DropBox

DropBox is a Web-based file hosting service operated by Dropbox, Inc. that uses cloud storage to enable users to store and share files and folders with others across the Internet using file synchronization.

There is some criticism of DropBox relating to privacy and security.

DropBox does not install and fully function on Scientific Linux 5 (equivalent to RedHat Enterprise Linux 5).

Criminal Law - Data Protection Act

There are some DPA (Data Protection Act) issues with DropBox that you must be aware of.

DropBox Inc (as of 06/12/2011) has not, as far as we can tell, signed up to the International Safe Harbor Privacy Principles.

A simple summary is: do not put, without first obtaining permission, personal data about someone else into DropBox as you do not know where the data is stored.

Alternatives

There are many online backup and file synchronisation services available. One which seems better than most is SpiderOak as there are some privacy gaurantees and it installs on SL5. This is not an official recommendation.