Utilizing Dropbox to Share Files

Transcription

1 Utilizing Dropbox to Share Files At times it is necessary to share large files with instructors or other students. Dropbox.com provides a very user friendly solution to fill this need. Dropbox is designed to fill multiple needs. It provides secure online backup space for files (Note: Dropbox utilizes SSL encryption for transmission of data and encrypts all files utilizing the AES-256 standard to protect your information). It provides an easy way to sync files between multiple computers. When Dropbox is installed on more than one computer using one account, files saved in the Dropbox on one computer are automatically synced in the dropbox on the other computer. It provides easy undo and undelete for your files. Previous versions of files are automatically saved in case you need to go back to a previous version. Files are also automatically saved for 30 days after being deleted. It provides an easy way to share files. Once folders are shared between 2+ people, the files are automatically synced into the other collaborators dropbox (both online and on their computer). This tutorial is designed primarily to walk you through the process of being able to use the last feature in order to share files with instructors. Dropbox provides many useful tutorials which you can view on their website to learn more about other features. Contents Setting up a Dropbox Account... 2 Sharing a Folder with The Instructor... 3 Installing and Utilizing Dropbox on Your Computer... 5 Accessing Dropbox From a Mobile Device... 7 Information compiled by: James H. Dalton, February 9, 2010

2 Setting up a Dropbox Account Follow this link: and follow the prompts to setup an account with dropbox.com

3 Sharing a Folder with The Instructor 1. Login to Dropbox.com 2. Click Share a Folder 3. Keep "I'd like to create and share a new folder" selected and title the folder with your name and instructor's name (important because this folder will have the same name on the instructor's dropbox), thus something like: "Dalton & Sells Shared" and then click Next

4 4. Enter the instructor s address in the Invite Collaborators to this Folder and click Share Folder 5. Now be sure to upload the files you need to share with the instructor through the web browser or through dropbox on your computer.

5 Installing and Utilizing Dropbox on Your Computer There are multiple benefits to installing Dropbox onto your PC. The main benefit is that you will no longer have to browse your shared files through Internet Explorer (or Safari or other browser). Also, it will make it much easier to save files to your Dropbox since you will then be able to save the file directly from Word, PowerPoint, or other programs. A final benefit of dropbox on your computer is that when files are updated in a shared folder by a collaborator, these files will automatically be updated within your dropbox on your computer. To install dropbox on your PC/Mac follow these instructions: 1. On the Dropbox website, on any page from within Dropbox go to the bottom of the site and click Install. 2. Click on the main download button for PC install, or on the Mac or Linux link below if you are installing on one of those OS s. 3. After the download is completed, run the downloaded setup program and follow the prompts. Be sure to choose where to place your dropbox on your computer, as you will have to browse to this folder to save files in your dropbox at other times.

6 4. Once installation is completed you will have a dropbox icon in your system tray (near the clock ). If you click on the icon you will then be able to click on Open Dropbox Folder. 5. From within the dropbox folder you will see the folders you have created and shared online (note that folders can be created from within dropbox on your computer, but sharing is controlled through the website). 6. You can now open up the folders and paste files into these folders, or save files directly to your dropbox folders from any program.

7 Accessing Dropbox From a Mobile Device One of my favorite features of dropbox is the ability for me to access files that are in my dropbox from my iphone. Dropbox has an iphone app that allows you to view the vast majority of files you put in your dropbox directly from your iphone. Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Video, Audio and many other files can be viewed (but NOT edited) from the iphone. If you use a Blackberry, Android, or other web enabled phone, you can go to from your phone s browser and you will view a mobile version of the dropbox website.