Yandex.Disk is a cloud storage service that allows you to store your files and folders, up to 20GB, for free. This service offers client apps for desktop and mobile operating systems such as MS Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS and Android. When you install one, the program creates a folder and, from now on, everything you add to it is automatically uploaded and stored on Yandex's cloud servers.
Of course, to use this service you need to create an account with Yandex first, which is done totally free of charge. Initially, you have 10GB of free storage but you can get up to 20GB if you invite your friends to join Yandex.Disk. Once you create your account, you need to configure it on the client program and then your files and folders will start automatically uploading to your cloud disk. In MS Windows, the program installs an icon on the notification area, and you can use it to stop the syncing service, to get quick access to the latest synced files/folders or to access the program's settings window. There you can enable the "Selective Sync", which allows you to temporarily prevent one or more sub-folders of your Yandex.Disk folder from being synchronized.
However, this client app offers you more than simple file synchronization, as it also offers you special features to capture and edit screenshots, which are automatically uploaded to Yandex.Disk too. You can configure hotkeys to capture your entire screen or a specific area only and, once you do so, your capture is automatically opened on a graphic editor where you can add arrows, text, shapes and freehand drawings in different sizes and colors, and crop your image. The program even allows you to take a screenshot and automatically get an online sharing link a few seconds after, allowing you to share your capture in a way that couldn't be easier.
When you log in to Yandex.Disk online interface, you have even more possibilities, like the creation of photo albums that can be shared too. You can also create and share online documents for which Yandex.Disk implements Word Online, Excel Online and PowerPoint Online, without requiring to create any additional accounts or install any additional tools. Finally, you can link your Yandex account with those of your social networks, so that the photos you publish there get automatically backed up on Yandex.Disk.
In a nutshell, Yandex.Disk is a powerful cloud storage service that offers multiple tools and features that turn it probably more useful than other similar services like Google Drive or Dropbox. However, if you want to use this service for free you will only get 20GB of storage space at best, which is probably too low for today's needs. If you require more space, you can buy it starting at $1 per month for 10 additional GB.
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