Dropbox is a cloud storage service that allows you to store and access your files from anywhere.
With Dropbox, you can store up to 2 GB of files for free.
You can upload files to Dropbox through the web interface, desktop app, or mobile app.
Dropbox also offers a feature called "Selective Sync" that lets you choose which files to sync to your computer.
For your interest: How to Sync Onedrive on Iphone
Getting Started
You can sign up for Dropbox in a way that suits you best. There are two main options: creating an account from scratch or using social sign-in.
Signing up from scratch allows you to choose your own login credentials and store them in a password manager. This includes sharing your first name, surname, email address, and setting a password.
You'll then receive an email to verify your email address, and you'll automatically be put on the 2GB free plan. You can upgrade to other plans at a discounted rate when paid annually.
Using social sign-in options like Google or Apple is also available, saving you the hassle of remembering another password.
For more insights, see: Password on Dropbox
Main Features
Dropbox is a powerful tool for sharing and storing files, and its main features make it a must-have for anyone who needs to collaborate with others or access files on the go.
One of the key features of Dropbox is the folder sharing function, which allows you to share folders with people who don't have an account by simply issuing a link.
You can also add an extra layer of security with password protection, which requires the person with whom you share the link to enter a password before they can open the file.
File permissions are another important feature, which allows you to restrict the members who can share files and prevent information leakage.
Dropbox also has a notification function, which sends you notifications when new folders are created or tasks are updated.
Offline synchronization is also a great feature, which allows you to access your files even when you're not connected to the internet.
Here are some of the main features of Dropbox at a glance:
Security and Safety
Dropbox uses top-notch encryption to secure your files, making it virtually impossible for unauthorized access. This level of security is essential for protecting sensitive information.
AES-256 encryption is used to secure your documents when stored in Dropbox, while SSL/TLS encryption shields files when transmitted. This ensures your information is safe from infiltrators.
Two-factor authentication is a must-have to make your Dropbox account more secure. This adds an extra layer of protection, requiring a code sent to your cellular phone in addition to your password.
Dropbox provides a 30-day history of files, allowing for easy restore in case something goes wrong. This feature is a lifesaver in case of file corruption or alteration.
You can list all the devices connected to your account and delete those no longer needed. This is a great way to keep your account secure and up-to-date.
Dropbox tools also enable you to check recent activity, so you can stay on top of any potential intrusions. This feature is a valuable asset in maintaining the security of your account.
Check this out: Security of Dropbox
Sharing with the Team
Sharing with the team is a breeze in Dropbox. You can create separate folders for different teams, like the finance team and web development team.
To share a folder, hover your mouse over it and click "Share." This will open the settings for the folder, where you can add users by their email address and decide whether they can edit files or just view them.
You can also modify who can be invited to the team and who manages the folder. Once you've made your selections, click the "Share" button on the bottom.
Those you invite will receive a link to the folder, and if they have their own Dropbox account installed on a computer, they'll see the shared folder available.
If you need a file from someone who doesn't use Dropbox, you can use the requests feature. You can title the request, assign a folder for the document, and set a deadline for the file.
Dropbox will create a link that you can share with the person, and they can upload the file directly to your folder. They won't have any other access to your Dropbox account.
Here's a summary of the sharing options:
You can also create shared folders for ongoing collaboration, where everyone invited can view and edit the contents, and any modifications will be updated for all users. This is especially beneficial for group projects.
Business Usage
Using Dropbox for business practices is a breeze, and you can start with a free starter account. This account is perfect for small businesses or individuals who want to dip their toes into cloud storage.
You can easily upgrade to the next level, which offers 2TB of storage, giving you plenty of space to store all your business files.
Pricing and Plans
Dropbox offers a free plan with 2GB of storage capacity, limited to one user, and automatic backup of files stored on your PC. This plan also allows you to restore deleted items from the past 30 days and link up to 3 devices.
If you need more storage, you can upgrade to a paid plan. The Basic plan is free of charge, but it only comes with 2GB of storage capacity. The Plus plan costs $11.99/month and offers 2TB of storage, while the Professional plan costs $19.99/month and provides 3TB of storage.
Here's a breakdown of the different Dropbox plans:
For business use, Dropbox offers three plans: Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise. The Standard plan costs $18/month and comes with 3TB of storage, while the Advanced plan costs $30/user/month and offers 5TB of storage. The Enterprise plan requires an inquiry to determine pricing and comes with add capacity as needed.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Standard Dropbox
What Is a Free Plan?
A free plan is a great way to get started with Dropbox, and it's surprisingly feature-rich. You'll get up to 2GB of storage space, which is a decent amount for casual users.
One of the best things about the free plan is that it allows you to link up to 3 devices, so you can access your files from anywhere. This is super convenient for people who use multiple devices, like me.
Broaden your view: Is Dropbox Basic Free
The free plan also includes automatic backup of files stored on your PC, which is a lifesaver if you're prone to losing important documents. Plus, you can restore deleted items from the past 30 days, which gives you a bit of peace of mind.
Here's a quick rundown of the free plan's key features:
- Storage capacity: up to 2GB
- Number of users: limited to 1
- Automatic backup of files stored on your PC
- Ability to restore deleted items from the past 30 days
- Up to 3 devices can be linked
Paid Plans
Paid plans with Dropbox offer a range of features and storage capacities to suit different needs.
The Basic plan is free of charge, but it only provides 2GB of storage capacity.
The Plus plan costs $11.99/month and offers 2TB of storage capacity, which is a significant upgrade from the Basic plan.
The Professional plan costs $19.99/month and also provides 3TB of storage capacity.
Dropbox's paid plans also offer various features, such as file recovery and version history, which can be useful for users who need to recover deleted files.
The Plus plan offers file recovery and version history for 30 days, while the Professional plan offers it for 180 days.
Discover more: Dropbox Professional vs plus
Here's a summary of the paid plans:
For businesses, Dropbox offers three plans: Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise.
The Standard plan costs $18/month and provides 3TB of storage capacity, along with features like two-step verification and encryption of information.
The Advanced plan costs $30/user/month and offers 5TB of storage capacity, as well as most features of the Standard plan.
The Enterprise plan requires an inquiry for pricing and offers all features of the Advanced plan, plus a dedicated Customer Success Manager.
Free Starter Account
The free starter account is a great way to get started with Dropbox. You'll get 2GB of storage space, which is a decent amount if you only save text files.
Signing up for the free starter account is a no-brainer. It's free, after all!
Here are the key features of the free starter account:
You can use the free starter account to get a feel for how Dropbox works and whether it's right for you.
File Syncing and Backup
Having your files synced across devices can be a game-changer. You can access your files from anywhere, on any device, as long as you have an internet connection.
Dropbox makes this possible by automatically saving your downloads to a shared folder on your computer. This creates an instant backup and archive of any program, image, or office document you pull from websites.
Traveling and need access to a file on your home computer? With the Dropbox app installed on both devices, you'll have access to your saved files in no time.
You can also use Dropbox to back up your files before upgrading to a new computer. Simply back up all your important files to the cloud, and you'll be able to access them on your new device.
Using WordPress and the Backup & Restore Dropbox plugin is a great way to create a backup of your website. This will keep your site protected in the event of a disaster.
You can also use FileZilla to download your website and save it directly to your Dropbox folder. This method works with virtually any FTP application that allows you to save files directly to your computer.
Curious to learn more? Check out: How Do I save a File to Dropbox
Sources
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