Dropbox is a cloud storage service that allows users to store, access, and share files online. It provides a centralized location to keep documents, photos, videos, and other digital content, enabling users to access these files from any internet-connected device, such as computers, smartphones, or tablets.
We use DropBox to store our website backups offsite. These are generated automatically and transferred by UpdraftPlus free plugin.
How to Set Up a Free Dropbox Account:
- Go to the Dropbox Website:
- Visit www.dropbox.com using your web browser.
- Click on “Sign Up” or “Get Started”:
- You’ll find a “Sign up for free” or similar button on the homepage.
- Enter Your Information:
- Fill in your first name, last name, email address, and create a password.
- You can also sign up using your Google account for a quicker process.
- Agree to the Terms of Service:
- Check the box to agree to the Dropbox terms of service.
- Click “Create an Account”:
- After entering all the information, click the button to create your account.
- Download Dropbox (Optional):
- Dropbox will offer to download the desktop app for your computer. This is optional, but it helps sync your files automatically between your devices.
- Confirm Your Email Address:
- You will receive a confirmation email from Dropbox. Open the email and click on the link to verify your account.
Features of a Free Dropbox Account (Dropbox Basic Plan):
- 2 GB of Storage:
- You get 2 GB of cloud storage for free, which can be used to store documents, photos, videos, and other files.
- Syncing Across Devices:
- Dropbox syncs files between your devices (PC, Mac, smartphones, and tablets) in real-time. Any change you make on one device is reflected on all your devices.
- File Sharing:
- You can easily share files and folders with others, even if they don’t have a Dropbox account. You can send links to files or invite people to collaborate in a shared folder.
- File Recovery & Version History:
- Dropbox keeps a 30-day history of your file changes. You can recover deleted files or restore previous versions within that time.
- Mobile App:
- Dropbox has mobile apps for iOS and Android, allowing you to access and manage your files from your phone or tablet.
- Basic Collaboration Features:
- You can create shared folders to collaborate with others. Everyone with access to the folder can add, edit, or delete files within it.
- Dropbox Paper:
- Dropbox Paper is a collaborative workspace where you can create documents, assign tasks, and collaborate with others in real time.
- Offline Access (Limited):
- You can mark specific files for offline access on your mobile devices, allowing you to view them without an internet connection.
Limitations of the Free Plan:
- Storage: Limited to 2 GB, which can fill up quickly if you’re working with large files.
- Device Linking: You can only link up to 3 devices to your Dropbox account (e.g., laptop, phone, and tablet). You can unlink devices and change them, but only three active at any time.
- File Sharing Controls: Limited options for sharing controls, such as setting passwords or expiration dates for shared links.
For larger storage, advanced features like extended version history, more device linking, or team collaboration tools, you’d need a paid Dropbox plan.
