Dropbox allows you to store and sync files online wherever you are. This is especially useful when you find yourself working at different computer and don’t want to run around with a USB stick.

A document you’re working on, let’s say a thesis or homework, will be available wherever you are. Next to that, you will never have to worry about whether or not you’re editing the right version of your file. Confusing different versions of a document certainly cost me some time. Anyway. Understanding that synced files which are also saved online (good if your computer suddenly doesn’t start anymore for example) are a nice thing, let me show you how it works.

Getting started:

Visit Dropbox and download the software for your system (Windows, Mac and Linux are supported). Actually there’s no need to download as you can use a web interface, but for the ease of use I recommend you install the software.

Installation:

Windows: Run the freshly downloaded installation file. If you have a special folder for software on your harddisk you can choose that now. Otherwise simply click next. Once installed you can decide whether you want to use an already existing account or create a new one. If you have an account, enter your login details. If you’re new to Dropbox, you will have to enter the necessary details to open up a new account. After agreeing to the terms and conditions you can choose the size you desire. Be aware though that only the 2 GB version is free of charge. Skipping the tour, you can now decide where to put the folder for your Dropbox on your harddisk. Standard is your My Files folder. Finish and open your Dropbox.

Linux (Ubuntu): I will update this soon.

Usage:

Copy or move files and folder to your new My Dropbox folder. A blue symbol signals the automatically started syncing process while a green arrow confirms the successful syncronisation. Now you can enjoy your synced files wherever you are.

Sharing:

To share a picture, a spreadsheet or another file with friends who don’t have a Dropbox account, you have to copy or move your file to the Public folder. There, click with the right mouse button on the file you would like to share, choose the Dropbox submenu and select Copy public link. Paste this link in your next email for example to allow your friends to view or download the file.

Sharing a folder is another story and requires a Dropbox account. Create, copy/paste or move the folder you would like to share to your My Dropbox folder, right click and choose Share this folder from the Dropbox submenu. Login to your account and enter the email address from the user you would like to exchange your files with. After he/she accepted the invitation to share the folder, every change made will be visible for both. By repeating this process many users can access and share files.

Keep in mind that deleting or changing a file will effect all the people you’re sharing with, so you might want to keep a backup to yourself.

Update: Dropbox now changes the undo feature, which will not keep the files stored unlimited anymore, but 30days (free account). After that, files/folders will be deleted from history.

Something else that grabbed my attention was the announced free Iphone app that will be released in near future and I’m sure looking forward to get my hands on that.