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Share, Sync, and Back Up Files with Dropbox

September 12th, 2008 @ 4:49 am

4 Comments

Categories: Documents, Web Tools

Tags: Dropbox, Microsoft Windows, Storage, Operating Systems, Software, Hardware, Rick Broida

dropbox.jpg

Remember Dropbox, the service that lets you back up files, share them with others, and sync them with other PCs? It’s no longer an invitation-only beta: Now anyone can sign up.

After installing the Dropbox client (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux), just drag and drop files and folders to the Dropbox window. Whatever lands in there gets synced to Dropbox’s servers (effectively giving you an online backup) and to any other PCs with Dropbox installed. You can access synced files from any system (no client software required) and share files with non-Dropbox users.

A free account gives you 2GB of storage space, but starting next week you’ll be able to buy a 50GB ‘box for $9.99 per month (or $99.99 annually). It’s worth noting that Microsoft’s Windows Live FolderShare, a very similar service, provides 5GB of free storage — but it’s not a cross-platform solution like Dropbox. My advice: Use both and get 7GB of storage. Let’s see, Dropbox for documents, FolderShare for photos…perfect. (And it’s alliterative, too, so bonus!)

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  •  
    1

    luisc9

    09/15/08 | Report as spam

    RE: Share, Sync, and Back Up Files with Dropbox

    I have used orbitfiles.com for a while: it gives you 6 Gb for free, and unlimited storage for a monthly fee...

  •  
    2

    BizHacksRick

    09/15/08 | Report as spam

    RE: Share, Sync, and Back Up Files with Dropbox

    Interesting find... hadn't heard of that one. I do worry about some of these "little guy" storage services, as they could disappear overnight and take your files with them. But you're having good luck?

  •  
    3

    BizHacksRick

    09/16/08 | Report as spam

    RE: Share, Sync, and Back Up Files with Dropbox

    Just took Orbitfiles for a spin, and I gotta say: It's awful. The client software is just a disaster. No recommendation here.

  •  
    4

    OzeBuDDha

    02/26/09 | Report as spam

    RE: Share, Sync, and Back Up Files with Dropbox

    Dropbox is more than just a service that automatically backs up your filing system - it provides file versioning and an undelete system. I compare it to an automated CVS for the masses but on steroids. It also has the capability to collaborate and share files and folders seamlessly cross-platform and a good web interface. It's so easy to use, I can always access my files.

    I've been using it for 6 months now and as long as I keep my local dropbox folder encrypted it gives me the peace of mind to not worry about my laptop being corrupted / lost / stolen. As I have local copies of my files automatically synced to multiple computers I won't lose the lot if the service vanishes either.. Big tick from me

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  • Blogger Thumbnail Rick Broida A technology writer for more than 15 years, Rick Broida is a regular contributor to CNET, Popular Science, Wired and other publications. He's also the author of numerous books, including How to Do Everything with Your Zune. When he's not chained to his keyboard, he's usually shooting hoops or watching quality television. more »

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