It seems that nowadays everyone is obsessed with being able to access their files wherever they are. However, if you are using two or three computers, this can be a little difficult. Sure, flash drives have made file management light years easier, but today I will show you an online backup program that makes keeping your files with you truly painless. It’s called Dropbox, and I have a feeling you are going to love it!
When you create an account, Dropbox creates a folder in your My Document’s folder, called your Dropbox folder. This folder is synched with the web, so whenever you update or create a file, a copy is also made on the web. Even better, if you install Dropbox on any supplementary computers, they can all be linked to the same Dropbox folder too. And the best part is, that folder can be accessed from anywhere in the world using Dropbox’s online interface. Are you ready? Let’s check it out!
First, head on over to www.dropbox.com, and simply click Download Dropbox.
Save the setup file, run it, and follow the on-screen instructions.
When prompted select the option, I don’t have an account, I want to create one, and click Next.
Fill in some basic information including your name, email, and password, and select Next.
Then, you will want to select the 2GB (Free) Plan.
Finally select Skip tour and finish, and then Finish once more. Your Dropbox folder will appear.
Now, I suggest you play around with your Dropbox. Add a few folders, and drag a few documents and photos into it.
You will notice you see an icon when you add or create files. This icon indicates the file is being uploaded to your online Dropbox. Once the upload is complete you will see a checkmark which lets you know everything is synchronized.
Next, why don’t we check out the files online? The easiest way to do this is to right click the Dropbox icon in your taskbar, and click Launch Dropbox Website.
All of the files in your Dropbox folder are displayed. From the online interface, you can download or upload any of your files in seconds, and this will work from any computer.
I also want to show you some of the other features that Dropbox has to offer.
Individual folders can be shared from your Dropbox folder, and e-mailed to other friends or family. If these users have Dropbox, the shared folder will appear in their Dropbox and changed that either party makes will sync instantly. But have no fear; Dropbox saves every revision so you can revert to an older version at any time. To access, just right click a file and select Dropbox, followed by Share a folder.
If you just want to share a file quickly and don’t want to collaborate with the recipient on the file, then move it into the Public folder. From here, you can obtain a public link that you can paste in emails or practically anywhere. It’s fast and easy. To use this feature, right click a file in the public folder and choose Copy Public Link.
Like I mentioned before, you can have multiple computers linked to the same Dropbox folder. When installing Dropbox on your secondary computer, select the option I already have an account, and link your two accounts together.
I think you will find Dropbox to be an invaluable tool that will save you time and hassle. There is much more to be discovered with Dropbox so get to it!
Enjoy!
~Neil Patel
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