Evernote and/or Dropbox

[hazchem]

After reading about Evernote on here, I've started using it. So far I'm finding it useful but obviously need to use it more to get the most out of it.
Do I need Dropbox also?
I'm a SAHM but about to start an online degree. We have one child who is 2 but will likely have more soon. I'm going to start contract working soonish and will be away from home for weeks at a time. We are about to move to a new house and I would like to keep paperwork to a minimum.
Any thoughts?

[wordyBird]

Try it - see what you think.

The main advantages are:

1. automatic synchronising of documents between your devices. So things on your home computer will be available on your travel laptop or tablet if it has Dropbox installed....Or you can login to your account from any computer.
   
   
2. simple backup + cloud backup: should one device fail, you can retrieve a backup copy from any of your devices, or from Dropbox
   
   
3. simple versioning: if you mess up your document, or for some reason need an earlier version, you can retrieve it from your account at Dropbox.
   
   
4. you can also share documents, even host a simple web page using your Dropbox account.
   
   It's a natural home for any college papers you write, and any electronic documents you need to keep or have to hand while you move.
   
   www.dropbox.com/tour/0
   
   Hope this helps..seems you have some very busy times ahead.. :)

[tribpot]

The question is really what you would use Dropbox for that you can't use Evernote for already.

Versioning is a good one. Collaborating on a document is another - although you can do this in Evernote it's not ideal. Although Google Drive beats all-comers when it comes to free document collaboration.

Automatic sync and cloud backup you're already getting with Evernote. It is more searchable as well, so if you're storing a lot of stuff it will be easier to find things again. Likewise you can tag stuff.

Some types of sharing are easier on Dropbox than Evernote. If you want to share a folder of photos, for example.

Evernote is obviously better at noting (lists, audio notes, very good for capturing pictures of documents you need to store for a rough-and-ready scanner function). The web clipper is fantastic for grabbing stuff you find online.

There's no harm at all in trying Dropbox too - it's free! - and you will find some cloud-based applications use it as their way of providing the cloud function anyway.

[hazchem]

Thanks!

This is helpful. I'll give it a try. Seeing as I am embracing online study I feel I need to bring my tech knowledge out of the late 90s :)

[YetMoreTech]

There have been some concerns over Evernote security in the last few days. Have written about Evernote alternatives on the DSC website.

[RustyBear]

That article came very handily for me, YetMoreTech, with the link to 1Password, because I've been having a few issues with Keeper, the password storing app I use, and I've been meaning to look for an alternative. Thanks!

[wordyBird]

Good point YetMoreTech: and thank you for the article.

Whilst I only intend to enter low value material into Evernote, it's easy to stray from this now and then. Spelling out the (current) risks focuses the mind a little!