Every week 140,000 hard drives crash in the United States.
That fact alone should be enough to frighten every computer owner on the planet. We all have photographs, movies, important documents, emails, etc. that we do not want to lose for any reason, yet I find very few PC users who regularly backup the contents of their computer(s). Every one of us has experienced a moment when we thought our PC had crashed and the first thought was “I should have backed up my files!” Why is it then that so few people perform regular backups? Is is Time…. Money…. Knowledge?
Whatever the hurdle is, it is time to overcome it and protect our important files from permanent deletion. There are several theories on what makes a “safe” backup, but we are going to focus on online backups. Why? Because external hard drives or CD/DVD backups are great, but they are almost never stored in an off-site location. Natural disasters and fires don’t show any mercy when it comes to destroying a home or an entire community, so let’s prepare for the worst scenario and secure our files in a secondary location.
Do you have a favorite band that you just love to follow? You know, the kind of rock stars that have you waiting in line for tickets, buying actual albums in person and joining fan clubs. For you “non-music” people, maybe you have a favorite actor, author, athlete, etc. You just can’t wait for their next appearance or release. In my world (the world of computers and gadgets) Dropbox is that rock star!!
I have written about Dropbox repeatedly and used their product religiously since a good friend introduced me to the service. If you haven’t already been introduced, let me the one to tell you all about it (see Introduction below). For those of you who are already fans, this week’s news was like getting a new double-album and a FREE concert. You veterans can jump on down to the WOW! section to see the latest from our rock stars.
The article posted below is the latest (originally posted 2/17/10) in a long line of articles about one of our very favorite utilities/programs called Dropbox. The blog post itself should have been enough to convince any PC user to begin integrating Dropbox into their daily routine, but the owners of this already well-known company have gone and “sweetened the pot.” Recent changes (shown throughout the article) have made Dropbox even more accessible and attractive. Read on and enjoy!
JumpstartMyPC.com was started to help PC users get the most out of their computer and no product exemplifies this idea like Dropbox! Dropbox is a file-syncing, file sharing, online backup tool that you can access from just about anywhere and you can start using it for FREE! I have written about this product many times, shared it with clients, friends and family and I use it myself, every single day. If you aren’t using it yet, you are in for a real treat. If you are using it, read on to find out what’s new and how you can now access your files without even using a computer.
JumpstartMyPC.com was started to help PC users get the most out of their computer and no product exemplifies this idea like Dropbox! Dropbox is a file-syncing, file sharing, online backup tool that you can access from just about anywhere and you can start using it for FREE! I have written about this product many times, shared it with clients, friends and family and I use it myself, every single day. If you aren’t using it yet, you are in for a real treat. If you are using it, read on to find out what’s new and how you can now access your files without even using a computer.
DropBox is a storage application and service operated by Evenflow, Inc. The service enables users to store and sync files online and between computers. There are many great features to this product, but best of all IT IS FREE. Click below and watch the video (created by the folks at CommonCraft) to see for yourself.
Much of this article is a repost of a blog that we featured on September 10th, titled Save and access your files in a flash, without a flash drive. Recently, I have had the privilege of introducing Dropbox to several clients of JumpstartMyPC.com who were very happy with the features and how easy it was to use the product.
A few years ago, Flash drives (also known as Jump or USB drives) become very popular. At first, they were a bit pricey and you were lucky to get a 2GB drive for under a hundred dollars. As the popularity grew and the manufacturing price dropped, so did the price of these drives. They are now so inexpensive and plentiful you can find them in a bowl by the register, right next to the gum and “extra change” dish. These drives are great, but they have their limitations. Lack of security, damage, loss, limited space…. Well, there is a new sheriff in town, and its name is Dropbox.
A few years ago, Flash drives (also known as Jump or USB drives) become very popular. At first, they were a bit pricey and you were lucky to get a 2GB drive for under a hundred dollars. As the popularity grew and the manufacturing price dropped, so did the price of these drives. They are now so inexpensive and plentiful you can find them in a bowl by the register, right next to the gum and “extra change” dish. These drives are great, but they have their limitations. Lack of security, damage, loss, limited space…. Well, there is a new sheriff in town, and its name is Dropbox.
That fact alone should be enough to frighten every computer owner on the planet. We all have photographs, movies, important documents, emails, etc. that we do not want to lose for any reason, yet I find very few PC users who regularly backup the contents of their computer(s). Every one of us has experienced a moment when we thought our PC had crashed and the first thought was “I should have backed up my files!” Why is it then that so few people perform regular backups? Is is Time…. Money…. Knowledge?
A few years ago, Flash drives (also known as Jump or USB drives) become very popular. At first, they were a bit pricey and you were lucky to get a 2GB drive for under a hundred dollars. As the popularity grew and the manufacturing price dropped, so did the price of these drives. They are now so inexpensive and plentiful you can find them in a bowl by the register, right next to the gum and “extra change” dish. These drives are great, but they have their limitations. Lack of security, damage, loss, limited space…. Well, there is a new sheriff in town, and its name is Dropbox.
