I love this illustration (source), because it totally reflects my feelings about Dropbox and how it has changed the way I share files. I split my work between my laptop at home and my laptop at work, so up until recently, I’ve relied on USB flash drives, sending emails to myself, and uploading files to MobileMe in order to access them in both places. Not anymore!
I have to credit Kimberly S. Moore with introducing me to Dropbox, which is a free application you can download from the internet to any computer (both Mac and PC) or mobile device. The free account gives you 2 gigabytes of storage, though you can pay a monthly fee for more.
What I love is that Dropbox works just like another folder on your computer, so now instead of saving a copy of a document or project on both my computer and in another location, I can simply save it to Dropbox and then it’s right there when I need to access it from another computer.
Another cool feature is the ability to share folders with other people. I share a folder with my Music Therapy Round Table cohosts and another with my husband. It’s like magic: new files just appear in the folder when other people add them!
Just yesterday, I recorded instrumental tracks for 9 new songs at work. Instead of compressing the Garageband projects into a zip file and saving them to my USB flashdrive, I simply saved them to Dropbox as-is and then opened them right up on my home computer to record the vocals. Then I saved the WAV files to Dropbox, and am listening to them now as I type this :)
Have you used Dropbox yet? If you work on multiple computers like I do, or want to access files on your phone, give it a try. And then come back and tell me how much you love it!
There’s also something called “Zumo Drive” via yahoo email, has anyone tried this? I have it and have used it. While it’s convenient to share files with my supervisor and coworkers, I find that program in particular is somewhat difficult to use… lots of steps and trying to remember how it works every time. Can anyone compare the two? Maybe I need to try Dropbox. Or maybe I need to just take the time to learn Zumo Drive…? :)
I’ve not heard of Zumo Drive, Jessica. Dropbox is super easy because it’s just like another drive on your computer. Definitely try it, at least!
So is Zumo, and it can be linked to a cell phone or ipod/ipad device, too, which is nice. But from what I can tell you can’t simply drag things there, you have to 1. prepare them for zumo and 2. save them as a file in zumo and 3. connect it with another person who has a zumo account email thingy. Haha, that’s technical terminology. ;)
Sounds complicated…I still say Dropbox is the way to go :)
I absolutely love the flexibility of Dropbox! Unfortunately, the Dropbox website is blocked at my workplace, so I am unable to use it at work. Kinda defeats the purpose.
I’m doing my best to speak to the powers that be and get it up and running! Until then, I’ll keep using Google Docs. It gets most of the job done… :)
Elise, that’s a bummer :( They need to fix that pronto!
Dropbox is now unblocked at my workplace! :)
Hooray, that is awesome news!
I love, love, love Dropbox! I’m using it for various work-related ventures. I love that I can so easily share it with different people! And at this point I don’t need a USB drive anymore. Yay!
YES! It has been so handy sharing files between my school and home laptops…I actually think it has helped boost my productivity. You opened up a whole new world for me, Kimberly :D