How does Dropbox work? - easily explained

Dropbox is a cloud storage provider that many people now use. But how does Dropbox work? We explain what is behind the clever cloud solution.

How Dropbox works: Cloud synchronization explained

Dropbox is a cloud storage service that both individuals and companies can use to store their own data online and thus protect it from data loss or make it available on multiple devices. Dropbox works as follows:

• The free Dropbox account gives you 2 GB of online storage space in your own private Dropbox. Here you can upload files via a browser, which are then saved on the servers. If you need one of the files, you can open your Dropbox account from any computer or mobile device worldwide and find the file there.
• Client software from the manufacturer creates a Dropbox folder on your hard drive, which is regularly monitored automatically. If a file in this folder is changed, added or deleted, the installed client compares this change with the online folder and synchronizes the file in your online storage. This has the advantage that you don't have to upload the files yourself in the browser, but you still have them available on all devices.
• If you have stored a file in your Dropbox folder, you can also share it via a link. Then other people can access your file and even edit it. This also allows you to distribute files that are too large for an email.
• Since Dropbox works across platforms, you can easily open Dropbox on the go on your smartphone (iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone), on your tablet and on your own computer in a folder or using a browser anywhere in the world.

Store data online: whether you can trust Dropbox

Regardless of whether you access your Dropbox via browser and upload files or whether your installed client does it automatically, the connection is secured with SSL and AES 256-bit encryption. At least the transmission of your data is secured.

• However, it has often happened that Dropbox links have appeared in Google Search or user data has been stolen.
• Find out how securely Dropbox really manages your data and how to make it even more secure in our special practical tip on Dropbox security.

If you want to use Dropbox extensively, you get free storage space for your Dropbox with the right tricks.