DROP BOX

The process of transferring files from one computer to another is as commonplace as an Obama appearance on primetime TV these days. Often, we use FTP clients to transfer files from computer to computer via remote servers. Sometimes we put files on a thumb drive, give it to a colleague who then sticks it in their machine (and then loses it - later claiming they never got a thumb drive from you). Heck, we even use good ole email from time to time to get our files from A to B. But as you may have already guessed, we found an easier way to do this…free!
The app is called DROPBOX https://www.getdropbox.com/. This handy little freebie let’s you share files right from a folder on your desktop or any other location of your choosing. All you do is download the app on the computers you wish to share files on, setup an account with a username and password and you’re good to go. There’s no learning curve here. DROPBOX folders behave just as any other folder would on your computer, Mac or PC with one exception. Putting a file in a DROPBOX folder automatically synchronizes with any other DROPBOX folder on other computers with DROPBOX installed. If you want to use your iPhone to access a folder you can do that too http://www.getdropbox.com/iphoneapp. And if you’re laptop doesn’t show up at the baggage claim carousel and you need to make use of those internet bars (who uses those anyway?) you can log into your account and access your files online using your username and password. The only drawback we found is that there is no recycle bin for the DROPBOX folder. Changes made to files in a DROPBOX folder are destructible, meaning – if you edit the doc, there is no going back. More importantly, once a file is deleted it’s DELETED so be careful!
According to CNET http://www.cnet.com/, the software is safe, secure and a great way to backup files and work on projects from multiple workstations. It’s still in beta testing but we found this to be no problemo. We use it here at the Bag and have not had any complaints yet. Give it a try!