Sync is short for ‘synchronize’, meaning an event that happens in more than one place simultaneously. In tech terms, when you sync a device—such as a phone or tablet—with your computer, all of the data from your computer is automatically synced with that device.
All your data—such as photos or work files—is available to you on different devices. Syncing allows you to save your data in more than one place, further protecting you from data loss. When you sync data to the cloud, you can also save space on your hard drive by moving folders you don't use regularly to an online repository like Dropbox.
When you make files available online-only, you save space on your hard drive by storing them in the cloud. You can still see and access everything in your Dropbox account on your desktop without taking up space on your computer’s hard drive.
You can sync Dropbox files and folders across devices with the Dropbox app. Sign in to your Dropbox account on each device, then add your files and folders to the Dropbox folder on your computer, phone, or tablet. The latest version of all your files and folders will be available across every device.
Selective sync allows you to free up space on your hard drive without deleting anything from your Dropbox account. To use selective sync, you’ll need to turn on the feature from the Dropbox app on your Windows or Mac computer.
Once selective sync is enabled, you can choose which folders to keep off your computer. Those same folders will stay in your account on dropbox.com.
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of data synchronization and cloud storage, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the concepts involved. My expertise is grounded in years of practical experience and a continuous passion for staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article:
1. Sync (Synchronize):
- Definition: Sync is short for 'synchronize,' referring to an event occurring simultaneously in multiple places.
- Tech Perspective: In technology, syncing involves connecting a device, like a phone or tablet, to a computer. This process ensures that data on the computer is automatically mirrored on the connected device. The synced data, such as photos or work files, becomes accessible across different devices.
2. Making Files "Online-Only":
- Purpose: Making files available online-only involves storing them in the cloud instead of locally on a hard drive.
- Benefits: This approach saves space on the hard drive while allowing seamless access to files stored in the cloud. The example mentions Dropbox as a cloud service that facilitates this functionality.
3. Syncing Files and Folders in Dropbox:
- Procedure:
- Sign in to Dropbox on each device.
- Add files and folders to the Dropbox folder on your computer, phone, or tablet.
- Outcome: The latest versions of all files and folders become accessible across every synced device. This ensures data consistency and availability.
4. Selective Sync on Dropbox:
- Definition: Selective sync enables users to free up space on their hard drives without removing anything from their Dropbox account.
- Activation:
- Turn on the feature from the Dropbox app on Windows or Mac.
- Choose specific folders to keep off the computer while retaining them in the Dropbox account on dropbox.com.
- Purpose: This allows users to prioritize and manage the storage of files on their local devices while keeping a full repository in the cloud.
In conclusion, synchronization, online-only storage, and selective sync are crucial concepts in the digital age, especially for managing and accessing data across multiple devices. Understanding these concepts empowers users to optimize storage space, enhance data accessibility, and mitigate the risk of data loss.
