Dropbox

There are many online file sharing / storage / synchronization services showing up these days. They usually offer some limited level of service for free, and start charging for more storage space and features. Dropbox has done a great job of implementing this concept.

I like the idea of having an online option for storage and backup of selected files, and I think the best approach is to use this as a supplement to a local backup strategy. Don’t let it be your only recourse for restoring lost data.

Dropbox

dropboxI have been using Dropbox (www.dropbox.com) for a while now for simple backup and sync services. In January 2010 Dropbox announced four million users, so they seem to be doing pretty well. You can keep your files private, or share selected subfolders and files out via a web address you can invite others to. It serves as a backup in case your hard drive fails, or as a way to have access to important files when you don’t have your own computer with you. Any computer with an internet connection will give you access to your Dropbox account.

You can download Dropbox for Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone and iPad. Install the application on your computer and it creates a folder that is synced with your online Dropbox account. Add a file to the Dropbox folder on your computer, and it immediately copies it up to your web account. It works really well and can provide some peace of mind knowing that you have a backup copy in case something happens to your computer.

File Synchronization

You can also set it up on multiple machines for syncing files between them; for example, create a Dropbox folder on your home computer and one on your work computer, and have both of those sync to your Dropbox account online. If you add a file to the Dropbox folder on your home computer, you will see it in the folder on your work computer as well. Or, create a shared folder with relatives and drop photos in there from time to time, or whatever you want to share.

Jason Snell of Macworld magazine has a nice five minute Dropbox introductory video that demonstrates the service.

Currently (as of June 2010) the pricing options are:

  • Basic Account (2 GB): free
  • Pro 50 Account (50 GB): $9.99/month or $99/year
  • Pro 100 Account (100 GB): $19.99/month or $199/year

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Posted: June 11th, 2010
Filed under: File Sharing & Storage, Free (or low-cost), Software, Web-based Tags: , , , , | No Comments »

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