Great Ways to Send, Receive or Share Large Files

We get this question quite a bit. "How can I send this file to..(put name here)........" and our answer always depends on the abilities of the person asking the question.
There are tons of ways to send, share or receive files. But most folks are looking for an easy way to do it and also don't do it very often.

So we decided to put together a list of some of the ways you can send files. Some of them require additional programs to be installed and some don't.

• FTP (file transfer protocol) is the way most geeks shuttle big files around. It’s how many Web designers upload the files and graphics for their Web sites. Average people generally don’t have much contact with FTP, but it's not especially complicated. But it is not something that you would probably use for the occasional files sharing. .
• Chat programs—AIM, iChat, Yahoo Messenger, etc. You can just drag a file icon into the little box where you type, and then hit Return. These work good for small files and is fast. But if you want to send large files they usually crash. .
• Pando a free, cross-platform, super-simple program designed expressly for idiot proof file transfers, even big ones. Pando is free P2P software that makes publishing, sending and downloading large media files fast and easy. .
• Yousendit an FTP replacement web site which is as easy as pie and which requires no software installation. .
• UltraVNC A powerful, easy to use free software that can display the screen of another computer (via internet or network) on your own screen.. It lets you work on a remote computer, as if you were sitting in front of it, right from your current location. It also let's you transfer files back and forth between them. Great if you usually transfer files from a machine you own to another machine you own. Not good if you need to send a file to someone that does not have VNC or doesn't want to install it or give you access. .
• Foldershare, The BC Blogs favorite. This one is cool and FREE. You can automatically sync two folders from one computer to another. So say you have a Music or Photo library that you want to keep on your laptop and your desktop at the same time. You just tell FolderShare to keep the synced. After that you never have to worry about it. If you want to send files to your friends or for business, you just create a folder that you will share with them. They install FolderShare and they can access those files, and ONLY those files. Only drawback, I would guess is that they have to install the program too. .
• Xdrive from AOL. You can back up your files - your music, photos and more - automatically. Access all your files from anywhere, share your files with friends and you get 5GB for Free. Natrually you have to sign up and install the software. .
• Mailbigfile This is one of the several services out there that you upload the file, the recipient receives an email, with a link to download it and the the recipient downloads file. Very simple and good to use for folks that are not too computer savvy or don't have to send large files often. natrually if youwant to send 2GB files you will need to sign up and pay for their 'Pro" service. .
• Webcargo- Let's you send files of any type, up to 2 GB at a time to anyone, and all you need is a web browser. No additional software is required. Free trial period with limited file size.
• There are also photo sharing sites like Flickr, Photobucket, Kodak, Hello and shoot even Sam's Club let's you do it. Then you could preview online and folks can just download the ones they want. Very easy to use if you just want to share pictures.
• GoToMyPC Similar to UltranVNC, you can transfers files between two machines that have the program installed. Good for using on machines you own, not for sending files to friends or family.
• LogMeIn - Very similar to GoToMyPC.
• ElephantDrive - Similar to FolderShare, without the syncing setup.
• TubesNow Another FolderShare type application. Tubes instantly builds synchronized, secure connections (what we call a "tube") between your desktop and the desktop of your friends, family, co-workers - even your other computers. Now anything you drop in a tube is whisked to the desktop of anyone you choose - and vice versa. And Tubes syncs any changes in every tube ensuring you’re always up to date - even when you dons't have an internet connection. Click to learn more. .

• SmugMug Similar to the other photo sharing sites, but this one is BC Blog recommended.
• IGet for you Mac guys. I have heard some good stuff on it.
• MediaMax - Another place that gives you a private and secure place to upload, store, access, and share your personal videos, photos, movies, music, and files.
• CrossLoop Very similar to UltranVnc, LogMeIn or GoToMyPC.
• Senduit A wanna be YouSendIt.

• SendSpace - They say you can send a file to anyone, anywhere in the world, up to 300MB! We have not tried this one.
• Rapidshare.com Another one very similar to YouSendit.
• MegaUpload - They say you can get free 50 GB online storage including a file manager. But, it is ad-financed for free users and they say they offer an affordable premium online storage/remote backup capacity, sophisticated uploading and downloading tools, and high-volume business accounts including pay-per-download facilities ("Fileshop"). Other users downloading your files earn you reward points that you can redeem for premium accounts and cash. Not BC Blog recommended.
• izimi - This one we have NOT tested, but here is what they say: There’s no need to upload your content to any server: you decide what you’ll publish, there are no limits on quantity or quality (we won’t degrade your videos, photos or music), and you retain ownership and control. You have to download the free izimi application to start publishing anything you like, to anyone you like. Use it for photos, videos, music, documents, anything - Izimi gives you simple URLs that you can use in email, IM, or any website, blog, or forum.
• Dropboks Yet another online disk, very easy to use. DropBoks is free, though some people choose to support their ad-free service by making a small payment. This is one you should check out!

• BoxNet - Thier PR says: Box makes it easy to get your files from anywhere you have an internet connection. Access important documents from your desktop, laptop, or even mobile phone on the go. Once you've uploaded your files to Box, you can also share them with anyone, or just keep them safe for as long as you want.
• Freesender - another web app you can use to send a file to yourself or others. Similar to YouSendit.

There is also a Gmail account that allows you to download a free little extension program that allows you to drag and drop files into your Gmail account just as if it where a harddrive. See it here.

We might have missed a few, but these are the biggies out there. One thing to always keep in mind though, especially when using services that you upload a file to and then email someone with the download address, is that these files are stored on someone's computer.

They can access them and do whatever else they want with them. So if you don't care if someone else see the files they work fine. If not, you need to find a more secure way to send them. Which of course, unless you are on a private network, sending files via the internet is never 100% secure or private.