I have talked before about how I have 2 computers – my Macbook and my MacPro. While I am on the laptop almost exclusively now, occasionally I find myself working on the desktop when I need a bigger screen for photo or video editing…and then needing a file that is back on the laptop. And if the laptop isn’t on and connected to my network, I have to go through the process of booting it up, connecting to the network, sending the file to the desktop, etc.. Or at least I would have had to do that…but no more. I am now using something called Dropbox which allows me to sync files between computers, access them from anywhere, even on different operating systems, and let’s me also share files with anyone else I want to give access to. When you put something in your “dropbox”, it is instantly available on any other computer where you have it installed – pretty cool, right? I can even access the files on my iPhone. And while Evernote is fantastic for syncing notes and web clippings, Dropbox lets you backup/save/sync/access any kind of file.
The best part? They give you 2GB of storage and syncing for free. I don’t even have a paid account yet, as I just use my free 2GB to store things I know I might need to use on the other computer sometime. I do plan on getting a paid account and using it as a backup for video and music files, but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. For my needs at this very moment, the free account does me just fine. And, for every friend you introduce to Dropbox, they will give both you and your friend free 250 MB of bonus space up to 3 GB. (That includes you and I – we’re friends, right?) It has allowed me to clean up my act on the files I need to access on both my computers and has never given me any problem at all. I feel de-cluttered and organized, knowing I can access those files from anywhere and they are no longer on both computers in different stages of completion/use. If you have the type of situation I do, or just want a few GB of backup for your own personal use, Dropbox can come in handy. Now, let’s see just how much space I need to fit my iTunes collection…
I am right there with you on this handy app. I have been using it for a couple of months now and love being able to have all my files from both macs handy. Also just started using Nikons My Picture Town for storing photos. You get free space there also and can upgrade for more space. They allow one to use this for storing photos where flickr will close your account if they see you are only using it for storage.
Thanks Deborah, will check that out. I didn’t know that about Flickr, and I was about to start a Pro account there to backup ALL my pics. Thanks!