Dropbox - Backups and Sharing

If you work with several computers it can be hard to keep track of what files you have where or which thumbdrive has that important document. I was able to eliminate most of these problems using the Dropbox service. The service allows me to keep all the files in a single folder, in sync across multiple devices from my computer to my phone. If I don't have them handy, a quick visit to their website gives me access to all my files so the question isn't do I have that file, it's which file did you want?

Pros

  • Free 2GB of storage, expandable to 10GB if you refer others. (18GB if you are .edu verified).
  • Automatically saves all files to your online account.
  • Your files are safe should your computer crash.
  • Automatic file sync between several computers.
  • Easily share a file or folder with others.
  • Saves versions of every file so you can undo changes to a file whenever you want.
  • Saves files that have been deleted so you can undelete if need be.
  • Mobile friendly website and free iPhone application (other phone apps coming).
  • Easy to use software and website.
  • Easy to use public photo gallery.

Cons

  • Limited space options (Free, 50GB, and 100GB).
  • Shared folder count against all users quotas (for now).
  • Version history limited to 30 days without "Pack-Rat".
  • Multi-user/Business plans (for now).

Compatibility

  • Windows: XP, Vista, and 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)
  • Mac: OS X Tiger (10.4) or later
  • Linux: Ubuntu 7.10+ and Fedora Core 9+

Download

Visit the Dropbox website to create an account and get started.

Recomendation

I highly recommend you give this service a try if you shift between several computers and/or devices. It's hard to go wrong with a 2GB free account to get you started. If you need even more space they offer a 50GB option for $10/month or $99/year. With the Pro accounts you are able to earn up to 16GB of additional space instead of the 8GB with the free account. Talk about sweet! You can even verify your .edu email address (if you have one) by logging in and then going to dropbox.com/edu (no need to make the account with your edu address). If you verify a .edu email address, you referal bonuses are all doubled.