Thread

Just thought I’d make a post about Dropbox (available at getdropbox.com). I’ve found it absolutely vital for my development and personal usage now that I’ve moved across the world!

It basically syncs anything from one computer to remote computers around the world and is cross compatible with practically any OS (Mac/Windows/Linux) automatically! It also takes into account file revisions and details when they were modified and also which location modified it, when it was modified, and also allows for restoration of backups/earlier revisions, etc. Dropbox also looks at the binary differences of files - hence when something is modified, it doesn’t re-upload the entire file again!

I’ve basically used it to sync my partial music collection from Canada to my computer in Hong Kong, but have also used it to sync files and data from my local server from Canada to Hong Kong as well - best of all, it does it all automatically.

You can also “share” folders with other people. So imagine you had a consortium for development from different locations. You guys can all “sync” a folder with one another so everyone has access to the same identical files. If you had a group that develops remotely, this is amazing!

Definitely check it out! It’s the coolest new application I’ve seen in a long while!

Oh yea, I forgot to mention as well. At least for Windows - it runs as a normal folder. There isn’t anything proprietary that is only controlled from within the program - which is what makes it more amazing.

I gotta give this app top marks. For anyone looking for new programs to streamline their workflow - this one is definitely worth looking at - even for personal usage.

Danny

I saw this quite a while back when they first brought the service out. Couldn’t test it though as it was only on Windows at the time. There are quite a few of these types of services around now though. WIll be interesting to give this one a test and see how good it is.

Best wishes,

Mark

Actually I lie 😉

I was actually one of the original beta testers. Just went to the site and realised that I made a mistook and that I do actually have a log-in for the site and the application on my hard drive. Worked quite well from what I remember. I did have a few reservations about it though. Not entirely sure what they were now though which doesn’t really help 😉

I seem to remember asking on their forums about whether this was based around the Amazon S3 service and I think it may well be.

Best wishes,

Mark

Hello Mark,

For now, it’s still based on Amazon S3. I do quite like it! You mentioned other services like it? Do you mind detailing them to me? I’m always looking for things to improve workflow - I’m one of those computer neat freaks that organize everything. 😛 Basically, if something can be improved upon - I will take the time to do it (most of the time anyway)!

I quite like Dropbox - my only complaint - 2GB limit still in place until full wide release - and also that I cannot designate folders outside of the Dropbox folder to share. However, that least complaint is being worked on at the moment in development! =)

Danny!

Hello Mark,

For now, it’s still based on Amazon S3. I do quite like it! You mentioned other services like it? Do you mind detailing them to me?

I would love to but I have tested so many in the past that at the moment I can’t remember the names of them unfortunately 😉

Will have a look back on my internet history and see if I can find them.

I quite like Dropbox - my only complaint - 2GB limit still in place until full wide release - and also that I cannot designate folders outside of the Dropbox folder to share. However, that least complaint is being worked on at the moment in development! =)

Yes I think I asked about the 2GB limit and was surprised to hear at the time that there wasn’t any provision in place for people to pay for more space. Myself at the moment I use Amazon S3 on my own account and then use software to upload there by myself instead. Nice cheap storage although I don’t trust any online storage solution 100% although it is very handy when I need to be somewhere else and need to transfer large / multiple files.

Best wishes,

Mark

How are the upload and download speeds with their servers?

I like it, though my biggest complaint is that you can’t just specify folders for use; you have to move folders to the DropBox folder for it to monitor. That sucks, cause I like my project folders where I place them. Typically in a client/project tree. Otherwise, I loved how it did background synchronization of data, which allows you to continue to work while sync is ongoing.

I’ve also tried Box.net. It’s good as well.

allgood2,

I have to agree with you. That’s my biggest gripe with it - the inability to specify folders. From what I’ve read on their boards and roadmap though - they will be adding folder support soon. I’ve suggested something like a Context Menu with something like “Share this in Dropbox” or something..

Once that’s out and they figure out that 2GB issue, this thing will be absolutely amazing.

And Mark, based on their FAQ, there may be the possibility of adding your own Amazon S3 account to use with Dropbox possibly. Together with their proprietary app, I can’t picture data syncing any more simpler.

All sounds quite good although I can already sync my files with Amazon S3 anyway so not really too bothered to be paying someone else when I can do that already 😉

Best wishes,

Mark