Access your files 24x7 from anywhere with DropBox.

How often do we look back and notice how much technology and the Internet have evolved? We are getting to benefit from a truly revolutionary time in terms of communications. If you are anything like me, you have several computers for various purposes. In our home, computers now enhance our TV viewing experience. We have a TiVo and a Mac Mini that we use as a media center. Of course, I have my notebook which serves as my primary workstation. In each computer, I have an array of files, pictures and videos - all for various purposes. And therein lies the challenge: sitting on any one computer, does it have "the files" that I need at a given time for a given purpose? In the old days (of merely a few years ago), keeping all my files in all my computers (especially those that may be at a distant location) meant complicated software configuration, possibly an expensive purchase of software and constant monitoring and tweaking. All of this, and forget sharing files with friends unless you wanted to become their tech support service! Luckily, this problem is now solved easily with a relatively new website service called DropBox.

If you can't wait for my review, go ahead and try Dropbox now. A 2GB account is free and the offer other levels of storage at very reasonable prices. Read on if you want more details.

So, what is DropBox?

DropBox is a web service that aims to make it easy to securely share files with other people, sync them across multiple computers, access them from anywhere, and keep them safe. Their service does require a small program to be installed in your computer but the installation was honestly painless and easy even for the most non-technical user. They support both PC and MAC and also provide a web based interface to access your files, though no editing of files is supported on the web yet (and I don't know what their plans may be on this area.) DropBox also provides an iPhone enhanced website which allows very convenient access to your files via your iPhone. Their most basic account allows storage of 2GB of files and is free.

Why is DropBox so special?

DropBox is special because once installed on your computers (as many as you want), all the files you store in your DropBox folder are automatically and seamlessly sent to all the other computers associated with your account. It is really that easy. Update a file in one computer then switch to any of the other computers and the file is updated there as well. Of course, with large files and multiple updates, it may take some time for your files to travel amongst all the computers, but I have been very impressed with how efficient and fast DropBox has worked for me.

How large a DropBox should you get?

I singed up for a 50GB DropBox, but the size you want will depend on how much information you plan to store on the service. I tested the service with the free 2GB account and was so impressed, I signed up for paid service!

How do I use DropBox?

For me, DropBox has become the hub of all my files. I keep working files (word documents, excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, etc) for my clients in my DropBox. These files tend to be small and having them accessible in all my computers and my iPhone has become indispensable. I also created a shared folder to store certain tax information for my accountant. She can now see any updates I make to financial files without me needing to send them to her. She just sees them automatically when I change them and I see any changes she makes also.

What DropBox is not!

Although I love this service and it has changed the way I work, DropBox is NOT a replacement for a good backup of your files (and of your computer operating system and software.) There are many files in your computer which you will NOT want to (or be able to) put on DropBox (like your software, large videos and pictures, etc.) In the case of a hard drive failure or a virus infestation, you will need a good backup to get yourself back into working order. A review of backup techniques is outside the scope of this article, but a google search for "computer backup" will yield lots of results.

Try Dropbox for yourself and see if you like it as much as I do!