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I'd like utilize Dropbox as a backup however I have some syncing-specific questions.
Hello,
My goal was to use dropbox to backup the stuff on my computer, but need more clarification on how the syncing works. I'll list my questions below:
1. Can I upload a folder from my compu...
First, Dropbox isn't a backup solution and shouldn't be used as one. It's a file synchronization service, meant to keep a copy of files in sync across multiple devices. Anything you do to the files on one device happens on all of them. Yes, it has some backup-like functionality, but there are far better backup services out there. Many here have used CrashPlan.
1. Can I upload a folder from my computer to dropbox, and then delete the folder from my computer without it also be deleted from dropbox?Yes, if you use Selective Sync.
2. If folders are syncing between my computer and dropbox, and my laptop were to crash, would I lose all of the content in dropbox?If the laptop were to crash then Dropbox wouldn't be running, so it couldn't sync any changes. If, somehow, the crashed wasn't total, Dropbox remained running and files in your Dropbox folder were deleted or became corrupt, then Dropbox would sync those changes. In cases like that (which I've never seen an actual example of) you could always recover your files within 30 days.
3. Is it possible to save content from my computer on dropbox without syncingIf you're not syncing files to your computer, then you can upload files using the Dropbox website.
and still have it be visible on the dropbox on my computer?No.
Rich
Super User II
Super User IIFirst, Dropbox isn't a backup solution and shouldn't be used as one. It's a file synchronization service, meant to keep a copy of files in sync across multiple devices. Anything you do to the files on one device happens on all of them. Yes, it has some backup-like functionality, but there are far better backup services out there. Many here have used CrashPlan.
1. Can I upload a folder from my computer to dropbox, and then delete the folder from my computer without it also be deleted from dropbox?
Yes, if you use Selective Sync.
2. If folders are syncing between my computer and dropbox, and my laptop were to crash, would I lose all of the content in dropbox?
If the laptop were to crash then Dropbox wouldn't be running, so it couldn't sync any changes. If, somehow, the crashed wasn't total, Dropbox remained running and files in your Dropbox folder were deleted or became corrupt, then Dropbox would sync those changes. In cases like that (which I've never seen an actual example of) you could always recover your files within 30 days.
3. Is it possible to save content from my computer on dropbox without syncing
If you're not syncing files to your computer, then you can upload files using the Dropbox website.
and still have it be visible on the dropbox on my computer?
No.
There is some conflicting information on the website. There is a long list of businesses, big and small, listed as using Dropbox as a "backup solution"
