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How To

How to: share and sync files in Dropbox

Elena Santos

Elena Santos

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There are several ways to share information online: email, IM apps, FTP clients and online file storage services. The latter have recently become quite popular, which means you have a wide choice to select from, each one of them with different features, data plans and fees. But if there’s one online file sharing and syncing tool that stands out of the crowd, that’s Dropbox.

Dropbox is a bit different from the standard file sharing service. It has a desktop client (with versions for Windows, Mac, Linux and iPhone),  it’s seamlessly integrated with Windows Explorer and it’s meant not only to share files with family and friends, but also to sync data among different computers.

share and sync files in Dropbox

Using Dropbox is easy as pie. First of all, download the client and install it on your computer. The installation process will also enable you to create a Dropbox user account and select the data plan that best suits your needs – including a basic 2-GB option for free. Once the installation is finished, the computer will be linked to your online Dropbox account, and you’ll see a new folder on your system called “My Dropbox”.

share and sync files in Dropbox

Whatever you save, create, erase, copy or move into this folder will automatically be synced with Dropbox online, and also with any other computer that you’ve linked to your Dropbox account. This ensures you’ll be able to access the same synced contents from all your computers, and always have the latest versions of your documents at hand.

Now, what about sharing? Dead easy as well. Go to your online Dropbox account, create a new shared folder and send an invitation by email to anyone you want to share the contents of this folder with. The downside is that they’ll need to register as Dropbox users as well, but being such a handy service, they won’t regret it. From that moment on, you’ll be able to share files with those people without any hassle: simply drag and drop any file to your local folder, let Dropbox sync contents in the background and your friends will be able to access them online almost instantly.

share and sync files in Dropbox

Elena Santos

Elena Santos

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