Using DropBox to backup instead of sync.

October 22nd, 2009 @ rmclain

6


Using DropBox to backup instead of sync.

DropBox is a great free application to sync two or more computers data. It also supports a pretty impressive iPhone client that lets you share links to your files with a few clicks. So, why change what works so well? Simple, you have one main computer and you don’t want to lose your precious stuff. Here are some tips to get the most from your free DropBox account. If you don’t have an account get one [link].

Installing DropBox

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First you need to create a account at GetDropBox.com. Ok now that you’re done with that, go ahead and grab the install file for either Windows, Mac or Linux. Next, run the installer and make sure you have it load when the computer boots to ensure all your files stay backed up.

1. Mac OSX Leopard

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First thing is to figure out what folders you want to keep backed up. Since the free space is 2GB you might want to limit this to just your documents folder. If you upgrade your account, then you might want to repeat these steps across more folders. I currently backup my Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folder. That is pretty much the stuff I can’t replace. To do this we need to simply create a symbolic link, which is basically just a reference to another file or directory. Creating a symbolic link and pointing it to a folder in your DropBox means that DropBox will backup whatever is in the original folder. There are several ways we can do this, but the easiest is to just open up the terminal on OSX. You can find the Terminal in “Applications/Utilities” folder.

1.1. Mac OSX Leopard – Creating a Symbolic Link

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When you open the Terminal you will be shown a simple prompt $. By default your terminal session starts in your home folder and by default your DropBox folder is in your home folder as well. So let’s go ahead and get into that directory. Just type: cd Dropbox/ Now you are in your Dropbox folder. So let’s say that we want the Desktop to be always backed up with DropBox. Simple enough, so we just need to type: ln -s ~/Desktop Desktop . That’s it, now your desktop will be backed up to your DropBox. Just change desktop to documents if you want to backup your entire documents folder.

1.2. Did everything work?

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So now the one file on my desktop is getting updated.  Also you can click into your Dropbox folder and you will notice that a symbolic linked folder will be in there.

2. Microsoft Windows XP

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With Windows it’s the same concept. The easiest way is to create a symlink is to download and install Link Shell Extension [link].

2.1. Creating the Symbolic Link – Windows

Right click on the source file that you want to create a back up of. Then select Pick Link Source. Next g oto your dropbox and click Drop As… Junction. That’s it, you’re now backing up.

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