Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
Dropbox is a utility that allows you to instantly share files between machines, and even with other users elsewhere on the internet. Up to 2GB is free.
I've been using Dropbox for a quite some time now and recently came across perhaps the most compelling reason to finally recommend it to you.
One of the common questions I get is "how do I share [files, photos, documents, whatever] with my [friends, business associates, contacts] without using email, and without having them show up on the public internet?
Dropbox solves that, and a lot more.
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Here's the basic idea: I create an account on Dropbox and install the Dropbox software on two machines - A and B. On each, I point the Dropbox software at a folder to keep synchronized between the two machines.
It does.
Fundamentally it's that simple.
Files I place in my Dropbox folder on machine A shortly appear on machine B's Dropbox folder. "Shortly" depends on the speed of your internet connection and the size of the file, but that's the fundamental operation: update a file on machine A, and Dropbox updates it on machine B. Add a file to B it shows up on A. Create a folder on A and the folder appears on B.
That, alone, is a very powerful concept if you have more than one machine. Imagine simply keeping your documents automatically copied between several machines.
Now, based on that simple concept, we start adding features:
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You don't need machine "B". Dropbox also makes the files you place in that folder accessible via your account on the Dropbox web site. It's a great way to backup, off-site, important documents.
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The machines need not be in the same place. Dropbox works across the internet, so if machine A and machine B are in two different places but connected to the internet, then Dropbox continues to keep the folder contents in sync.
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The machines need not be PCs. Of course there's a Mac version available, but more interesting is that there are versions for Linux as well as for iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry. One of the ways I use Dropbox is to keep podcasts (mp3 files) and reading material (pdfs) on a variety of machines I might choose to use - like my phone.
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They need not all be your machines. You can share folders within your Dropbox with other Dropbox users. Place a file in a shared folder, and only those users you give access to will have access to those files in their Dropbox.
It's that last item that brings me here. I found myself collaborating with individuals in an organization, and Dropbox turned out to be the perfect solution for the file sharing needed.
Dropbox is free for up to 2 gigabytes of storage. That's typically more than enough for sharing photos with family, documents with coworkers ... or mp3 files with your phone.
Additional storage is available for a subscription fee, should you need it.
Dropbox. I recommend it.
Article C4540 - November 10, 2010 « »
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
February 29, 2012 12:47 AM
ADrive.com gives you 50GB free storage.
Box.com gives you 50GB free storage if you sign in before March 31, 2012 and it ties nicely to your mobile devices.
August 26, 2012 6:26 AM
Dropbox share file link is very long and difficult to type (when one cc to a paper doc). Is there a way to make the share link shorter?
August 26, 2012 9:40 AM
@Randy
There are several URL shortening services that work really well for that. One is https://bitly.com/
February 21, 2013 2:17 PM
So drop box is like evernote in that it syncs all your notes? So why not just use evernote?
February 21, 2013 3:06 PM
@Ellie
DropBox automatically syncs files between computers. These can be photos, songs, movies, programs or anything which can be stored in a a file. When files are placed in a DropBox folder on your computer, they automatically appear in the DropBox on the other computer which is associated with that DropBox account. Evernote works a little differently, as you have to go through the Evernote program to upload or download files.