When it comes to send large files there are several tools and services on the web designed to overcome the limitations of standard email providers and to allow any person with no technical knowledge to transfer big files with ease. In this MasterNewMedia guide I have personally collected and reviewed the best tools out there that you can use to to collaborate on files of any size.
You may wonder why you need a specific service to send big files. Can't you simply attach your files to a standard email message? Unfortunately no, you can't, because standard email providers forbid you to send files above a certain size (typically 20MBs). Larger files, in fact, would be too heavy to handle for the email provider and they may clog up the inbox of your recipient.
There are three main categories of services that allow you to transfer large files over the Internet
- P2P tools: You establish a direct connection with the computer of another person and you send your files in real time. You can transfer files of any size, without restrictions, but both the receiver and the sender must be online at the same time. P2P tools are always free to use (ex. Skype).
- Online storage services: You upload your files to a service that provides you with online storage space. Since each file you upload to an online storage space is identified by a unique Internet address, sharing that address will allow other people to download your files. Online storage services are both free and paid (ex. Dropbox)
- Special email clients: You send an email message via a special service that allows you to upload bigger files than those allowed by standard email providers. Generally, these special email clients set an expiry date for the recipient to collect the files. Special email clients are both free and paid (ex. FileMail)
Here the guide on the best collaboration tools and services to send large files:
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Pastelink
http://pastelink.me/
Pastelink is an Internet-based service where you can share files up to 250 MB (or 2GB, if you register) entirely for free. You can upload your files with a simple drag & drop action or browse to select the archives directly from your computer. Pastelink also allows you to send an unlimited number of files. All files are stored on the service for seven days.
Windows Live SkyDrive
http://skydrive.live.com/
Windows Live SkyDrive is the online storage service by Microsoft where you can share and upload files up to 50MB. Users can benefit of 7GB of total storage space for free (25GB for old users) and upgrade to a premium version offering 100GB space capacity. SkyDrive is integrated with most Microsoft services, such as Hotmail, Bing and Windows Live Group.You need to create a Windows Live ID to utilize the service.
Windows Live SkyDrive offers three premium plans: SkyDrive +20 ($10/year with 20GB of additional free storage), amountSkyDrive +50 ($25/year with 50GB of additional free storage), amountSkyDrive +100 ($50/year with 100GB of additional free storage capacity).
KSRE Large File Transfer System
http://online.ksre.ksu.edu/transfer/
KSRE Large File Transfer System is a part of K-State Research and Extension faculty that offers a free online service where you can upload your files up to 1GB. You can send up to five files at a time. Both the sender and the receiver need to create an account to use the service.
GigaSize
GigaSize is an online service which allows you to share files up to 2GB. You don't need to register to transfer files up to 300MB with a 20-day storage period, but if you're looking for more features, then you should upgrade to the registered free plan (300MB, 45-day file storage period) or a premium account ($3.95/month, 2GB file transfer size, unlimited file storage period).
http://www.gigasize.com/
FileBanker
FileBanker is a web-based service that you can use to share files up to 5GB. Registration is mandatory and you can store your files forever on FileBanker, as long as other users keep downloading them.
FileBanker offers three types of plans, all with a 5GB file size limit: $0.99/month for 5GB web-storage, Silver ($5/month) for 25GB web-storage and Gold ($10/month) for 100GB web-storage. All plans include a 30-day free trial period.
http://www.filefactory.com/
FileFactory
FileFactory is a free online service that allows you to archive and share those heavy files up to 2GB that you have. And you don’t even need to have a registration to use it.
By using the free plan you can upload up to 50 files, but if you prefer to up the ante and to have access to a wider number of features, like faster downloads and more storage space, do upgrade to a premium account.
FileFactory also offers an online money-making program called FileFactory Rewards, by which you can earn up to $30 for every 1,000 eligible downloads made of your files.
http://www.filefactory.com/
Ge.tt
Ge.tt is a free online storage service which makes your files available for sharing in only 30 seconds after the upload. All files you upload must be below or equivalent to 2GB in size. You don’t have to register to send a file via Ge.tt, but if you create a free account, you will get real-time statistics on your downloads and the ability to add and remove your files at any time within a period of three months.
To send files using Ge.tt, all you have to do is select a file and upload it. Then, Ge.tt will create a shortened URL that you can use to share your filed via social media, IM or email.
http://www.go2web20.net/site/?a=ge.tt
ZedUpload
ZedUpload is both a web-based and a desktop service that you can use to share files up to 1GB. But not only: ZedUpload, in fact, was born primarily as an online storage service where you can back up your files and access them from any computer logged to the internet. You don't need to register to send a file, but you do need to have an account to use the storage facility provided.
Pricing plans for premium members (with 2GB upload capacity) start from $9.99/30 days, $19.99/60 days and $59.99/year. ZedUpload also offers an affiliate program that will pay you ($50 minimal payout) according to the number of downloads, account sales and referrals that you create.
http://www.zedupload.com/
iFile.it
iFile.it is a free service that you can use to send large files when your email provider won't let you cope with a simple email message. You can send as many files as you want in a day and each file can be large up to 1GB. Registration is not needed to use the service.
To transfer your files using iFile.it, simply select them on your computer and then click on “Upload”. Don't worry if your connection gets lost in the process, as the service supports resumable uploads. When the upload is completed, iFile.it will generate both a short and a full URL link that you can pass along to the people you want to download your file. Please note that your transferred files will be stored for up to one week if they are bigger than 100MB, and for up to one month if they are below 100MB.
http://ifile.it/
Snaggys
Snaggys is a web hosting service that transfers files that are way too large to be sent through a standard email message. Specifically, Snaggys can send up to two files at a time, large 500MB each. Registration is mandatory to use the service, but once you sign-up for a premium account (2.5GB/maximum file size - $6/1 mo., $8/3mo., $12/6mo., $24/12mo) you can expand your file size upload capacity, send up to five files simultaneously and also choose among other ways to send your files besides the standard HTML form.
To transfer your files, select what you want to transfer on your computer and start the upload. When that is complete, Snaggys will create a link that you can share with your recipients via e-mail or in any other way you want.
http://www.snaggys.com/
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