What is Dropbox, and how can you get the most out it? This unofficial mini-manual will get you up to speed with Dropbox, one of the most popular storage and sharing applications available today. It's filled with step-by-step instructions and images that make it easy to learn the ins and outs of Dropbox. In 30 minutes or less, you'll build a toolbox of tips, tricks and best practices that will save you time and money.
There are sections on installing Dropbox on your computer and mobile devices, how to automatically transfer photos from your phone to your PC, and how to manage collaboration using Dropbox links and shared folders. Dropbox In 30 Minutes also includes "Dropbox: The Rogue FAQ," which answers hard questions about security, sharing, and other topics.
The full table of contents is listed below.
Chapter 1: In The Beginning — Installing Dropbox
- 1A. Dropbox requirements: It works practically anywhere!
- 1B. Installing Dropbox
- 1C. The Dropbox website
Chapter 2: Getting Down To Business — Files And Folders
- 2A. How it works
- 2B. Saving your first file
- 2C. Working with folders/groups of files
- 2D. Opening a file or folder from a second computer
Chapter 3: Going Mobile — Dropbox On Smartphones And Tablets
- Downloading files
- 3B. Uploading files
Chapter 4: Dropbox Linking And Sharing
- 4A. Limited sharing via links
- 4B. Sharing folders with other Dropbox users
Chapter 5: Dropbox — The Rogue FAQ
- How can I get free space?
- How secure is Dropbox?
- What happens when I quit Dropbox from the System Tray (Windows) or Menu Bar (Mac)?
- How do I delete Dropbox?
- Help! I accidentally deleted an important file!
- Dropbox seems to be taking a long time to sync. What gives?
- I see a folder called “Public” in my Dropbox account. What’s that about?
- What happens when the same file is opened simultaneously on more than one computer?
- Are the paid Dropbox accounts worth it?
- Why would I want to link my Facebook account to Dropbox?
- What are third-party apps, and how do they relate to Dropbox?
Dropbox In 30 Minutes is authored by Ian Lamont, an award-winning technology journalist and digital media entrepreneur. His latest ebook, Spreadsheets In 30 Minutes, was published in October 2012.
Check out my latest title, Twitter In 30 Minutes!. I've been helping people understand technology since the 1990s. I was the senior editor, new media for IDG's Computerworld and served as the managing editor for The Industry Standard. My writing and editorial work has garnered industry awards from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, the American Society of Business Publication Editors, and the Trade Association and Business Publications International. I was also named in a Neal Award for "Best Blog". If you have a question about the contents of my books, you will find my email address in the back pages. In addition, each one of my books has a companion website that contains videos and other information that can help you get the most out of these technologies.
Keep up with my activities by following my @ilamont Twitter account.
