Many users have heard of the Dropbox service, but many have no idea why this thing is needed and why it is so popular. At the initial stage, we can say that this service allows users to store important data without fear of losing them. This is the essence of Dropbox. What is this thing and why is it needed? Let us consider this issue in more detail.
Service History
Dropbox was founded in 2007 (not so long ago) by two graduates of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
At first, the guys created a cloud storage service exclusively for their own use. The then Internet connection speeds did not allow the release of the service "in people." However, after a couple of years, the service became very popular among other users. It was then that the history of service as a mass product began. To this day, people are actively using Dropbox. That it is very convenient, and so it is clear. But I would like to consider the main features of the service.
Principle of operation
The Dropbox philosophy involves accessing user files from anywhere on any authorized device. Files selected by users are uploaded to Dropbox servers. After that, synchronization occurs with all devices on which the Dropbox program is installed. As a result, the user gets access to his files from anywhere and from any device. It is very comfortable. In addition, user data is always protected.
However, there are also negative points. The server is not completely free. This is the Dropbox philosophy. That it is "almost" free - is understandable. But what are the conditions? When registering, the user receives a fully functional account with full functionality (especially if you install the "Dropbox" application). However, the maximum amount of cloud storage is only 2 gigabytes. If you need more, you have to pay.
Security algorithm
For security, a powerful security algorithm is used. The connection is via SSL. This means that the transfer of important files is protected. A 256-bit key is used to encrypt files. Files protected in this way cannot be cracked, since there are a lot of possible combinations. Cloud storage is also located on secure foreign servers, which positively affects both the security and stability of Dropbox. What kind of storage is this if it freezes over and over again? But in “Dropbox” this does not happen.
For security purposes, the service stores the entire history of file changes by the user. But only within 30 days on a free account. If you need more, then for a fee you can buy an "eternal" story. The cloud will store all changes forever. However, not everyone needs this option. Another security feature is working through the web interface (in the browser). However, there are limitations to this type of work. So, for example, you can upload a file of no more than 300 megabytes in cloud storage via a browser. What this restriction is connected with is not clear. But it is, and one has to put up with it.
Using
So, we understood what Dropbox is. How to use this service? There is nothing complicated here. The main thing is to install the application on all your gadgets. There are versions of the program for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS and Blackberry. After installation, you will need to create an account and securely protect it with a password. After that, you can start uploading files to Dropbox. All data uploaded to the cloud service will be available on all devices with the Dropbox application installed. Synchronization will take place automatically. In the future, the user will only need to enter a password in order to access the files in Dropbox. And if the smartphone, for example, has fingerprint authentication, then you will not need to enter a password.
In general, the process of using Dropbox is somewhat similar to using the popular Yandex.Disk service. The only difference is that the latter is not so safe. Excellent service at "Dropbox". What is this if not concern for the confidentiality of user data? The encryption algorithm and type of connection are taken into account. That is why many serious people use this particular service. Dropbox has a fairly large client base, even though the cost of extra gigabytes for storage is high. But for excellent service in developed countries it is customary to pay.
Conclusion
So, we figured out the Dropbox cloud storage service. That this is a very convenient thing is already clear. But you should also take into account the fact that data uploaded to users on the server is under reliable protection. So, Dropbox can be successfully used not only by individual users, but also by entire corporations. By the way, it is corporate clients that make up a large part of the client base of the service. Of course, this cloud is not completely free, but it makes sense to try at least a free account. If you like the functionality, then you can afford to purchase an extra seat.