Installing Dropbox on Ubuntu

 

Dropbox is another one of those cloud based backup utilities which you can install on your Ubuntu computer. Remember, you don’t want to save a file with your name, birthdate, SSN, address and vacation plans in a Dropbox folder since this information will all be on “the cloud” no matter how secure it may or may not be, you don’t want to make it easy for anyone to steal your identity or rob your home. Now that I’ve put that out there, here are the directions for installing Dropbox.

1. Since Dropbox is not available in native Ubuntu, we will start by going to the Dropbox website http://www.dropbox.com/. From here you can either watch the video explaining what Dropbox is, or you can Download the application.
   
2. Now when you do eventually click on the download button you be faced with several choices. For our Ubuntu machines you will want the Ubuntu 32-bit version. Click on that one and download it. Make sure you keep the file where you can find it (like your desktop) or even for faster results just Open with Ubuntu Software Center from Firefox.  If you saved the file on your Desktop, just go there and double click on it and it should open in Ubuntu Software Center.
3. Once you are looking at the following screen, click on the install button on the right and it will install automatically. The install button will then turn into a progress bar and when completed will read Reinstall. Your screen will look like this. Next close this window and reboot your computer.
   
4. After the reboot you should go to the main menu and under Internet click on Dropbox. This will start the setup for Dropbox.
   You will be prompted to accept an additional download. Just click on Ok.
   
5. We will assume for these instructions that you don’t already have a Dropbox account so just click on next to fill in the registration form.
   
6. You will then have the following options available.
   
7. Even though the free option says 2 GB Dropbox has upgraded this option to 5 GB which should be plenty for all students and most teachers. For setup options choose Typical. The next screen will welcome you to Dropbox and give you a tour if you want it.
   
8. When you have completed the tour or just click on next, Your new Dropbox folder will open. You will initially have 2 folders and a PDF file but anything you put in your Dropbox folder will immediately be synchronized with the Dropbox servers in the cloud. Please don’t forget to read my article on Cloud based backup since it also applies to Dropbox.