Since I have been traveling quite a bit these past couple weeks, I don’t have access to my desktop computer while I am on the road. Sure, I could keep it on, so some networking magic and open up folders on my computer so I can access them from my hotel room, but the problem with that is that if I can do, then I am leaving my computer available for others to hack in.
One of the free tools that I use to help me out with this聽is DropBox, This is an online service that allows me to store files “in the cloud” so I can securely log in and have access to them! I can upload pictures from my computer (or even my camera) and have access to them wherever I have internet access.
I was surprised to hear that some people are still unaware of DropBox. WHAT?!?! How can that be? OK鈥攏o judgment here鈥攍et me tell you more about it.
First of all, the DropBox service is FREE! (I do, however, subscribe to their paid version for businesses so Team members can access the same account).
Another benefit of using DropBox is that since I use many different computers – using DropBox I can put something in ‘The Cloud’ and access it from any of those computers! Some other things I like about it are the following:
1. You can get a two gig account for free!
2. I can access it anywhere.
3. It is not just web-based! I get a folder created on my computer that I drop things in and it is now available for me anywhere. One thing to be aware of – when you drag and drop something from your computer to the DropBox folder, it is a MOVE (not a copy). It will no longer be on, say your desktop, but in that folder on your computer.
4. This is a cool feature I really like… You can authorize other DropBox users to use a specific folder; now you can both share documents. I was able to send a folder of 1 gig of pictures to a friend and he got them almost instantly! He can then look at them, and even make some changes (i.e., touch-up work) and then I can get them back! No need to go back and forth with email and wonder who has the most recent version!
It is really cool! You can check it out here: DropBox.com – they have a nice short video you can watch to get an idea of what they do.
With my Paid subscription, where I share over 1 TB (terabyte) of data, 1/2 gig of space isn’t really going to do much. However, you should still get the extra space on your account.
I hope you can find a use for this.
I have a drop box account. This is a good reminder to actually use it 馃榿
If you got it… Use it! 馃檪
Well slap me with a wet noodle, I’m one that didn’t know about dropbox! LOL I have heard about it but never looked into it, now is the time! Thanks for sharing this valuable site info Paul!
And now you know! Glad I could share.
Hi Paul,
Yes, my niece’s husband kept on me about getting one. I am so glad I did because later i had a crash and he said it was all there, not to worry. He would help me retrieve it. So what a relief that was! Now I just have to remember my password! (I nearly always use the same computer).
Thanks,
Amy
馃檪 THey have a feature to reset your password if you cannot remember it.
I do have a dropbox account, but didn’t realize that once a file goes into dropbox it leaves my computer. I’m not so sure I like that. I’m also not quite sure how to organize my Dropbox so I can find things.
If I share files to Dropbox from copies on a thumbdrive or scandisk from my camera, will they still stay where I have them stored on my computer? I don’t ever want my only access to my images and backups to be in cyberspace.
Yes! SO on my Mac, that is what happens. I have everything on my computer on a extra hard drive AND when I drag those files to DropBox, it creates a copy of the file out in the cloud.
Dropbox. OneDrive. Google Drive. Box.com. Cloud.me. Amazon Cloud
Drive.
There are a lot of choices out there. (We use OneDrive- of sorts- since it is part of Microsoft Office. But, we really use our own server’s cloud….)
The issues are cost (not a terrible burden, and some offer free baby choices) and security. It’s the security that scares the bejesus out of us- because our documents involve our clients’ data as well as ours. So, we opt out. We don’t want to be an Experian or Yahoo clone.
Thank, Roy! Of course, safeguarding documents where there is a fiduciary responsibility may preclude you from using one of these services. I have developed websites for clients that need to follow the HIPAA standards so most of these services are not compliant.
This is an example
Thanks for the comment.