One of the tools I chose to learn and evaluate was "Dropbox". The intended function of Dropbox is a file syncronization tool that enables you to store files, pictures, presentations and information into one place, then access it from multiple other locations.
Dropbox is a free system that allows up to 2 GB of storage with the capabilities of 50GB for about $10 a month and 100GB for $20 a month.
It can be accessed from Windows, Mac or Linux
Some of the capabilities of Dropbox include
1). A share folder - drop information into dropbox and access it with another dropbox user
2). View previous versions- allows access to deleted files or an earlier version
3). You can browse files via dropbox website
4). Share a dropbox file with a non-dropbox user via URL link
Some PROS are it auto syncs from a dedicated folder and allows you access to your files from any computer. It uses SSL security and is encrypted with AES-256 (whatever that is : ) ) Multiple tutorials are available online.
Some CONS are that there is limited IT support (only available by email) and it only syncs dedicated folders and it's sub-folders. Some reviews also state it may be slow to sync (although I never had this problem).
From a professional standpoint, this system is close to what is currently being used (such as a training drive) to share and access information between 4 different crew trainers. A drawback to the training drive is that it can only be accessed from a work computer where the dropbox could be accessed from external computers (when I work at Air Ambulance or from home). I don't think it would fully replace our training drive (as the large storage of multiple files is needed...without extra cost) but it could complement and enable us to access it from other areas for preperation of training.
From a personal standpoint, I LOVE the dropbox. I will use it for photosharing with family (I found it easier than uploading to Flicker) and sharing files from laptop to desktop. I found a similar tool called "Sugarsync" but found the Dropbox was more user friendly and very easy to set up.
I recommend and will continue to use Dropbox in the future.
Hi Tara! Jaymie here. Thanks for your review - Dropbox is a tool that has gotten a lot of press lately. I like that you outlined the pros and cons, and compared it to your existing system at work. I also like that you reviewed it from both a professional and personal standpoint. Good job!
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