Dropbox – Synchronize, store, and share files online
Posted on September 26, 2008 at 5:28 am
Managing multiple computers, hard drives, and files can cause unwanted stress in your life. Searching for a much needed file daily is a definite time waster. With a busy schedule, you don’t have time to waste. The only thing you should focus on is getting your work done correctly within your scheduled due date.
Thankfully, there are multiple tools to make your personal and work life so much better. It doesn’t matter if you use a downloadable program, an external hard drive, or a web based service. Organizing your important files should be a priority when working with large amounts of data.
Earlier I had written about several free online tools such as MediaFire, with it’s free unlimited file storage, Drop.io, a quick way to share and store files online, and Windows Live SkyDrive, with 5GB of free online storage.
DropBox lets you share, sync, and store your files on an online server. This makes it easier to access these same files from virtually any location. With this service, forgetting a file while traveling won’t hinder your work life anymore. One of its best features is that it works on a computer running a Windows, Linux, or Mac operating system.
To get started, download Dropbox to your main computer. Select the appropriate operating system and follow the onscreen instructions. The first step requires you to set up a new account. Enter some basic information about yourself such as your name, email address, password, and a computer name. If you’d like to familiarize yourself with the features of Dropbox, then just view a brief tour before you start using it.
A Dropbox icon will appear in your system tray after the setup has been completed. Right click the icon to see the percentage of storage you’re currently using. There’s also a link to a forum for members to discuss their issues. This part of the service is extremely helpful if you’re unable to resolve an issue on your own. In order to receive news about the latest fixes and other updates, Dropbox users can also follow the service on Twitter.
Accessing your files from another computer can be done easily by navigating to the Dropbox homepage. Login to your personal account to view all of the documents and photos in your Dropbox space. Any changes you make will be quickly synchronized. Whether you make these changes from your main computer or a completely different one, they will still be updated quickly.
As these changes occur, Dropbox will tell you about them and give you a general idea of the location they were made from. You won’t have the computer’s specific IP address, but you’ll still know if the changes were made from your main computer or somewhere else.
Dropbox also keeps track of deleted files from its web interface. If you’ve mistakenly deleted a file, it won’t be permanently deleted unless you purge it. Just click the deleted file, select the drop down arrow, and choose the undelete link. You’ll be directed to a page with details on the file and how to restore it. Click the “Undelete” button and the file will be added back to your personal Dropbox space.
Although Dropbox is still in Beta testing, it still operates pretty well. Its easy to use interface and quick updating features make it a good service to have around. Having access to your personal files from several computers is one of the easiest ways to start organizing your data. With Dropbox you may be able to reach this goal a little faster.
Ms Yokum
Tech Enthusiast & Blogger
» Filed Under Free Software Downloads
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Hi ,
Full disclosure here: I work for http://www.nomadesk.com, which offers small business users (or nomadic professionals, as we like to call ourselves) an innovative way to share documents and work together on a “virtual fileserver.” I read your post on Dropbox with great interest, and just wanted to add NomaDesk to the discussion.
I would appreciate your review and I’m willing to assist you in case you have any questions,remarks,…
Thanks!
DropBox is great for storing and sharing files over the Internet. Also integrates well with Windows.