Maximize Your Laptop’s Storage: Clever Strategies for Managing Photos and Videos

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We recently heard from Sylvia, who has just acquired a new laptop, but its storage capacity is considerably less than that of her previous one. She contacted us to inquire about how to save photos and videos on a device with only 82GB of available storage. She expressed her concern,

The newer laptop has significantly less capacity (shows 82.1 GB available out of 225GB) compared to the former (shows 322 GB available out of 446 GB). What is the optimal method to store my photos and videos in order to free space on the new laptop?

Excellent question, Sylvia. This is a frequent dilemma for anyone who has just purchased a compact laptop like a Chromebook or a Windows ultrabook. Luckily, there are several straightforward methods to offload files from your hard drive.

 

 

A brief overview of file sizes

82 GB should suffice for essential activities like internet browsing, utilizing office software, or watching videos. However, if you intend to store large files such as high-resolution images, videos, or games, or if you utilize software that demands considerable storage, 82GB could be consumed rapidly. Here’s a rough estimate of the typical file sizes for various types:

• Text documents: A single text file usually occupies a few kilobytes (KB). Thus, you could save millions of text documents in 82GB.
• Photos: A high-resolution photo can range around 5 megabytes (MB). With 82 GB, you could save approximately 16,000 such pictures.
• Videos: An hour-long HD video may vary between 1-2 gigabytes (GB). Hence, you could store approximately 40-80 hours of HD footage in 82GB.
• Games: Contemporary games can occupy between 1GB and 100GB. Therefore, you could save anywhere from 1 to 82 games in 82GB, depending on their storage requirements.

It’s crucial to maintain enough space on your device for the operating system to operate efficiently. As a general guideline, keep at least 10-15% of your hard disk vacant to avert sluggish application performance. An external hard drive is an excellent selection for storing photos and videos to liberate space on your new laptop. Another effective way to save storage is to utilize cloud storage for your photos. Regardless of whether it’s a physical drive or cloud space, maintaining a backup is a prudent measure.

As illustrated in the summary above, images and videos can occupy a substantial amount of storage on your laptop. For photographers handling RAW files, the storage demand may be even greater, similar to video professionals dealing with 4K materials.

Even if you’re neither a video expert nor a photographer, accumulating numerous home videos and photographs can consume a significant amount of space. You will need an alternative storage solution with less than 100GB remaining. Here are a few options you may consider.

 

Cloud storage services: Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive

Cloud storage solutions such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive present convenient, adaptable alternatives for housing large files without occupying your laptop’s limited capacity. These services allow for the secure storage of your images, videos, and documents in the cloud, thus liberating valuable space on your device. One major benefit of cloud storage is the ability to access files from any device with an internet connection, whether it be your phone, tablet, or another computer.

The majority of cloud services offer a certain amount of complimentary storage (usually between 2GB and 15GB) before requiring an upgrade to a paid plan. For example, Google Drive provides 15GB of free storage shared across Google services, while Dropbox offers 2GB for free, with options to expand for additional space. OneDrive gives 5GB for free, but Microsoft users can obtain extra storage through Office 365 subscriptions, which include access to the Microsoft Office suite.

Furthermore, cloud storage services come equipped with functionalities such as automatic syncing and backup, simplifying file organization and protection. This is particularly beneficial for extensive photo and video libraries, which can be set to upload automatically from your phone or computer. With features like file versioning and collaboration tools, cloud platforms provide more than just storage—they boost productivity and enable seamless file sharing with friends, family, or colleagues.

Lastly, many cloud storage providers implement encryption and other security measures to safeguard your files for additional peace of mind. Nevertheless, it is advisable to take extra precautions, such as enabling two-factor authentication and selecting strong, unique passwords, to ensure the safety of your data. Kurt’s preferred cloud services can be explored here.

 

iCloud: A comprehensive cloud storage solution for Apple users

Free storage and subscription plans

iCloud provides 5GB of free storage for all users, which suffices for basic services like iCloud Keychain, testing various features, and storing a few files. However, for individuals requiring additional storage, iCloud+ subscriptions are available. These plans encompass:

• 50GB for $0.99/month
• 200GB for $2.99/month
• 2TB for $10.99/month.
• 6TB for $32.99/month
• 12TB for $64.99/month

Integration and usability

iCloud is intricately integrated with Apple devices, making it exceptionally convenient for users of Apple products. Files saved in the desktop and documents folders on Macs are automatically synced to iCloud Drive, which is particularly advantageous for devices with restricted storage like the MacBook Air. Access to iCloud Drive is also available from Windows computers through a dedicated file folder, and files can be managed via icloud.com.

Automatic syncing and backup

iCloud offers strong automatic syncing and backup capabilities. iCloud Backup automatically backs up essential data on iPhones and iPads when connected to power and Wi-Fi, ensuring that your device’s information remains current. This backup can be utilized to restore your device or effortlessly set up a new one.

Security and privacy

iCloud employs 128-bit AES encryption to secure all files. Additionally, iCloud+ subscriptions incorporate advanced privacy features like iCloud Private Relay, which safeguards your browsing history and identity, Hide My Email, which generates random email addresses, and Custom Email Domains for individualized email addresses.

Collaboration and compatibility

While iCloud is exceptionally user-friendly for Apple users, it may be less dependable and occasionally glitchy for non-Apple users. Collaboration is confined to Apple users, but files can be shared and accessed across various Apple devices utilizing the Files app on iOS and iPadOS, the Finder on Mac, or File Explorer on Windows PCs.

 

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Measures to safeguard yourself and your information

When organizing your images, videos, and other significant documents, it’s vital to emphasize data safety. Here are vital measures to safeguard yourself and your important details:

1) Utilize robust passwords: Develop distinct, intricate passwords for all of your accounts and devices. Consider employing a password manager to create and store secure passwords.

 

2) Activate encryption: Encrypt your external hard drives and cloud storage accounts to provide an additional layer of defense for your data.

 

3) Employ two-factor authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on every account that offers this feature, particularly for cloud storage services.

 

4) Install and manage robust antivirus software: Utilize a strong antivirus program and keep it updated to defend against malware and other security risks. The optimal way to protect yourself from malicious links that could install malware, potentially exposing your sensitive information, is to have antivirus software installed across all your devices. This level of protection can also notify you about phishing emails and ransomware schemes, ensuring your personal information and digital assets remain secure.

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5) Frequently update your operating system and applications: Keep your devices and software current to ensure you have the most recent security patches.

 

6) Exercise caution with public Wi-Fi: Steer clear of accessing sensitive information while connected to public networks, or utilize a VPN for enhanced security. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service can improve your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it more challenging for hackers and third parties to capture your data, especially on public Wi-Fi. A VPN conceals your IP address, aiding in obscuring your location and online activities. Although VPNs don’t directly stop phishing emails, they lessen the exposure of your browsing patterns to trackers that may exploit this information maliciously. With a VPN, you can safely access your email accounts from any location, even in regions with restrictive internet regulations.

 

Surfshark: Surfshark offers strong security features at a budget-friendly price. Similar to ExpressVPN, Surfshark adheres to a stringent no-logs policy and employs advanced encryption to safeguard your data. A noteworthy feature is Surfshark’s capability to support unlimited devices on a single account, making it perfect for families or users with several gadgets. Another top choice for privacy-aware users.

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ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is distinguished by its speed, dependability, and robust privacy attributes. It provides ultra-fast servers in 105 countries, supports P2P sharing, and allows up to 8 devices to connect at once. Available on a variety of devices, it features a straightforward setup that requires less than 2 minutes. ExpressVPN’s rigorous no-log policy guarantees that your data is never recorded, and all servers operate on RAM, ensuring no user activity is saved. With around-the-clock live customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee, ExpressVPN is a leading option for privacy-conscious individuals.

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7) Regularly backup your data: Create multiple copies of your critical files, including at least one offline version.

 

8) Utilize secure file transfer methods: When sharing files, utilize encrypted transfer methods or password-protected links.

 

By adhering to these measures, you can greatly improve the security of your data and shield yourself from potential cyber dangers.

Kurt’s key insights

Managing storage on a laptop with limited capacity necessitates careful organization, particularly when handling large files such as images and videos. While 82GB may suffice for fundamental tasks, multimedia files can accumulate rapidly. By utilizing external hard drives or cloud storage services, you can maintain your laptop’s efficiency while ensuring that your essential files are securely stored and accessible. Whether you choose physical or cloud-based solutions, remember to emphasize data security by utilizing strong passwords and encryption when applicable. With the right approach, you can maximize your laptop’s storage without compromising performance or losing important memories.

Do you have a method for storing images and videos that we haven’t mentioned? Share it with us in the comments below.