What is Dropbox? What Is It Used For?
In today’s work environment, storing all your files on a single hard drive isn’t practical. Everyone needs access to their files when away from their desktop computer. Additionally, sharing files and collaborating with others is often necessary. Moreover, if something happens to your computer and you don’t have backups of your files, all your work could be lost. Dropbox is a cloud storage service you can use for all these situations. It makes syncing files across devices easy, providing access from anywhere. If you’re looking for a cloud storage service for your projects, you should consider the advantages of Dropbox.
What is Dropbox?
Dropbox is one of the most popular cloud storage providers used for sharing, storing, and backing up files. It can be used within a browser or as an app on your computer and mobile phone. With folder synchronization, it allows you to access the most up-to-date version of all your files from any location. Additionally, if you encounter file size limits when sharing files with your teammates via email, you can send your work through Dropbox instead.
When you subscribe to Dropbox, you’re allocated a certain amount of storage space on an online server, known as the “cloud.” Once you install Dropbox, a folder is created on your computer or mobile phone, just like other folders. You can create files within this folder. Everything you place in this folder will sync after you install the app. In other words, all the files you store locally will also be copied to the Dropbox server. You can use this app on your computer and mobile phone, as well as on tablets supporting iOS, iPadOS, and Android operating systems.
What Is Dropbox Used For?
Dropbox is an online storage space that keeps your files synchronized between your personal devices and the cloud. The data stored in the cloud is securely encrypted with 256-bit encryption. The service also retains the history of your files with versioning, allowing you to recover your files in case of malware attacks or accidental deletions. If you use the free version, you can recover files within 30 days; with paid versions, you have up to 180 days to retrieve saved files. Additionally, this service offers convenience in the following situations:
- Dropbox’s features that facilitate access allow you to work simultaneously with your teammates.
- You can grant specific individuals access to view your files. You can also make your files publicly accessible if you wish.
- You can back up all your data to Dropbox without needing additional storage devices.
- You can take advantage of the 2 GB of online storage offered by Dropbox for free.
- With paid versions, you can increase your storage space up to 3 TB.
What Are the Features of Dropbox?
Even if you use the free version, Dropbox offers many benefits. The ability to share files and folders and manage permissions is one of the most loved features of this cloud service.
If you’re having trouble organizing your files, Dropbox can help with that too. This cloud service provides a centralized location for file management. You can use Dropbox as an online filing cabinet by setting up a folder structure and organization system, just as you would in Windows Explorer. This way, you can easily find your files whenever you need them.
You can remove files and folders from your Windows or Mac device without deleting them from your Dropbox account. To do this, use the selective sync feature to specify which files should be removed from certain devices.
With all its features, this service can be used for various tasks, from backing up files to managing and sharing them with your family or colleagues. The ability to use both desktop and mobile applications makes the platform user-friendly.
What Are the Advantages of Using Dropbox?
The biggest advantage of using Dropbox is that it provides access to necessary files from anywhere, at any time. If you install the app on your iOS or Android device, you can access all the necessary files on your phone or tablet. Even if you don’t have your computer or mobile phone with you, you can still access your files by logging into Dropbox from any device with an internet browser. Additionally, other Dropbox advantages include:
- Dropbox encrypts your files while transferring them from your device to the cloud, ensuring that all your data is securely stored.
- People you collaborate with can download the files you permit as long as they have a Dropbox account.
- Besides access permissions, you can also password-protect any file. This way, you don’t have to worry about unauthorized access to your data.
- All your files are automatically backed up. You don’t need to take any additional steps for backup.
- It provides additional storage space, freeing up room on your computer or mobile phone for extra applications.
- When collaborating with teammates, you may need to send them images. Dropbox offers a space where you can quickly share screenshots without needing to use email.
How to Use Dropbox?
To use Dropbox, you first need to create an account. This process only takes a few minutes. Go to the cloud service’s website and click the “Get started” button in the top left corner. Then, continue with the “Create an account” option to set up your account. When creating an account, you’ll be prompted to choose a plan. You can select the free plan or take advantage of the 30-day trial period.
Once you’ve created your account and logged in, you can download the cloud service to your computer. If you don’t want to download it, you can upload files directly through the web application. Backing up your files is quite easy. Follow these steps:
- After logging into your Dropbox account through your web browser, select “Upload Files” from the right side of the main screen.
- In the window that opens, select the files you want to synchronize and upload them to Dropbox.
- If you want to use the desktop app, you only need to drag and drop the files you want to synchronize into the Dropbox folder that opens when you install it on your computer.
Share and Download Options
There are multiple ways to share a file or folder through the cloud service. The easiest way is to find the file in your Dropbox folder, right-click on it, and select “Share” from the menu that appears.
When you choose “Share,” you can send file access directly via email. If you prefer not to send an email, you can use the “Create a link” option. After selecting “Share,” enter the email addresses of the people you want to give access to in the search bar in the window that opens. Then click “Copy Link” to get the link and share your files with the desired individuals.
Downloading files from Dropbox to your computer is also quite simple. Select the file in the cloud folder and right-click on it. After right-clicking, you’ll see the “Download” option in the drop-down menu. Clicking on it will add the file to your computer’s “Downloads” folder.
If you want to use Dropbox to find deleted files, you can use the web application. The “Deleted Files” button is located on the left side of the web application’s main screen. When you click here, you’ll see that your recently deleted files are stored. There are many other things you can do with Dropbox. Especially if you produce many projects on your computer and collaborate with friends, you can benefit from this service.