10 Creative uses for Dropbox
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Dropbox is an awesome service. You can back your files up to the cloud, sync them between computers, and share them with your friends. That's not all it can do, though. Here are our top 10 favorite clever uses for our favorite file syncing program.
Note: If you don't use Dropbox, don't fret—you can do most of these things with any file syncer you want, whether it's SkyDrive, Google Drive, Cubby, or something else.
10. Monitor Your Computer for Running Tasks or Unauthorized Access
If you're at work and want to keep an eye on your home machine—whether it's keeping track of a download or making sure someone else isn't trying to use it—you can do that with Dropbox. All you need is a screenshot tool (like one of our favorites) and some way to automate it (like this AutoHotkey script). Then, just periodically check your Dropbox folder, and you'll have a chronological timeline of everything happening on your screen at home. You can also use Dropbox to check your home computer's IP from afar, and even locate your laptop if its been stolen.
9. Securely Share Files, from Saucy Pics to Paperwork
We all know Dropbox is great for sharing files, but it's particularly good for sensitive information, like tax returns, passwords, or saucy photos (note: saucy photos not recommended). Dropbox encrypts everything you upload, and downloads it over a secure HTTPS connection, meaning that file is secure from start to finish. Of course, you can also encrypt it in a ZIP file first for extra protection, too. Just don't be reckless!
8. Manage Your BitTorrent Downloads
Most BitTorrent clients have handy web interfaces that let you add, monitor, and remove torrents from afar, but a simple alternative is to just use Dropbox. Just tell your BitTorrent client to watch a specific folder in your Dropbox for new torrents. Then, when you're away and find a cool torrent you want, just copy that torrent to your designated Dropbox folder. It'll sync back to your house, get recognized by your client, and start downloading for you.
7. Quickly Install Android Apps and ROMs
The Google Play store is great, but sometimes you find an app that you need to install yourself using an APK file. Or, maybe you're flashing a new ROM to your phone and trying something completely different. Either way, you don't need to plug your phone in via USB—you can just drag that APK or ZIP file to your Dropbox, then download it using the Dropbox app on your phone (or install it right then and there). In the case of smaller files, it's much faster than finding your USB cable.
6. Print Documents to Your Home Printer from Any Computer
If you have a document you want printed back at home, Dropbox can make it happen. All you need is a script running at home that monitors a Dropbox folder for incoming documents and prints them. Then, you can add a document to that folder from any remote computer or smartphone, and a hard copy will be waiting for you when you get back. You can check out the cross-platform script here, though we've also written a simpler Mac-specific tutorial here as well.