14 DAY TRIAL // Thanks to cloud storage, people can finally set back and relax without worrying about that USB flash disk with important business-related files they forgot home, since file hosting services give instant access to them (provided that they were previously uploaded, obviously).
Most users are already familiarized with Dropbox, an online backup service that rivals with similar tools like Google Drive and OneDrive. The utility's reliability is accentuated by data synchronization, automatic detection of changes, accessibility across multiple platforms, and general ease of use. Plus, it comes in the form of a desktop client and web service.
The setup kit is uncomplicated and unpacks very quickly. A Dropbox account must be authorized before working with the app. The free sign-up procedure requests only basic information and does not need email confirmation, thus allowing users to immediately dive into the app's workspace. Before doing this, though, it is possible to modify the default Dropbox location that stores all shared files.
The main gateway between the desktop client and the user is established through the system tray area. Clicking it pops up a small window that reveals the current status (e.g. ongoing uploads, remaining time and files) and recently modified files, while providing quick access to the Dropbox folder and web service. Ongoing sync jobs can be paused at any time.
Hovering the mouse cursor over any file in the recently changed area shows a button for link sharing. The URL is copied to the Clipboard and directs users to the file. For instance, it is possible to play movies, read documents and view images straight from the web browser, as well as rapidly download files. Worth mentioning is that the user who receives the link does not necessarily need a Dropbox account to view and download content. The same sharing method is applicable to entire directories via the right-click menu in Explorer.
The program supplies 2.0GB of free space and, at the same time, comes up with various marketing strategies to allow users to increase their storage size for free, like taking the Dropbox tour or inviting friends to install the desktop client.
Working with the desktop client is very simple, since all file operations are performed just like in Windows Explorer. All items moved or copied to the Dropbox folder will be immediately made visible there. However, inexperienced users shouldn’t fool themselves into thinking that operations are performed instantly (just watch the system tray icon color), since file synchronization may take a while.
As far as program configuration is concerned, it is possible to hide desktop notifications, disable the app from automatically running at Windows boot, and change the UI language. Photos and videos from smartphones, digital cameras, SD cards and other media devices can be automatically imported into Dropbox (users only need to modify Windows' autoplay settings), while screenshots can be conveniently saved within the app and shared with others rapidly.
When it comes to account settings, users may unlink the current account and assign another one (particularly useful when the program is shared by more people with different accounts on the same workstation), move the shared files location (just like in the setup), as well as choose the exact directories they want synced with the computer.
The Good
Both the desktop client and web interface are very intuitive. Files are uploaded and synchronized very fast easily via drag-and-drop, while CPU and RAM usage remains low. Help documentation and multiple languages are available.
The web interface allows users to recover previously deleted files as well as to permanently remove them. Program activity can be easily tracked in the "Events" area.
The Bad
There is no option implemented for uploading folders to Dropbox using only the web interface without resorting to the desktop client. Perhaps the most convenient way to do this is by compressing the folder into an archive.
2GB free storage capacity is a little low, considering the competition. For example, Google Drive offers 15GB.
Dropbox froze when we attempted to unlink the account, and we were forced to restart it. However, we failed in our attempt to get it to work again, since we could not sign in with any account, nor exit without resorting to Task Manager (the app got stuck in the “connecting...” state and grayed out the account linking option in the settings area). Tests were carried out on Windows 8.1 Pro.
