Dropbox – a simple and effective tool for sharing files

Dropbox is a great tool with multiple uses.  I use it to back up blogs, “park” files I’m going to need at clients’ instead of bringing my laptop or memory stick and also to share files with other users.

Dropbox – file sharing made easy!

Its free of charge for the basic 2GB Dropbox package (which is ample for most people) and is very easy to use and get up and running quickly.  They also send periodic promotions where if you recommend Dropbox to a friend who takes the service they give you more space so it’s worth doing if you know people who don’t currenlty use this programme.

Here’s a summary of what you can do with Dropbox:

Dropbox in a nutshell

1. Share files securely between multiple computers by accessing the Dropbox folder that will be created on your computer once you install the programme.

2. Share files publicly via a simple link.

3. Create photo albums / galleries and share them with anyone you want – they don’t have to have a Dropbox account.

4. Access the files you have put in your Dropbox folder from any computer with an internet connection – n0 ftp required.

5. No login is required as the folder just sits on your computer – you simply drag and drop the files you want into the folder or “save as” and select the Dropbox folder.  The only time you need to login is when you are accessing your files from a different computer.

How Dropbox works

Once you download Dropbox and create an account, a folder is installed on your computer called My Dropbox. By default the My Dropbox folder is placed in your Documents folder. You can place the folder anywhere you would like by simply specifying a location during the quick install process.

Once the install is complete you can copy and paste or simply drag the files you would like to share into your My Dropbox folder. When a file is placed into a My Dropbox folder it is instantly and securely uploaded to the Dropbox server under your account and stored remotely ready for you to access when needed.

To share files between multiple computers, simply install Dropbox on any computer that you would like to share files between. During the install it will ask you if you already have an account, select this option and enter you login information and continue with the install. Once the install is complete the same thing will happen, a My Dropbox folder will be placed on the computer. Now when you add or remove files to the My Dropbox folder it will automatically update the My Dropbox folders that you have installed on any other computers! It’s really that simple!

To access your files from any public computer, go to www.getdropbox.com and login. Now you will have access to all your uploaded files and have the ability to upload more.