What is collaborate2?
• Aims
• How it worked
• HACT’s role
Why clustering?
• 1.1What is a cluster?
• 1.2How clusters are different
• 1.3The HACT clustering model
• 1.4Cluster stages
• 1.5Are you ready to cluster?
Forming a cluster
• 2.1Who to cluster with
• 2.2What’s the driver
• 2.3Get the core group
• 2.4Agreeing the rules
• 2.5Governance issues
• 2.6Checklist
Finding the focus
• 3.1Using the diagnostic toolkit
• 3.2Reviewing your ICT
• 3.3Analysing the results
• 3.4Generative discussion
• 3.5Pulling it together
• 3.6Next steps
Developing the work plan
• 4.1Initial feasibility
• 4.2Help with shared purchasing
• 4.3Help with HR & training
• 4.4Help with policies and procedures
• 4.5Help with ICT
• 4.6Help with infrastructure
• 4.7Agreeing the workplan
Taking it forward
• 5.1Taking stock
• 5.2Review issues
• 5.3Changes in membership
• 5.4Knowing when to stop
• 5.5Sharing the learning
• 5.6Checklist
Twelve top tips
• 6.1Tips 1 — 6
• 6.2Tips 7 — 12
Online tools
• 7.1Dropbox
• 7.2Skype
• 7.3Surveymonkey
Online resources
• 8.1General resources
• 8.2Specialist resources
• 8.3Online resources

File sharing with Dropbox | 7.1

 

One of the most powerful ways IT can help you develop your cluster is through the ability to share files over the internet. Several of the diagnostic surveys in this mircosite have been designed on the assumption that you will be able to do this. As your cluster develops you will find this indispensible as a way of gathering information and working together on documents.

Luckily, file sharing over the internet is easy, and costs nothing. Dropbox is a free internet-based facility that allows multiple users to share and edit files, whether they work on a PC or Mac, using their own computer or using any web--connected PC in the world.

For example, User A could set up a folder of Word documents and invite Users B, C and D to share this folder. User B, C and D could then make amendments to the files and all four users could immediately access the updated files and make further changes without the need for any of them to be on the same network or PC and without the need to email documents back and forth as attachments.

A beginner’s guide to Dropbox

Step 1 - download Dropbox software

Go to www.dropbox.com

Click the “Download Dropbox” button

The download should start automatically. Follow the onscreen instructions to set up Dropbox and your Dropbox account.

Step 2 - log in to Dropbox

Go to www.dropbox.com

Type your email and password into the boxes in the top right corner and click “Log in”

Click the tab that says “Getting Started” – this will guide you through the basic features of Dropbox, e.g. sharing files and folders, inviting people to shared folders.

Step 3 - using Dropbox

You can use Dropbox either via the Web (see login link above) where you cn access and download all your files, or…

Use the Dropbox software on your PC. This will be located as an icon in your system tray. Double click the Dropbox icon to open the Shared folder. This will display all your files just like Windows Explorer.

Still stuck?

Dropbox.com has an excellent help section if you still need further help.

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