What is Google Drive for Desktop?

 
  1. Google Drive for Desktop (previously Google Drive File Stream; sometimes known as "G" Drive) is a desktop application that allows quick access to your Google Drive files from your computer. This saves hard drive space and time waiting for files to sync. 
  2. You can view and organize your files in your computer's file system, such as Explorer on Windows or Finder on macOS
  3. You open files with apps installed on your computer.
  4. You choose how to save your files and folders.

a. Select either available offline (on your hard drive) or online only (in the cloud).
     
            i.  Online only is the default setting.  Only file/folder details e.g. file name, location and last updated date
                are saved to your hard drive.  Because Drive files are stored in the cloud, any changes you or your
                collaborators make are automatically updated.
           ii.  Available offline stores files on the local hard drive and will sync to the cloud automatically when
                you are back online.

Files that contain Level 2 data should not be made Available offline. See the What level of data can be synced using Google Drive for Desktop? FAQ for more information.
                     iii. The Office of OneIT recommends you store files using Online only. Use Available offline when you
                         don't have access to the Internet.

         5. When you install Google Drive for Desktop it will create a mapped G drive. If you already have a mapped
             G drive, it will map to the next letter.
                   

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