Synchronize and Backup Files with Dropbox

I want to share one of the best and most reliable tools in my business to synchronize and backup important files.

It's called Dropbox and it's honestly one of the best file sharing and file storage tools, hands down.

I've been using it ever since it was a private invitation-only site, and I'm pumped to see it grow into the incredible free backup tool that it has become.

In fact, I've recommended Dropbox to at least a couple dozen friends and colleagues, and I make my team use it to share files.

Here's why Dropbox is so cool:

• You use a regular Finder window on the Mac (or Windows Explorer on the PC) to store your files. You do have to install a small program that runs in the background, but it doesn't interfere at all.
• Anything in the "Dropbox" folder is automatically synchronized in the background and new files are downloaded automatically.
• Dropbox stores past revisions of a file, so you can restore an old version of that spreadsheet or "undelete" an important document.
• Dropbox doesn't upload the entire file when it changes, it only needs to upload the part of the file that changed. That way it saves bandwidth and uploads fast.
• You can share a folder with a friend or staff and always have access to the spreadsheet or document you're working on.
• Anything in the "Public" folder within your Dropbox has a URL associated with it, so you can email that 15MB family video by just sending a link.
• It's free!

Here's how I use Dropbox:

• Have access to my important files wherever I go with my iPhone or any computer. So I can work at Starbucks and have my files instantly synced on my home computer.
• Synchronize a shared folder with my staff so we always have the latest materials at any time. (No more sifting through emails to get the latest version! Yippie!)
• Share and email large files, video reviews, and teleseminar downloads without having to worry about FTP'ing the file. I just drag and drop the file into the "Public" folder on my Mac, and it'll automatically upload the file and give me a URL to share via email.

Here's a Demo:

Now if you're worried about privacy and security, I totally here you. Here's what Dropbox has to say about security:

We take utmost care to ensure Dropbox is secure and take security very seriously. All transport of file data and file metadata occurs over SSL. All files are encrypted with AES-256 before being stored on our backend.

Now I have no idea what that means, but it sure sounds secure! Personally, I'm not all that concerned about the security and privacy of my files. I mean, if it was really that private, then I wouldn't put it online, so in most cases, it's fine with me.

Bonus for Friends of PLR.me:

Here's the coolest thing about Dropbox... you get 2GB of free online storage.

And if you sign up through this link, you'll get a bonus 250MB of space for free.

They do have paid options if you want more storage. I've got the 50GB plan which costs $99/yr, which is a pretty good deal for me since I need the space, and I like having access to the files anywhere. But 2GB is a great starting off point.

So do yourself a huge favor and use a synchronized file and backup tool that gives you some peace of mind. Whether it's Dropbox or some other solution, you should definitely be backing up your computer! Don't wait until it's too late, you'll regret it.

What online backup or file synchronization tools do you use? I'd love to hear your thoughts!