Living In The Cloud!
By
Dr. Kevin Patterson & Michelle Lindsey
Purposes of Cloud Storage
• Accessing files and pictures from different
devices and/or operating systems
• Sharing files and pictures
• Storing critical files and pictures in another
location
Major Players In Free Cloud Storage
Why Is Cloud Storage Important?
• It makes files and pictures available across multiple platforms, i.e.
Windows XP, Vista and 7, Mac, iPhone and Android
• Files are available anywhere in the world you can get to the internet
• Files are synchronized between your devices (change on one and it’s
changed on the others)
• Cloud storage ensures your files won’t be lost or deleted.
• It’s the future. With broadband everywhere, saving to the cloud will
replace saving to our hard drives.
Cloud Storage Considerations
• Is it easy to upload and download?
• Can I access the files with any of my devices, i.e. laptop,
tablet, smartphone?
• Can I update and synchronize files from any device?
• Can I view my files if I am offline? (No wifi or 4G in range)
• Can I easily share selected files with others?
• If I need more space how much does it cost?
What About Security?
• Personal Cloud storage data is encrypted once it
is stored on their servers.
• Providers can unencrypt if ordered to do so.
• Data being transmitted wirelessly is not encrypted
• No data is entirely safe, but the chances of having
data stolen from one of the major providers is
incredibly small.
What Is Dropbox?
Dropbox
• Praised for seamlessly working across
platforms and operating systems
• It is extremely easy to use
• Gives you 2GB for free
• Opportunities to earn more free storage
Sharing With Dropbox
• You can share between your devices and
friends
• It works on all platforms, i.e. Win XP, Win
Vista, Win 7, Apple, Android and iPhone.
Using Dropbox Offline
• Your primary PC will always have a copy of the latest files. You can
work with them whether online or not.
• Your other computers will have a copy of the latest files. When you
connect to the internet they synchronize. Offline is available.
• When you connect an iPhone or Android device, you may view the files
when connected to the internet.
• If you wish to have a copy on your iPhone or Android device then mark
it as a “Favorite” and it will download to your device and synchronize
when connected to the internet.
Create a Dropbox account
Choose name to
easily recognise
origin of file; e.g.
work, home,
laptop, etc
Create a Dropbox Account
Choose space
required
Installing Dropbox
•
Go to Dropbox.com. Download and install the program.
•
Setup a free account by entering your email address and a password
•
Dropbox will create a folder in My Documents called My Dropbox
and will create a shortcut to that folder on your desktop.
•
Copy and paste files or folders into the Dropbox icon on your
Desktop
•
Click on the Dropbox icon and setup a folder structure as you wish.
•
Install Dropbox on your other devices, i.e. laptop, tablet, etc.
Installing Dropbox
Download
installer
Installing Dropbox
Start the
download
Follow the
instructions
Installing Dropbox
Run the installer
Installing Dropbox
Run the installer
Installing Dropbox
Follow the onscreen
instructions
Install complete
Continue tour or
finish?
Free upgrade to 250mb
Complete steps
after install to
obtain free
250mb upgrade
Using Dropbox
• Copy and paste files or folders into the Dropbox Folder on
your Desktop
• Dropbox will automatically upload everything in the
Dropbox Folder to the Cloud
• Install Dropbox on your other devices, i.e. laptop, tablet,
etc.
• When your other devices are connected to the internet,
your Dropbox files will synchronize and download to that
device
Control Dropbox via website
Upload, delete
files online, etc
Dropbox folder, My Documents
Drag-and-drop
file between
folder and My
Dropbox
Icons
Not yet synchronised
Synchronising
Synchronised
Sharing With Dropbox
•
To share a file with another person, click on your Dropbox icon,
select a file or folder, and click on “Dropbox” and “share link”
•
This will open your Dropbox website. The sharing command only
works from the website.
•
Enter the email address of the person and a short note.
•
If the recipient has Dropbox on their computer, the file will go directly
to their Dropbox folder.
•
If the recipient doesn’t have Dropbox on their computer, they will
receive an internet link to download the file.
Sharing With Dropbox
Dropbox Sharing
Share existing
folder with
colleagues, or
create new one
and share
immediately
Dropbox Events
List of recent
events (file
upload,
computers
linked, etc)
Mobile Device Options
Dropbox on iPhone
Documents:
Viewing:
Settings:
Dropbox Help and FAQs
Extensive tour
and help files,
including
Community
Fora
Dropbox Add-Ons
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
SendToDropbox
DropTun.es
DropPages
JotForm
CloudHQ
MacDropAny
Dropbox Folder Sync
DROPitTOme
WriteBox
Dropbox Automator
More details about each at:
http://www.shoutmeloud.com/dropbox-addons-enhance-dropbox-functionality.html
DROPitTOme
• Securely receive files from anyone to your Dropbox
account
• Unique upload address: www.dropitto.me/username with
password protection
• Email notification when new file is uploaded
• Turn off the upload feature when you don’t want to receive
any files
• Folder within your Dropbox account called DROPitTOme
• Remove DROPitTOme by visiting:
https://www.dropbox.com/account#applications
• Maximum file upload size is 75MB
SkyDrive
• Microsoft version for open free storage
• Very easy to use
• You receive 7 GB of free storage
• Can purchase more if you like.
• Can be shared between the same devices as Dropbox.
• It also has a Google App you can use if you want.
• The installation process for SkyDrive is similar to Dropbox,
you can use your home computer if you like or just use
SkyDrive for files.
• In SkyDrive you can drag and drop files just like you do on
your computer.
• SkyDrive comes with a free Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and
One Note.