does anyone here use dropbox?

aekap · Feb 25, 2011

I write on two different computers, and invariably I end up sitting down to write... and realizing the file I need is on the other computer. I generally back up to a memory card, but I've had issues with accidentally saving older files over newer, too (yes, I am a basketcase.)

I read about dropbox on Casey McCormick's blog, and was wondering if anyone here has experience with it. Do you like it? Do you have concerns about security? Can you use it if you are someplace without internet access for a while (I'm guessing you would just save to your hard drive and save on dropbox later, but I'm not really sure how it works)?

defyalllogic · Feb 25, 2011

I love it. I broke a memory stick and lost so much work.

I have some issues with no having internet access on a computer and that just means i have to latest version from when that computer was last connected to the internet. if you go to a book store or most cafes you'll find enough internet to get your files updated.

also, i set my MS Word to create backups. it takes up more space but if you leave a file open on you desktop and save it and then go to the library with your laptop, that file isn't there because it's still in use. you have to close a file to sync it. backups (the version BEFORE the last save) will be there for you to work from.

i like it a lot. i try to back it up a bit too, to save space and to have even more protection in case i delete everything accidentally and then that change syncs.

THOUGH, you can always fin backups of recently deleted files on your web folder!

Adam · Feb 25, 2011

I save my projects directly into Dropbox, so that both my PC and laptop always have the most up to date version. I LOVE it.

It also keeps previous versions, though I've not needed to use them yet. Nice to know they're there.

ETA - You can also access your files online, should you need to, and even on an ipod/phone/pad.

*Cough* Using this link to register a Dropbox account gets both of us extra storage space. *cough*

bobcat22 · Feb 25, 2011

I've used dropbox, but I like googledocs even more. Have you ever tried that? It has an unlimited amount of space and also allows me to do surveys or contests (like the one I have now!) on my blog and the information is inputted into it. I can get to googledocs from any computer. It's pretty sweet.

Three Fish · Feb 25, 2011

Dropbox is a great program and allows you to install an actual folder on your computer so you can save it just like you would a regular document. Very fast and reliable - give it a shot

You'll never lose a piece of writing again!

Juneluv12 · Feb 25, 2011

I used Box.net. It sounds like it's very similar to Drop Box and all.

Jettica · Feb 25, 2011

I began by using Google Docs until they changed the way in which it worked. It became really sluggish on my old work mac. So after lots of research I got myself sorted with Drop Box.

Basically you get a Drop Box folder on each computer you install it on. You then just save your documents (/images/mp3s) to it and it updates online and to any other computers you are using it on. For free you get 2GB of storage, which is more than enough for multiple word doc novels.

Alpha Echo · Feb 25, 2011

I recently lost some stuff on a broken thumb drive, and DropBox was suggested to me. I think I'll sign up today.

kaitlin008 · Feb 25, 2011

I love dropbox SO much. I am just not good enough about backing things up by myself, as part of my procrastinatory nature. Dropbox does it for me. And it is handy, as long as you can get internet access to both your computers, for if you're switching back and forth.

Chris1981 · Feb 25, 2011

I love DropBox because it's free and easy. (You can pay if you want more storage space, but I haven't found a need for that yet.) The free iPhone app is also nice for quickly putting my camera-phone pics and other files out there for me to grab from any of the DropBox-equipped computers in the household. (Or, now that I think about it, via the DropBox Web site if that's my preference.)

Files that I want to keep secure go into a TrueCrypt container inside the DropBox folder.

s.m.s · Feb 25, 2011

Just another tip--if you are like me and are stupid enough to have the same word file open on two different computers, drop box will automatically handle that for you and leave you with two separate files to merge later.

I like it a lot. I only had one problem where one computer wasn't syncing with the rest but I figured it out easily and fixed the issue.

Collectonian · Feb 25, 2011

I use it and love it, especially for keeping my writing safe and updated across multiple computers. Very easy to use and I've only had one instance where an older file accidentally overwrote a newer one (my own fault), and I was able to retrieve the correct version with no problems.

CheyElizabeth · Feb 25, 2011

bobcat22 said:
I've used dropbox, but I like googledocs even more. Have you ever tried that? It has an unlimited amount of space and also allows me to do surveys or contests (like the one I have now!) on my blog and the information is inputted into it. I can get to googledocs from any computer. It's pretty sweet.

Dropping in to say I use Google Docs too and I love it.

tanglewoodtracey · Feb 25, 2011

I love Dropbox and haven't had any problems using it.

Tracey

Thedrellum · Feb 25, 2011

I use Sugarsync for this purpose and it works wonderfully for me.

PhoebeNorth · Feb 25, 2011

I adore dropbox, and like several others here, started using it after a thumb drive failure. I love love love it and would rec it without reservation. Not only does it automatically back up your files, but it also keeps previous versions that you can roll back to, if necessary.

Izz · Feb 25, 2011

Dropbox is the shiznit. The shiznit!

Parametric · Feb 25, 2011

I love Dropbox. My old laptop asploded this week, and as soon as I downloaded Dropbox onto my new laptop, I had access to all my key documents again. Everything that wasn't in Dropbox (or archived by MozyHome) is now gathering dust on a hard drive.

Kitty27 · Feb 25, 2011

I LOVE Dropbox. I had my laptop stolen and all my books were already saved. It is awesome and easy to use.

eventidepress · Feb 25, 2011

... so going to try this now

kuwisdelu · Feb 25, 2011

Dropbox is great. If you don't already have an internet back-up solution for your writing, you really ought to get one. Yesterday.

Margarita Skies · Feb 27, 2011

I have Dropbox, too. It's great. I only have my manuscripts in that folder, though. To back up any other kind of file I use recordable CD's and DVD's.

maestrowork · Feb 27, 2011

I love DropBox. Not only does it automatically back up my stuff (whatever in my DropBox folder), it also keeps recent versions so I can revert to earlier versions. It also syncs all my DropBox folders (as long as they're on the net) so I can work from home, then take my laptop or iPad out and the files will be all there ready to go; and when I'm done and gone home, it's there on my Desktop. Plus it's free -- you get 2GB of storage, which is enough for writing and daily use.

does anyone here use dropbox?

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