You can also choose to keep certain files or folders offline for editing while you are not connected to the internet. You are essentially streaming files, just like you would stream video on YouTube or Netflix. As long as you are connected to the internet you’ll be able to open and edit your Google Drive files right from your desktop. This is the IMT recommended application that makes your entire Google Drive available on your Mac or PC while using no hard drive space. Google has some great documentation if you need additional help on setting up specific settings. To get started, you will need to install the application. You can also backup data on attached devices such as external hard drives, or SD cards. With Backup and Sync, you can choose to backup any folder on your computer such as your Desktop, Documents, and Photos.

Google has recently discontinued their standard Google Drive desktop application and replaced it with two new applications: Drive File Stream and Backup and Sync.

Google drive file stream not syncing