iCloud - restricting uploads

[allen-uk]

Hello.

I know that if I use iCloud (I don't yet, but I'm contemplating using it), then I can turn ON my Documents Folder and Desktop, and items sitting in those places will be automatically uploaded to the iCloud.

However, if I regularly use a memory stick with sensitive files loaded on to it, is it technically 'on' my desktop, and if so is there a way to protect it, and files re-saved to it, from being uploaded, which I don't want to happen.

Thanks.


Allen.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

If the files ONLY ever stay on the memory stick, then it is connected to your computer, but data is not on it. However, if you do copy the file to your machine and place that file in either the Documents or Desktop folders, then it will get transmitted to iCloud.

So either always keep the file on the stick or copy it to a totally different (newly created folder) that is not linked with iCloud.

 

[allen-uk]

Just to double-check that, Ashwin...

I have Quark files on that stick. I can load them to my screen, read them, change them, and resave them back to the stick, and they're safe from the Cloud's grasp?

If that's how it works, then many thanks, you've solved what could have been a problem!

Allen.

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Yup, your workflow is keeping things out of iCloud.

Just a word of warning though, memory sticks are flash devices and flash devices have a finite life cycle. That life cycle is determined by the number of writes (and erases inherently). So, over time your flash drive will slow down on writes and eventually fail. So for sensitive and important info, please make sure that you DO back up the data in some secure second location as well.

 

[allen-uk]

Good advice Ashwin - another loophole is that Quark autosaves to the Document Folder, unless you pre-instruct it otherwise, so I'll double-check all that, too.

In fact to be extra sure, I might prepare a dummy stick with a dummy file, run it and see what happens.

But thanks again for the pointers, it has really helped.

Allen.