Create a Dropbox Account

Dropbox is a very useful tool for sharing large files.  It is a free service that allows you to upload and access files from any computer, anywhere, through your personal username and password.  In addition, if you install the app on your mobile device (phone, touch, iPad) or your laptop, Dropbox will keep all files synchronized.  Every change made in the file on your iPad will be automatically updated to your laptop and every other device.  

This sounds a lot like Google Apps, right?  Well there is a big difference.  The maximum size of any file you want to upload to Google Apps is 2MB.  The file size you upload to Dropbox is only limited to the amount of space you have in your Dropbox account.  You begin with 2GB of free storage and can get more space by inviting other people to get an account.

Here is a link to a handout on how to accept an invitation from someone to get a Dropbox account.

How to Configure Dropbox

How to Edit a Document When You Only Have VIEW Permissions

Sometimes documents are shared with you in Google Apps that you need to fill in and make the information available to others.  An example of this is the Google Doc that was shared with you for Summer Stipend Requests.  


To many people's surprise, they discover that they can not edit the request form and they find themselves scratching their head about how to fill it in.  If you have only been given "View" permission, then you must make a copy of the document so you can edit it.  By forcing you to make a copy of the document (giving you only "view" not "edit" permissions), the original document is maintained intact and other people cannot inadvertently change the form.


This is how you can make a copy of a view only document and then submit it by sharing your completed copy: