Overview
Would
you like a file syncing, sharing, and online back-up solution, all rolled into
one utility? If the answer is yes, then meet Dropbox, a multiplatform solution
that allows you to sync files across PCs with relative ease. In fact, it is one
of the easiest tools I’ve ever tried! Being an online storage service, security
is imperative and you should be happy to discover that Dropbox doesn’t
disappoint in this regard, as it offers SSL and AES-256 encryption. Let’s find
out more about this very useful tool as we analyze its features. Can it really
shine in all departments?
Installation
Dropbox
is a lightweight tool and at 14 MB in size, you should download the setup kit
in a few seconds. What is more, simplicity defines the smooth and fast
installation process of Dropbox. An account can be created after the
installation is finished. It is a vital step in the process of syncing your
files with this tool. A new folder will appear on your HDD that will act as the
main graphical tool that connects you to the Dropbox servers. In addition, you
can always use the icon in the toolbar for quick access. Dropbox doesn’t come
with adware/spyware or other programs and it is a multiplatform tool. Thus,
whether you’re a Windows, Linux or Mac user, you can enjoy the many benefits
Dropbox has to offer.
Interface
Dropbox
is a very easy to use tool. The Dropbox folder can be placed anywhere on your
PC and anything that is put into this folder will be synched with the online
servers of Dropbox. The Dropbox web interface can also be used for the management
of your files. Your files can also be viewed and accessed from your smartphone,
as Dropbox also provides you with an iPhone and Android app. Novice users who
have never used an online syncing service before will find out that it is a joy
working with Dropbox.
Pros
Dropbox
focuses on three main areas: file syncing, file sharing and online back-up. And
of course, all of these are glued by the security features of Dropbox –
transport of your files via SSL and advanced file encryption methods. Firstly,
as a file sharing tool, Dropbox really shines, as you will soon find out that
collaborating with your work colleagues and sharing files will become an
absolute breeze. You can share files both with Dropbox users as well as
non-Dropbox users. A registration invitation via email will be received by the
latter. After their registration is complete they will have full access to your
files. What is more, through Dropbox you can also specify which users can have
access to certain files.
File
synching is another major component of Dropbox. Basically, it is flawlessly
implemented. Imagine that you are at work and haven’t finished that Excel
report. Just drop it to your Dropbox folder and when you get home you can
continue working. The main advantage of Dropbox over other web-based tools is
that it doesn’t require an internet connection for it to perform. Working in
offline mode is allowed because as you go back online, Dropbox will
automatically sync your files.
Lastly,
Dropbox can be used as an online back-up service. In this regard, you get 2 GB
for free and if you want more you will have to pay a fee. In this regard,
Dropbox lacks some needed customization. The fact that all of your files to be
backed up automatically must be present in the Dropbox folder is a big
disadvantage. What if you have a tool that saves its contents to another folder
by default?
Cons
50
GB for $9.99 per month is a bit expensive. For your primary back-ups I
recommend using another online back-up utility.
Alternatives
Let’s
have a look at some alternatives to Dropbox. These include the following tools:
SpiderOak, SugarSync, Wuala,
Syncplicity, Nomadesk and many more.
Conclusion
All
in all, Dropbox is the best option you have for the sharing and
syncing your files across multiple computers. It boasts great
functionality in this regard but it falls short as an online back-up solution.
If you’re a regular PC user, you have a lot of content on your HDD, from MP3s
to videos, images and a lot of different programs that use their default folder
for saving. Moving all these files in your Dropbox folder isn’t exactly a real
pleasure. Go ahead and use Dropbox for your syncing and sharing needs but if
you’re looking for an online back-up utility, look somewhere else.
