So you’ve setup a Dropbox account and are ready to make the big jump to cloud storage; now what? It is kind of hard to understand how great storing stuff in the cloud is unless you have an idea of where to start.
Let’s look at five different things you can do right now to make the most of new online storage space.
Extra Storage
First of all, start by putting all that stuff cluttering up your hard drive away. Not only will you be able to find things you actually need a lot quicker (without all that old junk around), it will probably make the computer run faster.
Now, the starting 2GB with may seem adequate at first, but you’ll be running out space quickly once you get a bit more serious about cleaning up and realize how handy it is to be able to access files from anywhere. The simple solution is to buy more storage, the service offers some great deals, or try using Dropbox’s refer-a-friend program and earn 500MB for everyone you get to sign on to the service.
There are other deals on offers as well, so keep an eye on the site when in need of more space.
Automatic Backups
With the extra storage gained, you could keep use Dropbox’s handy little syncing tools to keep the home computer nice and tidy. Syncing across several devices and have access to data available whenever and wherever you want it across a:
- Tablet
- Smartphone
- PC/laptop
Even if disaster strikes and one of those machines suddenly dies, (ever dropped your phone in the toilet?), you will still be able to access the valuable photos and important data stored on it. The peace of mind these automatic backups bring is not to be underestimated and can seriously improve your quality of life; they are easy to setup as well.
Organize
With moving files from a hard drive to the cloud and setting up backups comes one problem: things will get cluttered, especially if you already had trouble organizing a home computer.
Thankfully Dropbox offers some great organizational tools to manage files. Not only will you be able to put everything away according to the traditional system of directories and sub-directories, but the service offers new, innovative ways as well. For instance, you’ll be able to cross-reference directories, and organize them according to project and client.
After a brief adjustment period you will be archiving files like a pro and may even find the home computer ‘s old-fashioned system clunky and unworkable.
Sharing Large Files
First-time users of Dropbox will also be happy to know that one major annoyance of the 21st century is also taken care of: large files can sent without hassle or weird workarounds, ideal for small businesses.
If the recipient has Dropbox already, all that one needs to do is give them permissions for whatever they ask from you.
It is as easy as that. Nor is it any harder if the other party does not have an account, simply email them a link and they’ll be able to download at their leisure.
If you’re both using Gmail things are even easier thanks to Dropbox for Gmail, a handy little tool that attaches a Dropbox folder like any other file.
Staying Abreast of Things
Last but not least, not only will you be able to store, organize and send everything quickly and easily, you’ll also be able to keep tabs on any changes and whether or not things are going to plan.
Thanks to Dropbox’s exhaustive and fully customizable notification system, a user can decide how much information they want about activity in a section of the cloud and when to get it.
In this day and age it is important to know when an employee downloaded that task you needed done or if files synced properly and Dropbox hands you the tools to stay on top of such developments.
There is a reason the service always does well in comparison charts, and if done right, it never need cost you a penny.