How to Use Dropbox to Sync and Share Files Easily

Cloud storage is the buzzword of the internet industry today and there are handful of cloud storage providers. The Dropbox is one service that clearly stands out from crowd. Sharing files and accessing them from anywhere is easier with Dropbox than you might have thought.

What is Dropbox?

Dropbox is a popular web service that offers online cloud storage letting you sync files across computers and mobile phones. Dropbox is available for all popular OS and mobile platforms. Use Dropbox to bring your photos, docs, and videos anywhere and share them easily.
In addition, it supports real-time upload of changes. Foe example, say you change a file on your phone, PC or mac. Then the changes will automatically get reflected in real time on all other devices synched with Dropbox. You can sync and share folders between people. All files are accessible from web browser. Dropbox comes with 2GB of free storage.
Dropbox supports Windows, Mac OSX as well as Linux. It also supports backup and sync for mobile devices. You have Dropbox for iPad, iPhone, Dropbox for Blackberry, and Dropbox for Android. If you work from multiple locations and multiple platforms and are looking for a free solution to backup and sync files, Dropbox app is all that you will need.

Dropbox – How Does It Work?

The Dropbox application’s folder is available on your desktop. This is the folder you upload your files to. When you are connected to the internet, the files are synchronized between all the computers and mobile devices where you have installed the Dropbox app. It does not matter what version of Windows, Mac or Linux your computers are running. It even does not matter what mobile device you use. Be it iPhone, Blackberry or Android, you can have Dropbox sync your file seamlessly.

Getting Started with Dropbox

Download Dropbox

Download and install Dropbox from the Dropbox website depending on your platform – Windows, Mac, Linux or Mobile.

How to Install and Configure Dropbox

Simply run the installer which would guide you through the steps to setup and configure Dropbox. You will need to create a free Dropbox account if you do not have one already. You could choose typical setup or advanced setup. Advanced setup will give you options to choose your dropbox folders and what you wish to sync.

How to Use Dropbox

With Dropbox, you can easily access your files from anywhere. You don’t necessarily need to have Dropbox installed on the computer you are using to access your files. You can sign in to Dropbox account and upload/download files securely via a web browser.
It is easy to share any folder in your Dropbox with other Dropbox users. Simply go to the folder which you want to share, right click on it and choose Dropbox –> Share this Folder. Provide email address of your friends whom you want to share the folder with and continuw. Your friends will get an email with a link to the folder.
Here is a simple video tutorial showing how to use Dropbox to backup and sync your files and access them from anywhere.

Dropbox Photo Galleries

Dropbox photo galleries let you share photos with anyone.  It allows you to share photos with your friends even if they are not using Dropbox.
to create a gallery, simply create a folder inside the Photos folder under your Dropbox folder. Put photos inside the folder. Folder name will be used as gallery name. Now visit http://www.dropbox.com/photos to view and share this photo gallery online.

Do More With Dropbox

Dropbox Wiki provides interesting tips and tricks you can do with Dropbox.

Alternatives to Dropbox

Although Dropbox is by far the best backup and sync application available, here are some Dropbox alternatives you could consider. Mobile alternatives include SugarSync, MobileMe (supports iPad and iPhone only), Box.net, and Carbonite. You could also use Mesh (now Windows Live Sync) and Mozy.