Will You Have a Windows Live Drive?

I think that would be good - if they can provide that servicer for free. After all, you can do this with GMail (with add-on utility) at this time...

I think the major selling point will be if they can put in writing that your files will be more redundant that residing on your pc. Right now there is a huge disclaimer on their free mail services that say they can and will remove your email without notice/reason. (whether it be lost data, or purposfully removed) I think that will create a bit of "stigma" for these kinds of services. if they stress the redundancy and ease of use, people may consider using it, rather than just keeping these kinds of files on disk or optical devices.

Am I nuts to be concerned that Microsoft (or any other provider) might not keep my stuff private? We all get these privacy notices in the mail from our telcoms, banks, etc., yet regularly we see instances where people have their info compromised, either by a hacker or by the company's willing release of info to cooperate with broad government inquiries. Maybe I'm paranoid, but it seems that the only way to guarantee that something wouldn't happen to your stuff is not to put it in someone else's hands.

Eh...no. Throwing personal data on an internet accessible drive (no matter who is behind it, M$, iApple, Googie, or StartupCompany#X) is ridiculous.

Deleting would become a good idea in theory. If you think you've deleted your files, guess what - they're on a backup or still on a corporate server waiting for someone to give the word to hand them over.

Go buy a small flash drive you can easily carry with you, then encrypt it with TrueCrypt.

Your really argueing my point for me.. You think your data is secure on your local machine? Keyloggers, call home viruses, malware, remote control software... The difference is MS isn't installing "demo" software, or browsing questionable websites, or even opening random email attachments. The big difference is, your data is just as unsecure on your machine... as it would be on an online drive. If your online drive is compromised, chances are you aren't the only one. You will see it in the news... MS online drive compromised.. hundreds of accounts compromised.. you won't see in the news "so and so's machine was compromised... his/her data was compromised.."

The fact is.. the chance of your information getting in the wrong hands, is just as likely to happen on your own machine (if not a little more) as it is on a webservice. Except with the web service, you and whoever else you choose can access that data more easily.

Also as a side note to jimmy, if the government wanted to know your stuff... they would. Just because it would be at the discretion of another company, doesn't mean your any more "secure" keeping your files in your own hands. If you are worried about audits on your online drive... then refrain from doing illegal activities that require storage.

Microsoft's and all of the web based storage from other companies is a great for everyone. If you are worried about privacy then be creative and create an account with bogus info then be selective of what you store on it. Or just don't use the services. Duh. I like many other people find these services very useful. I can stash my favorite Open Source software and other non-private data in one spot and easily dump it onto the computers of friends and family with an internet connection. And it costs me nothing. I think I'll sign up for the MS service and fill it up with Open Source software that is superior to MS's. Then I will give everyone I know access to it so they can get Open Source apps on MS's dime. How hilarious is that?! LOL!!!!! Take simple steps to protect your privacy then get freaking creative and have some fun with an online storage services and every other free service that the corporations give out.

Were I forced to choose between the two I would choose Google. Microsoft, the security giant they are, doesn't imbue me with thoughts of my data being safe. I personally side with Jared on not putting any real data on the internet. It's neither safe nor guaranteed. Just imagine that legally these companies would not be able to remove your data from their backups for at least one year regardless of your consent. Just in that there's plenty of potential for someone to get their hands on your data(govt, hacker, etc...)

Microsoft's and all of the web based storage from other companies is a great for everyone. If you are worried about privacy then be creative and create an account with bogus info then be selective of what you store on it. Or just don't use the services. Duh. I like many other people find these services very useful. I can stash my favorite Open Source software and other non-private data in one spot and easily dump it onto the computers of friends and family with an internet connection. And it costs me nothing. I think I'll sign up for the MS service and fill it up with Open Source software that is superior to MS's. Then I will give everyone I know access to it so they can get Open Source apps on MS's dime. How hilarious is that?! LOL!!!!! Take simple steps to protect your privacy then get freaking creative and have some fun with an online storage services and every other free service that the corporations give out.

This is a great idea for your music, pics and basic files. You would be a fool if you put your important data on the internet. Even though they say that no one can get to it, would it not be safer to just keep this crucial data on your person?

You can't possibly say that data whether on your hands or somebodyelses hands is equally vulnerable. If you store data on a flash drive and encryp it, how can anybody access this data, but you. I understand that data is not 100% safe in your local machine, but it is more secure than giving it to somebody to store it for you. So many hands can touch your information. I don't see the advantage, specially with the new hardrives out there, they can hold so much. I would hate to have to look for a connection to acces my data, when I can have with me all along.

Personally, MS has more enemies that Google has Friends... I think there are more chances of a MS compromise v.s. a Google one.
Im going for G-Drive, for all my non confiential data atleast...

@Wes
Yes, I do think data is more secure on my PC.

Malware/etc. can be controlled by locking down the PC. Don't be lazy - take the time to help other people with this, otherwise these users will continue to throw credit card/SSNs to the wind, hoping they can retrieve them, untouched. The average PC compromise (adware) isn't anywhere near as severe as someone breaking into an online repository.

I'd like to see someone's reaction after they've heard through the news that their online storage service was hacked. At least I'd know my data is safe on my own hard/flash drive.

PCs may be more vulnerable because of user fault (ie: unpatched), but servers are always more-likely targets. An online repository holds a bigger payload than 1 PC. When properly cared for, a PC can be locked down pretty tight, and the majority aren?t running web services. Even with a Windows client, file permissions can be set accordingly.

@Wes contd.
It's nice that you have faith in a corrupt world, I don't. I don't want my personal data publicly available. I?m satisfied knowing I've done everything possible to prevent public access to my personal data. Were I to use a service, my satisfaction is gone because I?d be *hoping* they don't screw up. If they do, nothing I can do ? all I?m left with is to hope.

Privacy entails much, much more than illegal activity. Sure, some are worried the govt/RIAA might find their MP3/ISOs, but it's not just about that. It's about privacy - knowing your data is only available to you. When I delete something, I want it deleted, not backed up in 8 copies. And yes, no doubt there is much happening we aren?t aware of that breaches our privacy. Bottom line is, some people don't want to willingly hand out their data.

PARANOID FREAKS...PAY ATTENTION!!!
Who in their right mind would store sensitive data anywhere but somewhere under your control. The idea here is an easy to access storage location so you don't have to run home to burn a CD. Google, Microsoft, Joes Software shop, it really doesn't matter, it is supposed to be a easy to use tool to get acces to your stuff anywhere.

By the way, my spam server is your "secure" home PC.