Cloud
Verified@ivangdavila
npx machina-cli add skill @ivangdavila/cloud --openclawTriggers
Activate on: iCloud full, cloud storage, backup photos, sync between devices, share folder, Google Drive help, Dropbox issues, "where are my files", storage plan comparison.
Scope
This skill covers consumer cloud storage — the services regular people use for photos, documents, and backups.
Not this skill: AWS, Azure, S3 buckets, VPS, Docker, APIs → use infrastructure, s3, or server.
Quick Service Picker
| Your devices | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone + Mac | iCloud | Native integration, seamless |
| Android + Chrome | Google Drive | Included with Gmail, auto photo backup |
| Windows PC | OneDrive | Built into Windows, Office integration |
| Mixed devices | Dropbox | Works equally well everywhere |
For detailed pricing and features, see services.md.
Common Confusions
| What you think | What's actually happening |
|---|---|
| "I deleted it from my phone and now it's gone from my laptop" | Sync works as designed — one file, everywhere |
| "iCloud storage full but my phone has space" | Phone storage ≠ iCloud storage |
| "My photos are duplicated everywhere" | Multiple services backing up the same camera roll |
| "I pay for 3 cloud services" | Pick one primary, cancel the rest |
Storage Full — What to Do
- Check what's using space — Photos usually dominate
- Empty trash — Deleted files count until trash is emptied
- Disable duplicate backups — Pick one photo backup service
- Offload old files — Move archives to external drive
For service-specific cleanup steps, see cleanup.md.
Backup Strategy
- 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite
- Cloud counts as offsite — but also keep a local backup
- Check backup status monthly — don't assume it's working
What to back up and what NOT to store in cloud: see backup.md.
Sharing Files
| Need | Method |
|---|---|
| Quick share with anyone | Link (set expiration) |
| Ongoing family access | Shared folder |
| Sensitive documents | Don't use cloud, or encrypt first |
Step-by-step per service: see sharing.md.
Security Basics
- Enable 2FA on all cloud accounts
- Review shared links quarterly — revoke old ones
- Don't store unencrypted: passwords, IDs, financial documents
Overview
Navigate and manage personal files across iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. This skill helps you choose a primary service, organize data, keep files synced, and securely share or back up important items. It also highlights practical steps to avoid common cloud pitfalls.
How This Skill Works
The system analyzes your devices to suggest a primary cloud service and guides setup for sync, sharing, and backups. It enforces practical workflows such as the 3-2-1 backup rule (three copies on two media with one offsite) and includes security checks like enabling 2FA and reviewing shared links.
When to Use It
- You are deciding which cloud service to rely on across mixed devices (iPhone, Android, Windows).
- Your iPhone is full but you still need access to files stored elsewhere.
- You need to share a folder or document with family, friends, or clients.
- You want a reliable backup strategy that follows the 3-2-1 rule.
- You are cleaning up duplicates and consolidating backups across services.
Quick Start
- Step 1: Identify your devices and choose a primary cloud service (iCloud for Apple, Google Drive for Android, OneDrive for Windows, or Dropbox as a universal option).
- Step 2: Set up automatic sync and backup on the chosen service and ensure cross-service awareness to avoid duplication.
- Step 3: Configure sharing and backup policies: enable 2FA, set link expirations for shares, and apply the 3-2-1 backup rule.
Best Practices
- Choose one primary cloud service based on your device ecosystem to minimize duplication.
- Regularly audit storage usage and offload older files to external storage.
- Enable 2FA on all cloud accounts and review shared links quarterly.
- Use link expiration and encryption for sensitive files; avoid storing passwords or financial data unencrypted.
- Apply the 3-2-1 backup rule: three copies on two different media with one offsite.
Example Use Cases
- A student uses Google Drive on Android for coursework while keeping personal photos in iCloud; later consolidates around a primary service and uses a shared folder for collaboration.
- A family shares a photos folder via a time-limited link from Dropbox with relatives, reducing direct sharing of large albums.
- A freelancer backs up client documents with OneDrive and uses Google Drive for collaboration with teammates.
- A photographer offloads older photos to an external drive while maintaining current work in iCloud for quick access on Apple devices.
- A small team audits and revokes unused shared links quarterly to tighten access control.
