Using Dropbox Online

by Mark Gillan

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This tutorial provides

Ability to download onto any computer or mobile device

Online use of Dropbox

Web based use of Dropbox and login details

Dropbox website navigation

Uploading files

Creating a folder

Moving files

Sharing a folder

SUMMARY – Last page of tutorial

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Account

• Register with Dropbox for an account by using this link: https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTEzNTIwNzk1OQ?src=global0

• You only need provide a valid email address, your first name, surname and a password for use with Dropbox

• Download onto any computer, if you require• Does NOT NEED to be downloaded onto every

computer you use – it can be accessed online using your web browser (Microsoft Internet Explorer) by visiting: http://www.dropbox.com

• Log in using your Dropbox account registration information such as: Email address and your Dropboxpassword

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Log in

From www.Dropbox.com click on the “Log in” drop down at the top right of the web page

A drop down log in asking for Email and Password used for your registration. Fully complete and click the Log in button

You will be taken to your account start screen

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Dropbox navigation tabs

You should see navigation tabs similar to the ones shown.

Click on Files to view all folders and files located at the root level of your Dropbox

These folders/files can be organised in very much the same way as your local computer file management. For example, drag and drop will move a folder or file to another folder

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Uploading a folder

Click on the Upload button

I will show you an example of uploading assessment material / files for a college assessment

An easier means of uploading a file(s) can be to have a small sized folder containing the files over the dropboxfolder … then drag and drop!!!

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Select files

Click “Choose files” and select files from browsing your local computer or USB flash drive for your assessment material using your Windows interface

Once the files have been selected, they should be listed. Now, click “Start upload”

If any problems with uploading, notice the “Having problems? Try the basic uploader” link. You could try this but there should not be any problems.

You can also contact Dropbox to ask for assistance or log onto their forum. Links are provided at the bottom of the dropbox web page

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Select files

You can select more than one file at a time for uploading

The “more files” button allows additional selections

Once all the files are selected for upload…click the “Start upload” button

Dropbox will now indicate the uploading status in terms of speed, percentage uploaded and will finalise with confirmation of 100% and amount of files uploaded

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Create a new folderClick on the “New folder” button

Name the folder. I would very strongly suggest the following:

YourName –UnitName – Asssess Number

Click Create

You now have your assessment material folder for placing any files

Drag and drop your newly uploaded files into the newly created folder (Click on a file name, hold the mouse button down, move the file over the folder and let go!)

You can select and move more than one file at a time by clicking the check box next to a file

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Share a folder

Hovering over a folder (or file) with your mouse pointer provides a drop down menu as shown

“Invite to folder” will enable the sharing of such folder and a message will be sent to the person you wish to share such folder

Other options are available such as “Download folder” if you use Dropboxto backup and need to replace due to loss on your local computer or USB flash drive

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Share invitation

Type the full correct email address of the person you wish to share the folder with – it must be totally correct otherwise the invitation will not reach the person

You can send a personal message with your invitation – I have placed a note in this field especially for you!

Click “Share folder”

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Sharing list

Clicking on the “Sharing” menu tab will list folders being shared, with options to show only the folder you own or list of folders other people have shared with you

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Help

Notice the “Help” menu tab

Plenty of places to seek help

Plenty of categories

Notice Dropbox can work with various platforms, including mobile devices

Tour videos, FAQ’s, Forums, Support Requests and even a Dropbox Wiki are available

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SUMMARY

Dropbox can be accessed online once you have completed registration: www.dropbox.com

To Upload files – web based:“Files” > “Upload” > Choose files > Select the files you wish to upload > Start upload

Create a folder:“New folder” > (Name the folder) > CreateNote: I would suggest the naming of a folder as:YourName – Assess – UnitName

Move files:Drag a file > hover over a folder of choice > Drop

Sharing a folder:Hover over a folder > Drop down menu offered > Invite to folder

Invitation to share:Invite by typing in full correct email address > Click “Share folder”

Check share:Ensure the folder is listed in the “Sharing” / check for confirmation email

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