How 2 ... Easily store and share files online for free

Etan Horowitz | Sentinel Staff Writer

April 19, 2008

With drop.io you can share large files privately with friends or store them online so you can access them whenever you want.

1. Go to drop.io. To use drop.io, you create "drops," which are online storage locations for your documents, photos, videos, music files, notes and other items.

2. Follow the four-step process to create a drop.

In step 1, give your drop a name that you can remember, so you can access it easier.

You will access your drop by going to drop.io/thedropname.

In step 2, add the files you want to upload; the free version offers 100 MB of storage per drop.

In step 3, choose whether you want to require a password to access the site, when you want the drop to be deleted and whether you want others to only be able to view the contents of the drop, or to modify them.

3. Once you've completed the first three steps, click on the red "Drop it." button.

You will then be asked if you want to create an Admin password.

Doing so will allow you to change the settings on your drop later.

If you decide to have an Admin password, fill out the two fields and click the green button.

If you don't want an Admin password, just click the red button.

4. To access your drop, just go to drop.io/thedropname.

Once you are there you can view your files, send them to someone else or download them to your computer.

You can also give someone else your drop address so they can access the files.

Drops are not searchable or networked so you can only access them if you know the address.

You can add items to your drop though several different methods including through the Web, by e-mail ( thedropname@drop.io), or by calling a phone number and leaving voice mail.

To get the phone number, go to your drop and click "Expand."