Often times you want to keep a file in sync, much like .mac, between computers. Or maybe you just need to make sure your files are backed up to the web. Enter a product called Dropbox.
Dropbox provides many useful features:
- Simply installation
- Automatic file synchronization
- Share files in 2 clicks
- Display photos in a photo gallery
- Works on Ubuntu and Windows
Dropbox free accounts give you 2 gigabytes of space to store files. To install it, you can get the Ubuntu RPM at http://www.getdropbox.com. The Intrepid RPM listed also works under Jaunty. After downloading and installing the rpm, you can logout and log back in and you will notice that the notification area of your taskbar has a Dropbox logo. Clicking that will prompt you to start the process:
After clicking OK you will be guided through a wizard allowing you to use an existing account or create a new one:
After entering all of the information, Dropbox will ask you if you want to check out the features via a feature tour:
Dropbox is now installed and ready to use. You can now drag files to the folder, and they will be uploaded to Dropbox’s server, along with any other computers you have registered. I like to add Dropbox to my places menu for easy access, by opening my home folder and dragging it to the left bar:
Also if you are on the internet and don’t want your connection slowed down by Dropbox uploading / downloading files, if you right click the icon you can set the rate low and not even notice the transfers.
After using Dropbox for several months, I am very happy with their free offering. I am considering upgrading to their $9.99/mo 50 gigabyte plan, but I wish there was a plan between the two. The web interface for Dropbox is great, and the Linux client support has always worked for me. I would highly recommend giving this a try if you are a Ubuntu user.