Introduction
Forget Pen-drive, Use Dropbox.
The above words may sound quite strange, but it is true and feasible too.
The main problem with pen-drive is, we often forget to transfer the updated version of a file to the drive.
There are also other issues related to portable storage devices. They are unstable. Very often these are infected by viruses and worms and we need to format the device, loosing all the data. Sometimes removable storage devices gets corrupted out of nothing. Company replaces the devices, not the data.
And above all, there are fear of loosing the device. It can be lost or stolen.
Meet Dropbox
To address all our concern related to loss of data, here is a free service available for our rescue. Its Dropbox. Its something like putting a part of your computer’s hard disk on the cloud. Your data will not get deleted. No tension of data loss due to device failure, or virus, or theft.
How does it work ?
In simple words, you install Dropbox in your computer, set a local folder as dropbox folder and that is all. All the files and folder inside this folder will always be synchronised with its copy in the cloud. You will only have to be connected to the internet.
What will happen if the Internet Connection drops ?
NOTHING will happen. This is the best part of Dropbox. It keep your data in your computer and their copy on the cloud. Suppose you get disconnected for an hour. Dropbox will not let you feel anything. You will continue to add/edit new/existing files as usual. When internet connection resumes all your editing will be sent to the server.
It supports Sharing too …
This is the feature I like most. Their might be two scenario.
One is we all need the office folder always available. Those who also from home, can feel this need. It is a common problem to forget to put some very urgent documents in the pendrive on the last working day. This can spoil working plan for the holidays.
Second is a little complex one. In a office no one wants his/her hard disk is accessed by other staffs. So, for example DEOs have to keep requesting NS/STP to provide the estimate, approval etc files. And some other such situations arrives.
In the both cases Dropbox can do the rescue. For the first situation just install Dropbox on all the computer you use, even in your home. On each sign in to Dropbox using the same id. For the second, install Dropbox in their machine too, but sign in using their own id. Now use the sharing option.
Now as the setups are ready what will really happen is when returning home you start your computer and open dropbox folder you will get the exact copy of the files and folders as was in the office computer when you left office. You can prepare or change some reports at home and will get them the next day in the office computer as well.
Files will be available everywhere …
Only thing you need to access dropbox content is an internet connection. You can be at anywhere, any office and you need a particular file. No need to call someone at office and tell to mail that. Just use their computer, open any web browser, login to dropbox, download that file and give them. File can also be uploaded through web interface. Even the dropbox mobile app can do this.
What about the security ?
Your data is secured. Some points to be kept in mind as using a super strong password along with Two Factor authentication. That will secure your data on the cloud. And for the data stored in your computer, its your responsibility to protect them.
What about the price?
All these are for FREE. Only limitation is that free plan offers 2GB of storage. But for documents its lot of storage. I am using it for over 5 Years now. All the office documents are in it. Still not exhausted whole storage.