Backing up files and keeping data synced is important, especially since we’re not currently sticking to a single device for our computing needs.
We’ve covered backing up and syncing files using Syncback, the Windows backup and restore method, and apps like Back4sure for your data backup and synchronization needs. But today, we will talk about a tool that is “almost” the ultimate solution for file synchronization and backup. Called Dropbox, it’s an online backup solution that creates a “My Dropbox” folder on your PC, and backs up and syncs everything you put in it. All data is kept securely in the cloud and can be accessed from a browser anywhere (as long as there is internet access).
Dropbox has versions for Windows, Mac, Linux, and feature phones.
Let’s see how to set it up.
How to set up Dropbox
All you need to do is go to the Dropbox website, download a small Dropbox desktop app, and run it on your computer. The setup screen will appear. Click on the “Install” button.
In a few seconds, the installation will be complete. A dialog box appears prompting you to create a new Dropbox account. If you already have an account then choose the second option, “I already have a Dropbox account”. If not, click the first option.
Now register a new account. Fill out the form, tick the box next to “I agree to the Terms of Service”. After filling out the form, click the “Next” button.
Now select the account you want to start with. If you are a new user then use the free account. You’ll get 2 GB of free space to start with and then upgrade anytime you want.
After you complete the registration process, a “My Dropbox” folder will appear on your computer. Its location should be C:\Users\Computer Name\Documents\My Dropbox.
During the setup process, you can also change the default location of that folder. Check the second box next to “I want to choose where my Dropbox folder is located”. Change the location of the Dropbox folder and click the “Finish” button. (You can also cut and paste the folder to another location later on, so no big deal here)
Now go to the “My Dropbox” folder via the desktop shortcut. You can also access it by clicking on the Dropbox icon provided in the system tray and selecting “Open Dropbox folder”.
Here is a screenshot of the Dropbox folders. By default, there are two folders: Photos and Public. There is also a “Getting Started” PDF that includes instructions on how to use the tool.
You can drop any file into this folder. One thing you have to take care of is that when you drag and drop something into this folder it will be permanently moved from that location. Therefore, if you are going to copy data, you should apply the keyboard shortcuts “Ctrl+C” and “Ctrl+V” to do so.
Alternatively, you can always create a new folder of your choice. Let’s say you want to add a video to your Dropbox account, then create a new folder inside it and name it “Videos”. Similarly, you can create other such folders.
What is Dropbox’s file sync function
Let’s say you are using this tool on multiple computers and mobile phones. That means all devices must have a My Dropbox folder inside. And whenever you move or copy any file in that device’s My Dropbox folder, that file automatically appears in the same corresponding location on all other devices immediately. Here’s what Dropbox can do. Backup and sync files instantly across multiple devices.
Also, whenever you drop a file into a certain folder, it is automatically backed up on the Dropbox server. So if you lose your device, you don’t have to worry about Dropbox data.
Open the official Dropbox website. At the top right, fill in your credentials and click the Sign In button. You will see all the files you place on your computer’s My Dropbox folder on the web interface.
You can perform actions like sharing, downloading, renaming folders, etc. by clicking the drop-down list next to each folder.
File sharing feature
There is a Public folder inside the My Dropbox folder. Whenever you move a file into this folder, it’s automatically available to everyone. You can right click on the file and choose Dropbox -> Copy Public Link.
Now share this link via IM, email or any other means.
How much space is available
The basic version of 2 GB is available for free. If you want more storage, you can buy 50GB storage for $99.00/year and 100GB storage for $199.00/year.
Summary
Overall, Dropbox is probably the best tool for file backup and sync. It comes with a lot of features. File synchronization, file sharing, online backup, web access, security and privacy, mobile device access are some of its famous cool features. In the future, we will elaborate more on its other advanced features.
Download Dropbox to backup and sync files across multiple devices.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
