Are you looking for an easy yet effective way to synch files between computers and to provide access to them online? Dropbox may be the answer!
What is Dropbox
Here is how Dropbox explains their software:
Dropbox is software that syncs your files online and across your computers
Put your files into your Dropbox folder on one computer, and they’ll automatically appear on any of your other computers that also have Dropbox installed (Windows, Mac, and Linux too!). You can even download Dropbox apps for your smartphone or mobile device (iPhone, iPad, Android, and Blackberry). Everything in your Dropbox is available from the Dropbox website, too.
When you install Dropbox on your PC, it creates a folder on your hard drive. If you want content synched to other devices, copy it into that folder. Dropbox copies your content to secured servers and then propagates the file to any other device running Dropbox.
Sharing Files
Dropbox gives you two options: sharing with anyone, and sharing only with those to whom you grant access. In order to share publically, log onto the Dropbox website and sign into your account. Click on Files and choose Public, then click on Upload. Once your file is on the server, right click on it, select Copy Public Link, then Copy to Clipboard. Email that out and you are all set! Anyone with that link can get at your file. If you prefer to use Twitter to send the link, you have the option to use a shortened link. Easy as pie!
In order to securely share, first create a folder for shared content. From your Dropbox account dashboard online, select Files and then Share a Folder. Select I’d like to create and share a folder, name it and click Next. On the next screen, enter in the email addresses for those that you want to share the folder’s content with. There is an option to let you personalize the message, always a good idea! Dropbox generates an invite email to your addressees, and once they install Dropbox and action the email, the contents of your shared folder synchs to the Dropbox servers and also to the devices that your sharing partners are using. As you make changes, the revised files are synchronized between the sharing devices and the Dropbox servers. Very handy for collaborating!
Supported Devices
Dropbox works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It also works on iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad, Blackberries, and Android devices like my Droid 2! Talk about convenient access to synched data!
Pricing
Basic accounts, which allow for 2GB of data, are free. You can earn more free space by watching some training videos and inviting more people to join the program…I currently have 2.5GB available for free. If you need to synch more data, a 50GB plan for $9.99/month or $99/year is available, and you can also get a 100gb plan for $19.99/month or $199/year.
Dropbox does a great job of enabling easy file synch and sharing. Give it a try!
Thanks Jim
Dropbox is great – Tim and I use it all the time.
I have been using Dropbox for a few months and have noticed a distinct improvement since it went up to V1.0.x. For me, the earlier versions were noticeably resource hungry and slowed down my PC's.
It is a great product for getting data to where you want it (or having things to hand anywhere).