Completely confused about Backup versus Sync: Can I do both?

Launce

I have been syncing my Windows library files (Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos) using Dropbox for years.  But I keep getting messages about trying Dropbox Backup. 

 

What is the difference?  Will files in Backup sync and be available on multiple devices?  Does Backup support versioning?  In which case I don't need Sync.

 

Contrariwise, will files I'm syncing be backed up, in the sense that I can use them to restore my files in the event of a crashed computer?  I know Sync supports versioning; I've used it.  In which case I don't need Backup.

 

Which one, Sync or Backup, protects me best against malware or ransomware?

 

Or for extra protection, can I, and should I, use both Backup and Sync for the same folders?

Hannah

Hey @Launce, thanks for reaching out to us.

 

Syncing your files and backing up your files with Dropbox backup are indeed a bit different.

 

With syncing, you need to manually add files to your Dropbox folder to sync them to your account.

 

With Backup, you can select your desktop folders to get backed up automatically without manually moving them to the Dropbox folder.

 

You can read more about the feature here.

 

Backup also offers version history for your backed up files, just like syncing, but you don't need both for the same files.

 

Protection is the same, no matter how you choose to add your files to Dropbox.

 

Let me know if you have any other questions.