i’m tasting a slice of cloud data storage with dropbox now. this is a good example of a new technology executed well and simple in a very easy and straightforward fashion. first you download the app. then on your first launch you will be asked to open a new account. and then.. that’s it! your own personal cloud storage, all 2gb of it, free. you can drag and drop files and folders like it was on your own computer. if you need more space they offer 50gb at $9.99/mo but i’m just gonna play around with my 2gb until i get comfortable.
what i like the most about dropbox besides the intuitive user interface (and web interface) is the team — comprised of mixed individuals from all walks of life. this gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling that my data stored with them will be safe.
JErm is a web designer and an ex-9-to-5-er semi-retiring in Bali. He runs a small 
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Those cloud storage services are interesting to me but I’m worried about security. I figure it’d just be a matter of time before somebody ends up with access to all my files. That’s how it goes with our credit card numbers anyway. Must be really handy though for backing up non-sensitive files.
isn’t all our sensitive data out there already? with google, flickr, facebook, etc. i’m not sure i have any privacy left. but you’re right, something to reconsider further. maybe we should build our own cloud out of friends’ computers? our files will be spread among our friends but they will be encrypted so no one but us can open it. at the same time we also provide some space for our friends to store their files?
Yeah, Dropbox is a nice tool. I use it more like a backup tool for documents (in case laptop AND external HD get stolen) for about 18 months and so far it’s really neat to use. Even with low bandwidth (like here in Goa), it’s still usable, works in the background, non-intrusive with your workflow. It jsut does what it should do and that it does good!
Thumbs Up!
hey chris, glad to see you back!
so no negative experience with dropbox, eh? i was about to upload my important files there the other day but i decided to hold off. have they kept your files safe for you so far? no break ins or anything?
No no. So far no troubles with them. But then, I only use it as a backup for documents, no autostart load, only using it when I think it’s time to to sync again. Pictures are still stored with Flickr, I’m gladly paying the USD 25 per year for unlimited access. Even my old folks at home can use it and access our photographs. Don’t think they could handle Dropbox.
i haven’t used my dropbox account much, i was waiting for your response actually. ok now that you tell me it’s safe i may start uploading my world domination plans and our private photos there!
i should renew my flickr account too. i had the unlimited membership a year ago but it’s long expired now. i guess i’m also second-guessing my mediocre photography skills!
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