Dropbox Free Cloud Storage

So many choices! But I choose DROPBOX!

Cloud Storage (or storing your files in the cloud) simply means your files are stored in a different hard drive (not the one you have in your computer) and that it can be accessed from anywhere by anyhow at anytime. 

I actually installed and tried different Cloud services and based on how I needed it and how it was delivered by the provider, I got to say Dropbox is #1 and next is Google Drive. This review is based on how these clouds appealed to me when I was looking for a Free Cloud service to Sync not just a few computers and devices but to handle Syncs in 40+ Windows XP boxes, several laptops and devices.

Why Dropbox is the winner?

1. Very easy to install. Straight forward with no errors in installation. Requires very few data during registration and your done (we all hate answering longs forms and reading captchas). (To install Dropbox click here). After completing the registration form the installer will auto download. After that you can already install.
2. Useful features.

• You can save important files in your Dropbox and it will be available in all of your devices (iPad, Android, Blackberry, other computers).
• It synchronizes files and folders to all devices wherever the update was made from.
• You can work directly from files in your Dropbox folder. The Dropbox folder can be customized according to your desired location. By default it is installed in your My Documents. Supports special features for different devices. Such as 1) Auto-sync your pictures when you insert your USB drive, 2) Command different functions from your Blackberry such as Import and Export contact to Dropbox. 3) Share links to file so others can download it (externally). 4) Share folders and files and collaborate.5) Many more useful features. This is just the beginning.

3. Dropbox is FAST! Compared to Google Drive, files will sync faster!

4. No false advertisements, no crap on the website, no clutter on the software. Straightforward service! Other Cloud services will let you download for "free" but then again have you pay at the end. Promising unlimited bites but actually you have to pay to be "protected".

5. Get up to 16GB Free from referrals. 2GB is the standard free space in Dropbox. Small if you have many files to save, but on average its enough. And besides, Dropbox has plenty of free space to give away. 

Create a Dropbox Account NOW!

Comments on other Cloud Service

1. Google Drive - Syncs slower than Dropbox. But has  the advantage of 5GB Free space.
2. CX - Enables the user to really define the local cloud folder. Unlike in Dropbox and Google Drive, wherever you place it will always create the folders "Dropbox" and "Google Drive". This was my third best but it could not completely install in my Win7, Core-i7, ASUS board box. Plus it always get a flag message from my firewall. Makes you wonder if its safe to install.
3. JustCloud - Its just not worth it! They advertise for free unli storage with a price.
4. Sugarsync - have not tried this one. They say its also good.
5. Box - reviews not so high as far as I have seen. Dropbox and box are different.
6. Ubuntu One - Its slow. Installation is not the appealing. Lacks features. 

PLDT Modem

You learn something new everyday!PLDT Modem Conquered!

I was at one of our company's new branch to setup the system there. DSL was already installed around 6 months before but hasn't been used since opening of the branch was delayed. When I got there I expected to plug the DSL directly and would get connected, but instead they handed me the DSL box (literally, the box)--it hasn't been configured yet. So I plugged the DSL to the computer (LAN-to-LAN) and the computer could not get an IP from the DHCP Server.

My First Mistake: I first checked the wiring even when I knew nothing was wrong with it. Initial diagnostics of a PLDT DSL ZyXel P-600 would tell you to check all light indicators first. And all were good but I didn't pay attention to that and did the wiring check first. Big mistake! Power was okay, Ethernet was okay (thus nothing wrong with the connection from modem to computer) and DSL was okay (thus line was good). If you do encounter an all green all okay connection, thus you should first check modem then the computer configurations for any problems.

Note: PLDT ZyXel P-600 modem's Ethernet light is color GREEN when wires are connected but LAN card is disabled and ORANGE if wired and connected.

Going back to the challenge, I need to connect to the modem's web interface to make the configuration but could not get an IP from the DHCP Server. After consulting with our friend Mr. Google I read from a blog that I needed to manually assign a local IP first to get in to the modem. So I did and it worked!

• IPv4: 192.168.1.33
• Subnet: 252.255.255.0

The problem was that by DEFUALT the DHCP Server in the modem is disabled.

Note #2: After you get in the router and activate the DHCP Server you need to set your LAN's IP back to obtain.

Since I'm already in the web interface I have two options which to proceed with the activation.

1. Create a new PPPoE connection from the Network and Sharing Center (Win7). I don't recommend this if you want to be connected  24x7 since you have to manually connect every time the computer boots.
2. Set the modem from Bridge mode to Router and setup the PPPoE settings there.

On Option-2:

Benefits:

• Connection is always on.
• You can distribute connection. Either wired or wireless.
• If using another Router set IP to Dynamic (obtain).

How?

• (Your done already setting up your DHCP Server and you can already access the web interface)
• Go to Network > WAN
• Change mode to Routing (from Bridge)
• Change Encapsulation to PPPoE and enter your PPPoE Username and Password (which are your PLDT account's telephone # w/o the zero in the start of the area code and your Account # as Username and Password, respectively)
• Check Nailed up Connection (not Connect on Demand)
• (IP Address should be obtain)
• Go to Network > NAT (NAT Setup)
• Check Active Network Address Translation
• Select "SUA Only"
• Apply changes and reboot (or power off/on Zyxel)

If everything works perfectly then your Modem would already be connected.

Final notes:

• After activating DHCP Server don't forget to indicate IP Pool Starting Address (192.168.1.100). You also need to indicate Pool Size (32) and Primary and Secondary DNS Server. For me I used the default PLDT DNS and "8.8.8.8" as secondary (free DNS Server from google).
• On the first problem, Modem's DHCP was down. How come it worked when I assigned a local IP? The answer is becuase 1) The default gateway of the Model is 192.168.1.1 and I locally assigned 192.168.1.33 to my computer making them members of the subnet group. Even without a DHCP Server as long as they are in the same family they will see each other.
• If you want to do a hard reset there is one at the back near the power switch.
• To reset simply long-press the reset button for 10 seconds or until lights starts blinking.