Encrypting files, in Dropbox and elsewhere

Online/cloud storage -- i.e. keeping your files with an online storage company that allows you to access them from anywhere -- is here to stay. The best known example is Dropbox. The newer kid on the block is Google Drive, which has similar functionality. If you already have your entire world set up with Dropbox, there is no overwhelming reason to switch. However, if you are just starting with online/cloud storage and you have a Google or Gmail account anyway for your other needs, Google Drive is great because it is integrated with all Google apps.

If you are staying with Dropbox and you are worried about security breaches (honestly -- a security breach at this day and age is unforgivable), there are simple ways for you to keep sensitive files -- just encrypt them.

If you want the gold standard in file encryption and are not bothered by less-than-friendly user interface, use TrueCrypt  (good how-to link).

If you want a simpler and friendlier program, there are two good choices:
1. Use encrypted zip file -- see link for details.
or
2. Use BoxCryptor -- see link for details.

Where to store files?

Until this April, the answer was Dropbox, which provided 2GB of free storage, ways to share folders, and a good automatic sync between your various devices. If you want a short intro to Dropbox, you can find it here.

Google Drive, which came out this past April, can serve the same function as Dropbox in terms of online storage.

Should you switch? If you are using Google software for other things, e.g. Gmail,  it is easiest to use Google Drive for storage. If you are not using Google for other stuff, staying with Dropbox or switching to Google Drive may be a tossup, depending on your needs. If you want to read more on the trade-offs between these two options, Lifehacker has a good article. If you want to read more on many more online storage options, Verge has a good article.

Up to 5GB of additional free space on Dropbox

You can get up to 5GB of additional free space on Dropbox for trying their current beta version. I installed it on 2 machines with no troubles. The details are in their forum post forums.dropbox.com/topic.php?id=54396&replies=243. It is "beta" software, so be sure to make a copy of your current Dropbox content before installing the new version. Once you install it, just attach a camera or a flash drive with photos and choose "Dropbox" in Autoplay dialog. For every 500MB of photo/video content you let Dropbox upload this way, you get 500MB free space (up to 5GB total). After Dropbox is done uploading, you can delete any of this extra content.

Useful links 10/14

• If You're an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch User — Get 50 GB of Free Storage for Life on Box.Net   [Box.Net is a well-regarded alternative to Dropbox; this promo is good until Dec 2; for more info, see Lifehacker story at http://lifehac.kr/nlqt0j]
• Weather forecast with beautiful graphs at weatherspark.com (ex: 08648 forecast)

[update 10/17: the free version of Box.net does not include folder synchronization, which is included in free Dropbox]