Thing 15 - Create a Dropbox

Create a Dropbox

What is a Drop Box and why would you want one? Dropbox allows you to sync your files online and across your computers automatically.  It gives you 2GB of storage for free. (Essentially it is your own 2GB flash drive that is backed up on the internet, or "in the cloud" as techhies like to say.)  What is great about this is you can install an automatic link on multiple computers or devices that allows you to sync the folders. When you work on a document on your computer at work and save it to the dropbox, it will appear on your dropbox on your laptop at home.  If you open the document or photo at home and work on it and save it back to the folder, the modified document will appear at work.  How awesome is that?  But it gets even better!

Better than a folder that I share from work and home?  Yes!  You can also create a folder that you share with a friend.  Shared folders allow you to collaborate on a project that has multiple documents in different formats.  Imagine working with a team on a presentation that has videos, spreadsheets, documents, and SMARTBoard presentations.  With a shared dropbox folder everyone on  the project team can view and edit the same documents regardless of the format.  Can it get even awesome-er?  Yes!

If you are on a computer that does not have your sync folder (like a computer at the public library) you can still get your files.  Just go to www.dropbox.com and log in with your username and password and you will be able to view all of your files.  Is that enough? No?  You want more?  How about the ability to instantly access your files with a Dropbox ap for the iPhone, Android, or BlackBerry?  Done.  Dropbox has aps for all three types of phones.

The final concern you may have is security.  How secure are my files.  Dropbox uses military grade encryption both upstream and downstream to protect your files.

Here it is in Plain English:

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To complete Thing 15 you must:
A. Create a Dropbox account
B. Explore shared files and sync folders
C. Reflect on Thing 15 on your blog

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A. Create a Dropbox Account

Creating a Dropbox account is easy.  Go to the Dropbox website.  You can view the video or click the Log in in the upper right of the page to create an account.  Once you have the account you will want to download the application.  This will place a Dropbox folder in My Documents.  It will also default to putting an icon in the tray at the bottom of your desktop. 

B. Experiment (Play) with Your Dropbox

Now you have a drop box. Have some fun with it!  Try loading the application at school and at home.  How about sending a friend the url of one of your documents?  Or... why not create folder to share with a friend.  You can watch the video below to see a nice demo of all of the features.

C. Reflect- Blog Prompts for Thing 15

What did you think?  How can you use a Dropbox to secure your files?  How about sharing files or folders?  Did you sync two or more computers?

*** Extra Credit- Add the Dropbox Ap to Your Phone or Tablet

For extra credit go to the ap store for your phone or mobile device and download the ap. Play with it and have fun!