Start Using Dropbox
There used to be a time when sharing computer files meant placing them in physical media storage devices such as CD's and flash drives and then lending or giving said media to someone. But the Internet, through a development now known as Cloud Computing, has provided a way of sharing files online through certain websites. Dropbox.com is one such site. Let's take a look at how to share files using Dropbox.
Steps
Using the Web Interface
- When you arrive at Dropbox.com, here is what you'll see:
- Jump right in by creating your very own Dropbox account. Fill it out with your name and valid email address. Use a strong password to ensure the security of your Dropbox. After providing all required details, click the 'Sign Up' button.
- If your registration is successful, you'll then be directed to the Web Interface of your Dropbox. It looks something like this:
- Now that you have a Dropbox account, here's how to share files.
- Click the 'Share a Folder.' button.
- You'll then be asked if you want to create a new shared folder or share an existing one. A shared folder automatically appears in the Dropbox of the person you want to share it with. Choose the option to create a new shared folder and give it a name. Then click 'Next.'
- You'll arrive at a page with two text fields. In the top field you can place the email address of the person you want to share your folder with. The bottom text field is for an optional message to the person. When you're done accomplishing the text fields, click the 'Share Folder' button.
- If all goes well the next page you will see is your newly created shared folder. Time to upload some files!
- To upload a file, click the 'Upload' button.
- Then on the menu that appears click 'Choose Files.'
- A window pops up. Go to the directory where the file you want to share resides. Highlight it and then the 'Open' button.
- You will be taken back to the upload menu where a progress bar appears and automatically uploads your file. Here you can choose to upload more files.
- Once the upload finishes the file should be visible inside the shared folder. All done!
Using the Desktop Application
- You can also share files using Dropbox without having to use a web browser like Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. Dropbox has a desktop application that is free to download from the main site. To download it go back to Dropbox.com's homepage and click on the 'Download Dropbox' button.
- Once the download is done, click on the file to run the installer application. After it opens, click 'Install.'
- After the install completes, a menu should pop-up. Enter your e-mail address and password that you registered with Dropbox earlier. Then, click 'Sign In.'
- A "Congratulations!" message should appear, informing you that your Dropbox was successfully installed. Click 'Open my Dropbox Folder.'
- To transfer files to your Dropbox, you can either use the 'Drag and drop' method or the 'Copy - Paste' method. After the transfer completes, a check mark will appear to indicate that your files are synced. All done!
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