Dropbox

73.4.118

Software information

License:

Freeware (Free)


Updated:

27 May 2019


Publisher:

Dropbox

Website:

http://dropbox.com

Software Screenshots

Size: 69.1 MB


Downloads: 7297


Platform: Windows (All Versions)

Review by Frederick Barton (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 29 Nov 2012

Usually, we transport data using USB flash drives or attach our files to an email, but sometimes we may encounter certain drawbacks. Removable memory devices may get damaged or you can not attach large files to an email. A more effective solution is to use a FTP server or a hosting service, but you still have to wait until the upload is complete and you may not be able to focus on other tasks in the meantime. To address these limitations, Dropbox brings a fresh approach to uploading and sharing files. This lightweight application is capable of synchronizing any files between two or more computers. Thanks to its smart functionality, you only need to copy your files to a certain folder and you will be able to find them on any computer in the world, as long as it has an Internet connection.

The application itself is freeware. Dropbox offers 2 GB of free online storage space and if you want more, you must pay a monthly subscription. It is worth mentioning that you can win up to 16 GB of free space, if you convince your friends to use Dropbox and specify you as a referrer. You will receive 500 MB for each user. You can also acquire free space if you perform certain tasks, like following Dropbox on Twitter, connecting your account to Facebook, sending feedback and so on.

There is much to say about the simplicity of Dropbox. Installing the software on a computer is very easy. The setup wizard provides detailed instructions all the way, so even a beginner can have this application up and running in a few moments. The most important part of the installation procedure is to select a folder on your hard drive. While running in the background, the application will monitor your selected folder and it will synchronize new contents with your online account, without asking for confirmation or displaying any kind of prompts. In plain terms, if you copy your files or folders to the Dropbox folder, you will find them on your online account right away.

Obviously, the synchronization process may take a bit longer, if the files are large, but as long as the files are copied to the monitored folder, you can focus on any other task and let Dropbox take care of the rest. You can access your synchronized files from the application's web interface, using any browser, but this is only a fraction of the application's advantages. You will find the same folders structure on the web interface. If you decide to move a file to a new folder, in the local Dropbox folder, the application will make the necessary updates, on the web interface, immediately. The interface provides all the functions you need to upload new files and manage them, like on a standard explorer window.

The synchronization feature works in both ways and this is where Dropbox shines the most. You can associate your account with other computers and synchronize your files between different machines, just by copying the data to the Dropbox folder. If you need to bring a document to work, you just have to copy the file to the aforementioned folder. The next morning, when you arrive at the office and boot your computer, you will find your document, on the hard drive, in just a few moments. The best part is that you can find your document, even if your home computer is shut down.

It is also possible to share synchronized files and folders. When you open the Dropbox folder, you may right click any data and select different options, from a sub-menu, to share a folder, acquire a share link or browse the data on the web interface. If you receive a share link, you will find the shared data on the same web interface and you can add it to your own Dropbox with a single click. You can also allow other users to add one of your shared folders to their own Dropboxes and access your shared data at any time, even when you add new contents. Another advantage is the fact that Dropbox is available for mobile devices as well. Besides other computers, you can also synchronize your files with Android and Blackberry phones, iPhones, iPads and Kindle Fire tablets.

Pros

You can synchronize your data between multiple computers and various mobile devices, just by copying your files to a folder. The files are stored on a server, so you can shut down your home computer. In addition, Dropbox allows you to share your synchronized data and another user's folders to your own web interface.

Cons

In terms of functionality, Dropbox does not present any drawbacks, but it would be a welcomed addition if the application provided support for Samsung's Bada phones. If you haven't heard of Dropbox yet, you should definitely try it out. It will change the way you transfer and share your data.

Dropbox
73.4.118

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Dropbox Awards


Dropbox Editor’s Review Rating

Dropbox has been reviewed by Frederick Barton on 29 Nov 2012. Based on the user interface, features and complexity, Findmysoft has rated Dropbox 5 out of 5 stars, naming it Essential

5

out of 5