How to share files with Dropbox

Dropbox is a file service which uses cloud computing to enable users to backup and share files and folders with others across the Internet using file synchronization.

3 Reasons to use Dropbox

1: File Backup:

Yesterday a data recovery expert told me that you need to have your files in at least three places. Storing files on your computer and one backup location just isn’t enough. Any file you put in your Dropbox folder is automatically backed up to their servers. By default, Dropbox keeps 30 days of history for all your files, so even if you’ve deleted a file from your Dropbox you can still restore it. The free 2GB account is perfect for backing up smaller files and documents but you may wish to move to a larger paid account (up to 100GB) for backing up more and bigger files. You can also get more space by inviting your friends. For every friend your refer to Dropbox, you’ll both get 500 MB of bonus space (up to a limit of 16 GB). Putting crucial files in Dropbox as an off-site backup is very wise.

Some WordPress backup plugins can be configured to automatically send a backup .zip file to your Dropbox folder. Dropbox may just save your bacon — or your files, at least.

2: File Synchronization

Drop a file into your Dropbox on one computer and it shows up almost instantly on all your other computers that also have Dropbox installed (Windows, Mac, and Linux too!), be it at home, school or work. 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.

3: File Sharing:

There is no longer a need for clients to send me batches of emails or mail a physical cd, with Dropbox file sharing is easy. Simply follow these steps to share a folder with me to send me your web content:

How to install Dropbox

Start by clicking on this link to Dropbox. It will take you to the Welcome to Dropbox page.
Sign up for your Dropbox account and create a username and password. Click “Create account” once you’ve filled in your details. When you’ve created your account, the Dropbox download should automatically start within seconds.
Run the Dropbox installer: Click on the exe.file that downloaded in the lower left corner of your browser window
Click “yes” to accept changes
Follow the setup instructions
When Dropbox is installed Windows users will find that it added a little icon down in the bottom right of your taskbar and place another icon on your desktop. Mac users will find it in Launchpad and to your top menu bar.
Windows users can right-click on the taskbar icon then select launch Dropbox website. Mac users can click the top menu bar icon and then click on the world icon.
A new tab should open in your browser. This is where you will store your folders.

How to create a folder

From your home in the Dropbox website, you can create folders for every project you want to store in the cloud.

Right-click on the Dropbox icon in the left-hand corner of the site.
A drop down menu will appear. Click on it — a new folder will appear that you will name.

Once you have created the folder, share it with your web designer, colleague, business partner …

How to share folders with collaborators

Hover your mouse over your new folder, highlighting it to blue and right click. A drop down list will appear. From the list select invite to folder.
Click invite to folder and a share window will popup. Enter the email addresses of those you want to invite and send a little note with the email.
You will be notified when they have accepted your invitation.

Watch this Video for a better understanding of Dropbox:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ghKdYKZ1Sts%3Frel%3D0

Give Dropbox a try and add your comments to let me know what you think of it.

[this post has been cross-posted on LearnWP.ca]