Dropbox is a free web-based application that allows users to access, upload, and share files from any location through mobile devices and computers. Users can store files like documents, images, and music in their Dropbox folder and share access with friends or coworkers to collaborate on projects. To use Dropbox, a user creates an account by providing an email and password on the Dropbox website and downloads the Dropbox application to their computer. Files can then be added to the Dropbox folder by dragging them into the folder, and will automatically sync across the user's devices. Users can also upload files from the Dropbox website or import photos from mobile devices. Dropbox makes it easy for users to share folders with others by inviting them through email.

1. Katie Napier
Wesley Price
Web 2.0 Assignment
Dropbox is a free web-based application that enables individuals to easily access, upload, and
share data. Through Dropbox, individuals can store such files as: music, images, and documents. Once
this data has been uploaded to Dropbox, the files can be accessed from virtually any location through
such devices as: cell phones, computers, iPads, and other mobile devices. In addition, friends and
coworkers alsohave the opportunity to share and edit documents; thus,this Web 2.0 tool ultimately
enables individuals to collaborate in order to share opinions or accomplish common goals.
Creating an account:
1. Access the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/
2. Click “Sign Up”
3. Enter the following information:
First Name
Last Name
Email
Password
4. Check the box entitled “Agree to Terms”

2. 5. When ready to continue, click the blue box on the bottom of the screen that says “Sign Up.”
6. Download Dropbox.
7. Click on file that was just downloaded (located in the bottom-left corner of your computer
screen).
8. Click Run so that the computer can install the application.
9. Sign in to your new Dropbox account.

3. Adding files to your Dropbox Folder:
1. Drag your desired file to the Dropbox icon, and place this file into your Dropbox folder.
2. The blue icon that appears signifies that your file is loading.
3. The green icon indicates that the file has been successfully saved. At this point, any changes
you make to this document will be automatically saved to your other devices.
Uploading Files from the Dropbox Website:
1. In order to upload files (such as videos, documents, music, and pictures) to your
Dropbox folder, begin by logging into your Dropbox account.

4. 2. Click “Upload” located at the top of the screen.
3. Once the window appears, select “Choose File” to select the files that you desire to
upload.
4. Upon selecting all desired folders, click “Start Upload.” Your files will then be
automatically saved to Dropbox for future use.
Uploading Pictures/Videos from various devices
1. In order to successfully upload pictures from your phone, camera, or tablet to your Dropbox
account, begin by plugging the device into your computer.
2. You can then choose to upload images to your Dropbox folder.

5. 3. Then select “Import Pictures and Videos using Dropbox.” This will automatically save your
pictures to your Camera Uploads folder on Dropbox.
4. If you connect with an iPad or Phone be sure that the device is unlocked so that your upload can
continue.
Sharing Folders:
Dropbox enables individuals to easily collaborate with friends, family, and coworkers by sharing
folders. For instance, any member of a particular folder will be able to edit shared files. These
changes will then be automatically updated for other members.
1. In order to share a folder with others, first sign in to your Dropbox account
2. Go to your file list and select the folder you wish to share by clicking next to the folder’s name.
3. Then click Invite to folder located in the toolbar.

6. 4. If the selected folder is currently being shared, select “Shared Folder Options.”
5. At this point, you may begin entering the email addresses of the individuals that you wish to
invite to your folder.
6. Add a brief message if desired and then click “Share folder.”
Creating Links to Files and Folders
1. With your account activated and opened,
2. Select the file or folder you want to share.
3. Select Share link from the Dropbox menu.
4. Your selected item will present as a link.

7. 5. You can send the link to anyone over email, IM, text message. Friends who click the link will get
an instant preview of the file or folder through their browser.
Pros Cons and Applications of Dropbox
Dropbox is an effective storage tool. The primary con of Dropbox is that it is falling behind in the
affordable online storage space race. Its basic plan provides 100GB of space, a decent amount, but not
for the $10 a month one must pay. Other file storage services reviewed by toptenreviews.com cost
nearly as much but provided nearly twice the space, or in some cases, unlimited storage space. The
same site also offered the primary pro for Dropbox. It is the most popular online storage site. This
means that an individual has better chances of reaching others on this website than any other site
available. The educational value matches its popularity. The volume of users and information they post
is of great value to students, provided they are guided by their teachers. Students have the opportunity

8. to find more information on this site than any other, at present. The sharing capabilities of the site
make it a helpful tool for a unit plan. It can connect students to teachers, peers, experts, and research
tools. In this way it can be applied not only to unit plans, but to any assignment one receives.