Created in 2007, DropBox is an Internet service designed primarily for storing user files on a remote server in the so-called cloud storage. In addition to storage services, Dropbox offers the ability to remotely view, process and automatically synchronize data between different devices, as well as exchange files with other users. Access to files in DropBox is carried out both through the web interface and using special clients, among which there are versions for different operating systems.

The principle of the service is approximately as follows. On each of his devices, the user creates a special folder and connects it through the client to the Dropbox cloud. At the same time, all files that will be placed in any of these folders are automatically uploaded to the cloud storage, simultaneously synchronizing on all devices. Thanks to this approach, the user gets access to his data from any device, at any time and from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection.

How to install and use?

The classic of the genre of such services is that you can download the program and register / log in in it, or first do it on the site, and then download the program to your PC.

If you decide to use Dropbox, you will probably start by downloading – consider this scheme.

Go to the official resource of the application to download it to your PC. There we are greeted with a pencil drawing in the spirit of primitivism – this already hints that the developer is in a fashion trend, is working on a design, pleases the user’s eye, it’s nice …
After downloading, we see the authorization window – choose a convenient method or register. What is noteworthy is that there is no counter-confirmation by e-mail. But at the same time, it can be uploaded to the site with an offer to immediately download the version of Dropbox for a smartphone – they will offer to send a download link by mail or SMS.
Now you can choose to view advanced settings or read about what the functionality of the program offers you.
By clicking “Next”, we will get into a window where you will be asked how you are going to store files – only online or offline.
This is where the first trouble can happen – if you choose the second option with Dropbox Plus, the service will transfer you to the site, where it will offer you to pay for the service in the amount of $ 9.99.

If you do not want to pay for anything and close the site, you will no longer be able to launch the program from your PC – you will again be sent to the payment page or to the installation folder.

Using the “typing” method, we solve this problem by uninstalling and initially installing the program. So much for free storage, and work without hindrances, as promised on the official website. But we will not rush to conclusions.

We repeat the installation (or we simply do not fall for the bait and first read – then we do it), select offline access and start synchronizing folders.
After that you will be congratulated (it is very nice that the second time everything worked out – thank you).
The synced files appear in the corresponding Dropbox folder. You will see the same folders in the web-version of the program.

You can use it! But it is worth going over the functionality of the web version of the service.

Limitations

Storage, especially if you chose the basic option, has its limitations. Let’s figure out how Dropbox works in this case. When uploading data via your browser interface, the total size is limited to 2 GB. This is quite enough for photos, music and some documents.

If you want more, then at your service is a special Dropbox client for a computer or mobile gadget. In the event that the basic 2 GB is not enough, you can expand the virtual space for storing files to very large volumes, of course, for a fee. There are different tariffs and options for increasing storage space. Let’s look at a couple of examples to make it clearer what it is.

Dropbox provides an advance payment for additional gigabytes on a virtual server. For example, the volume of 50 GB will cost an average user about 600 rubles / month, and 100 GB – already 1100 rubles / month. That is, the more space you reserve, the more favorable the conditions will be.

In addition, if you devote at least a couple of lines to this service on your page on social networks, then you can get free gigabytes on top of the selected tariff. So the cloud welcomes ads and encourages users to do so in every possible way.

disadvantages

The main disadvantage of this service is that in order to use it, you need to install the application not only on your personal device, be it a computer, laptop or something else, but also on the target where you want to deliver the data. Otherwise it will be more difficult to use the service. To do this, you will need to go directly to the site under your account, and manually download all documents from it.

Similarly, you will have to download all the data so that they are correctly updated on the server.

Another drawback is the need to have an Internet connection with both devices, otherwise it will not be possible to receive data from the server and synchronize. But if you consider that the Internet now exists in almost every home, then this drawback can be neglected.

Other possibilities

Let’s go further. We have not yet described everything about what a “Dropbox” is. It is also a file hosting service. For example, you often exchange with your friends, subscribers or in general with strangers some data like the same photos, music, etc.

The service provides other users with access to your data through a public section. All you need is to transfer the files you want from your mobile gadget or Windows to Dropbox and mark them with the Public checkbox, then copy the link to your data and place it anywhere. Naturally, no “Wait 60 seconds” here will not, and users receive a direct address without any of the ornateness that is inherent in ordinary file sharing.

It should also be noted that the service has competent synchronization. That is, you will always have access to your files, wherever you are, as long as your device has access to the Internet. Numerous clients are responsible for synchronization, which can be installed on any gadget and desktop computer (support for Android, Windows, Linux and Macintosh with iOS).

Do you need Dropbox today

If we talk about cloud services in general, then undoubtedly they have many advantages, which are already described above. But if you compare Dropbox with other popular services, then there are not so many advantages to the cloud in question. On the face and disadvantages – the impossibility of using the Dropbox program without downloading the client. While in Yandex Drive or Google Drive, we have the ability to open files without any programs.

Popular cloud service logos

Even on a mobile phone, you can open a browser and log into your account, where you can find the desired file on disk. Internet giants have been able to give users more than Dropbox offers. The same Google provides its users with 15 gigabytes of space in the basic account, when there are only 2 in Dropbox.

Removing the program and your account

After deleting your account on Dropbox, after a while you will not have access to your required data. The service strongly recommends checking the files remaining on the disk before doing this. And download some of them to your computer or upload to another cloud service. This means that only then can the deletion process begin. After removing the application from the computer, the files that you synchronized with the service will remain on the PC.

Procedure:

Log in to your Dropbox account to open your profile;
Click on your avatar thumbnail in the upper right corner and select “Settings

Click on your Dropbox profile icon

Find the “Delete account” block below and click on this button in it;

Click the “Delete account” button at the bottom of the page
Select the reason for deletion on the next page and click on the button below – “Delete permanently

Select the reason for deletion and click the button below
Now we turn to the computer. Press the two keys WIN + PAUSE together
Select the item “Control Panel

Select “Control Panel”
Click on the “Remove Programs” line in the next window;
Find Dropbox here and select with your cursor;
At the top, click on the “Delete” button.

Select Dropbox in the list and click on the “Delete” button

Wait for the client files to be deleted. Even after uninstalling, programs leave traces in the registry and other places on the system. For a complete cleaning, you can use additional products. Or manually clear your cache and registry if you’ve already had this experience. Files that you stored in the Dropbox folder on your computer can be moved and deleted.

How to use Dropbox

Once you’ve finished your preparations, you need to figure out how to use Dropbox. Fortunately, the program is not cluttered with complex add-ons and panels with many tools. Recently, the site interface and software have been translated into Russian, which will greatly facilitate the learning process.

Uploading files

After installation and authorization in Dropbox, the user will have access to a folder with the same name and an icon in Windows Explorer. The files copied into it will be available on all synchronized gadgets and computers. A green icon will inform about the successful unloading of the object to the “cloud”.

But it is worth considering the limit set for each tariff. For free use, only 2 GB of memory is available, which can be increased to 16 GB using a referral program and various bonuses.

Web browser

By clicking on the Dropbox icon in the tray and selecting the Earth icon in the upper right corner of the window, the user enters his personal account through the default browser.

The main part of the Dropbox web cabinet (Home page) exactly repeats the structure of the synchronization folder on a PC, but allows you to work with its contents remotely.

The interface window contains three main sections:

“Recommended for You” displays the assets you have recently worked on.
The “Marked” section contains a list of items that you have marked (an asterisk) in order to have easy access to them.
The Recent tab is a log of events with time and date.

In the upper part of the window, you can conveniently search for files and folders that are contained in your storage.

In addition, the user has access to the tab for configuring account settings and its security.

A computer

If you move files or folders to the Dropbox folder created by the program, they will automatically be created in your account.

Open the Dropbox folder on your computer using a regular file explorer;
Copy or move the required data into it;
When green icons appear on the file shortcuts, it means that they are already synchronized with your account and all connected devices.

Mobile device

The Dropbox mobile app is even easier to use than PC. After launching it, you need to tap on the “+” sign at the bottom of the screen and select an action, for example, “Download files”.

After the owner marks the necessary files with a tick and confirms the transfer, the data will be synchronized. The situation is exactly the same with photographs and videos.

Tariffs

When you sign up for an account, you’re automatically given a free Dropbox Basic plan with 2GB of storage. Bonuses for simple tasks can get up to 16 GB of free space. To expand the storage space and increase the capabilities of the program, you should connect a paid plan: Plus, Business or Professional.

With a paid subscription, you have the opportunity to:

expansion of space over 1 TB (1000 GB),
command access to folders,
managing shared access to files and folders,
creating projects for ideas that your team can participate in,
better protection – data encryption AEC and SSL / TLS,
remote erasing of files on devices,
as well as work offline and many other useful functions.

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Post source: lastici.ru