STLCC OneDrive = OneDrive for Business
Overview
STLCC OneDrive is the St. Louis Community College subscription to OneDrive for Business, a Microsoft online service that provides resources for file storage, collaboration, and communication with other STLCC users. The OneDrive for Business service, aimed at enterprise users, is not the same as the OneDrive service offered by Microsoft to individuals and personal user.
OneDrive for Business is built using Microsoft SharePoint technology, and you might see references to SharePoint while using it. It is the cloud storage solution integrated with the student email offering in Office 365.
STLCC OneDrive offers the following capabilities
- Store and share files
- Store up to 1 TB of data in the cloud
- 2 GB maximum file size
- Share files with STLCC users (files cannot be shared outside STLCC)
Access & Synchronize Files Easily
- Access files using Web browsers or mobile devices
- Access files directly from Microsoft Office desktop applications
- Synchronize your local files with files in STLCC OneDrive for Business document libraries (with appropriate client software installed)
Create & Edit Microsoft Office Files in the Cloud with Office Web Apps
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- OneNote
All files that you store in OneDrive for Business are initially private – only you can see them – unless you decide to share them. You can easily share a file with everyone by placing it in the Shared with Everyone folder. You can also share files with specified classmates so you can collaborate on projects. To use your OneDrive for Business library, select OneDrive (short for OneDrive for Business) in the header at the top of Office 365 page.
The OneDrive for Business sync app lets you synchronize your OneDrive for Business library to your local computer. This sync app is available with Office 2013 and up or with Office 365 subscriptions that include Office applications. If you don’t have Office, a free download of the OneDrive for Business sync app is also available.
To sync OneDrive for Business, sign in to Office, select OneDrive at the top of the page, and then click Sync.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much space do I get in my OneDrive for Business storage area?
A: 1TB
Q: Is there a size limit on the files that can be uploaded?
A: 2 GB per file
Q: How is OneDrive for Business is different from OneDrive?
A: One key difference is that OneDrive for Business is only accessible while you are enrolled as a credit student at STLCC. The documents you store there are removed after the start of the next fall or spring semester if you are not registered for classes at that time. However, OneDrive for Business allows much greater storage than a personal OneDrive. For more information on the differences, see How is OneDrive for Business different from OneDrive? on the Microsoft Office Web site.
Q: Is there a folder limit when synchronizing folders on your desktop?
A: To help ensure successful synchronization of multiple files and folders to a local OneDrive for Business folder, add content to your local OneDrive for Business folder in chunks of 200 items or less. An item can be a folder or a file. So, for example, if you add a folder that contains 50 subfolders and 120 files, totaling 170 items, this falls within the acceptable limit.
Q: What file types cannot be uploaded to OneDrive for Business?
Notably .exe and .shtm. For a complete list from Microsoft, see Blocked file types for SharePoint Online.
Q: What characters cannot be used in OneDrive for Business file names?
A: See the Microsoft Help topic I can’t upload a file or folder.
Q: Why am I prompted to log in sometimes and not at other times?
A: Sometimes you are prompted for @my.stlcc.edu even if you have already supplied it in the same browser session. Sometimes you are prompted to log in to Office 365 and other times not. The login sequence is not always the same because it depends on complex interactions between the particular browser and application combinations that you have activated prior to accessing Office 365 services. Office 365 may also require you to sign in again if you have been inactive for awhile.
Q: Where is the recycle bin?
A: See the Microsoft Help topic Empty the recycle bin or restore your files.
Q: Can I use the External Sharing feature to share files with users outside of the STLCC?
A: STLCC-IT has disabled the External Sharing feature because of the difficulties in overseeing accounts in a large environment like the STLCC. Oversight is especially critical with Office 365 applications because of the possible presence of data protected by regulations. STLCC-IT will continue to work with Microsoft to understand improvements that need to be made to support collaborative scenarios within an Office 365 environment.
Q: Why Should I Use OneDrive for Business? Why is this better than Dropbox or Google Drive?
A: OneDrive for Business is a better option for school related work. It is the cloud storage solution integrated with the student email offering in Office365. OneDrive for Business is a college sponsored, cloud storage solution. It is one way to help you to store school work in the cloud and share with classmates and professors.
Dropbox, Google Drive and the personal OneDrive services are consumer-oriented, useful for sharing with family and friends. If you are storing personal documents, you should be using a consumer service.