GB total storage.
• OneDrive +20 (an additional 20 GB of storage): $10.00 per year.
• OneDrive +50 (an additional 50 GB of storage): $25.00 per year.
• OneDrive +100 (an additional 100 GB of storage): $50.00 per year.

We're going to show you how to set up the free version of OneDrive on your Mac; this will provide you with 7 GB of free cloud storage.

Set Up OneDrive

For OneDrive to work, you need two basic items: a Microsoft Live ID (free) and the OneDrive for Mac application (also free). You may also wish to install OneDrive for Windows or OneDrive for iOS; both are available in the App Store.

1. If you already have a Microsoft Live ID, you can skip this step; otherwise, launch your browser and head off to: https://signup.live.com/
2. Fill in the requested information to create your Windows Live ID. Be sure to note the email address you use, since that will be your Microsoft Live ID; make a note of your password as well. I strongly recommend using a strong password, which is a password that contains at least six characters (I recommend using 14 characters), including upper and lower case letters and at least one number and one special character. Once you have everything filled out, click the I Accept button.
3. Now that you have a Windows Live ID, head on over to: https://onedrive.live.com/
4. Enter your Windows Live ID and click the Sign In button.
5. Your browser will display the default OneDrive folder configuration. For now, don't worry about any folders displayed in the web browser. What we're interested in is the OneDrive Apps options. Go ahead and click the Get OneDrive Apps link located near the bottom on the left hand side.
6. A brief description of the OneDrive for Mac app will display. Click the Download OneDrive for Mac button.
7. After your browser finishes downloading the app, navigate to the appropriate location on your Mac, usually the Downloads folder.
8. Double click the OneDrive.pkg item to launch the OneDrive installer. Then follow the onscreen instructions.

Installing OneDrive

1. Double-click the OneDrive app in your Application folder.
2. You will be warned that OneDrive is an app you downloaded from the Internet. Click the Open button.
3. The OneDrive welcome screen will display. Click the Get Started button.
4. Supply your Windows Live ID, and then click the Sign In button.
5. OneDrive allows you to create a OneDrive folder in the location of your choice. Click the Choose OneDrive Folder Location button.
6. A Finder sheet will drop down allowing you to navigate to the location where you want the OneDrive folder created. Pick you location and click the Choose this Location button.
7. click the Done button.
8. The OneDrive setup is complete.

Using OneDrive

OneDrive acts like much like any other folder on your Mac; the only difference is that the data within it is actually stored on remote Windows OneDrive servers. Within the OneDrive folder, you will find three default folders labeled Documents, Pictures, and Public. You can add as many folders as you wish, and create any system of organization that suits your fancy.

Adding files is as simple as copying or dragging them to the OneDrive folder or appropriate sub-folder. Once you put files in the OneDrive folder, you can access them from any Mac, PC, or mobile device that has OneDrive installed. You can also access the OneDrive folder from any computer or mobile device using the web interface.

In the next OneDrive guide, we will take a more detailed look at using the service.