Dropbox is an online file hosting service created by Dropbox Inc., a company founded by entrepreneurs Drew Houston and Arash Ferdowsi in 2007. Registration for the service is free, and it allows its users to securely back up and share files across several computers.
In order to use the Dropbox service, you need to download the Dropbox client from Dropbox.com. The Dropbox client is cross-platform, meaning a version exists for each of the major operating systems (Microsoft Windows, Mac and Linux). Dropbox’s pricing model is based on the amount of storage space that a user signs up for; the “basic plan” with 2GB storage space is free, while 100GB and 50GB accounts attract monthly charges of $19.99 and $9.99 respectively.
Installing the Dropbox client creates a “My Dropbox” folder on a user’s computer. Any files saved in this folder are automatically backed up in Dropbox’s servers and synced with similar files stored on other computers associated with the Dropbox account. If changes are made to files in the Dropbox folder when the computer is offline, Dropbox will automatically sync the files when the computer gets connected to the internet. This makes Dropbox ideal for file sharing and collaboration between users working on the same files.
By installing the Dropbox iPhone app, a user can view, download, or edit files saved in his Dropbox account and add new files from his iPhone. This is also possible on other mobile phones by logging into the mobile-optimized version of Dropbox.com. According to the company’s official blog, they are currently working on an Android app.
Dropbox employs an efficient version control mechanism which allows the user to view past versions of a file and to ascertain what changes were made, when they were made and by whom. By default, the version history is only available for a period of 30 days. However, those on any of the two paid packages can add a feature named “Pack-rat” that stores their version history indefinitely at no extra cost.
Perhaps Dropbox’s strongest point is its easy-to-use website and desktop user interface. For example, the desktop user interface on Windows is based on a shell extension of Explorer, which allows you to back up a file by simply saving it in the Dropbox folder. A Dropbox icon is also created in the system tray on the Windows taskbar that, when clicked, gives access to the recently changed files, the Dropbox website and the Dropbox folder, and information on available storage space.
Dropbox is keen on keeping its users’ files secure. Transfers between users’ computers and the Dropbox servers are handled using a cryptographic protocol called SSL (secure sockets layer), and files stored in Dropbox’s servers are encrypted using one of the most secure encryption modes, AES-256.
Dropbox is undoubtedly one of the most user-friendly and efficient online backup services currently available. Try it out by registering for the free 2GB package at Dropbox.com.
