Online File Sharing: The Need of the Hour

Difference between web hosting and file hosting

While surfing the Internet in a quest to find storage space for home video or favorite music, users often confuse file hosting with web hosting. But there's a certain difference between the two. Firstly, web hosting enables you to place your website on the Internet. And file hosting offers storage space, where you may store whatever you want - including movies, music, work documents and other pertinent files. I guess that elucidates any confusion regarding the two separate concepts. Furthermore, file hosting is what we are concerned with here.

Why do you need file hosting?

The need for file hosting may arise if you wish to share files with friends and family, and your files are often large in size. Making floppies and burning CDs is neither economical nor it is an easy chore. Carrying physical media can be quite cumbersome at times. File sharing via email is not secure, and moreover, email cannot be used for large file transfers. In such a scenario, the best option available is file hosting and sharing. Unequivocally, there are 4 common types of files - video, images, music and data. If you desire a file hosting and sharing server, you may use the following keywords while you carry out a search on Google (arguably the best search engine) - "share files with friends and family".

How to go about it?

The online file sharing server would typically allow you to choose a file from your computer's local hard drive. The file types allowed for upload are specified by the sharing system. File sharing websites may place restrictions on the upload file size. But these restrictions can always be lifted by purchasing a higher plan. In general, such websites provide a demo account where you could easily get a feel as to how the system works. For instance, http://www.sharingarena.com offers a demo account that allows you to upload files up to 500 MB. However, you may acquire a "premium account", which boasts of an overwhelming 20 GB online storage space - that would certainly be enough for all your favorite music, videos and data files. By opening an account, you have access to a personal file manager. Using this personal file manager, you can download files at your leisure, and also share files with friends and family by simply distributing the download links.

Online file sharing is the most reliable and easy way to host and share your files. For more information, please visit the file sharing service at www.sharingarena.com

Nitin Mutreja is an expert software engineer, who has a true penchant for online file sharing. To get more information on file sharing, you may reach him at http://www.sharingarena.com or email him at info@sharingarena.com

Use the Right Tool For the Job - When to Use Online File Sharing Vs Email

Would you use a saw to hammer a nail? It can be dangerous to use email to share files with others when it only leads to chaos and people using the wrong version of the file.

We all know the wisdom of 'use the right tool for the job' - to do otherwise is to invite confusion and lost files. It's no different with the many choices of online Internet-based tools: pick the right one and you job will be sped along to successful conclusion.

Email is the #1 Internet application. Free mail services such as Yahoo Mail, Microsoft Hotmail and Google GMail are perennial favorites because they provide powerful mail capabilities, work from any browser or computer, and are free. Many of us still use PC-based mail programs such as Microsoft Outlook.

However, no matter what mail program you use, you are bound to have used it at times to share files with friends or colleagues. It's so tempting because it's so easy - just attach the file and hit 'Send', and the message is sent off to Samantha and Henietta. Not only that, but you can be sure they'll notice it - it'll be right at the top of their email inbox.

Or can you be sure? There are several potential hitches with sending files by email, and a more pervasive problem when people slip into using their email programs as a 'filing system' for dozens or hundreds of file attachments they've received.

First, the potential hitches to them even getting the file in the first place:

1. Your email system or theirs might absolutely refuse to transmit the attachment because it's too large or because virus protection software is over zealous and stripping out attachments

2. Their email system might have spam filters that prevent them from ever seeing the email

3. Your email might get lost in their inbox - never noticed by them; only leading to you being asked to 'send it again please'

Second, the more pervasive problem when you and your colleague Samantha and Henietta slip into using email as a filing system. The problem is that email inboxes and folders fill up with many emails with many attachments, and when you send a new version of a file, the old version of the file never goes away - it's also still there, lurking in their email folders. It's all too easy for them to mistakenly refer to the wrong version of the file. This can be a major source of confusion, mistakes or worse.

There's a better way to share files with one or more groups than sending them via email attachments - post the files online into a single file sharing website, where all your colleagues have secure access to the files. That way, members always access the latest, most current version of the files.

There are a variety of excellent online file sharing solutions for groups. The best provide various levels of support for groups to set privacy levels so the files can only be accessed by group members who log in with passwords.

Some good ways to find directories of file sharing is to Google or Yahoo search on 'file sharing directory'.   Or you can Google on 'KeepandShare Free File Sharing' for a free service.

The third, is an easy-to-use system where you create a free account and organize your information in folders that you name whatever you like. Folders can contain files you upload, as well as native web documents you can create in KeepandShare. You set the 'sharing' on the files and folders to control who sees what - so your information is always as secure as you want. You can even grant edit rights to allow others in your group to upload files into a folder for sharing.

Lastly, KeepandShare also offers group calendar sharing with the same password-protection as the calendar.

Mitch Mueller writes on a variety of web topics, always trying to make it easy for folks to use the web to better their lives.

Resources: Upload PDF Files, Maui Wedding Photography and Maui Maternity Photos

10 Ways To Protect Your Computer While You Use File Sharing Programs

In these times when we often talk about the security of our national borders, perhaps more thought should be given to something that labors under a more constant threat of assault: your computer.
As a computer technician, my opinion of most file sharing programs is pretty low. Most of them have few computer security options, if any. In addition to that, many computer security companies (including Symantec, makers of the famous Norton Antivirus software) have confirmed that many P2P programs contain spyware. And if you have a broadband connection, you're even more vulnerable than dial-up users to download a virus.
However, I feel I should provide a few tips to those brave souls who continue to use file sharing programs, despite the ever-present possibility of downloading a virus that can remotely control your computer, transfer your personal information to a third party, or just delete your entire hard drive.
Here's a list of the 10 best tips you can follow to reduce your chances of getting a virus while you engage in 'traditional' file sharing. I'll break the tips into 3 sections: what to do before you download the file sharing software, what to do after you download it, and what to do during your use of the software.
Of course, it's impossible to eliminate any possibility of getting a virus. But if you take a few precautionary steps, you might avoid some major problems.
BEFORE you download any file sharing software...
10 - Use anti-virus software AND anti-spyware programs
Hackers are getting smarter (and sneakier), and some viruses can go undetected by the best programs. That's why it's important to have multi-level support with 2 or more security programs. You'll be covered if you have a good anti-virus program, a good adware program, and a good firewall program, in addition to whatever firewall protection your operating system came with. Run the programs weekly, whether you notice a problem or not! If you use more than 1 lock on your front door, use more than 1 for your PC.
9 - Back up your computer BEFORE installing any new software
Let's assume that the software you plan to install has more viruses than an outhouse! If you need to restore your computer to its pre-software settings (after you delete the program, of course), then you should back up your system BEFORE you download any risky software. If you have Windows XP, use the System Restore ability to make the restoration a little easier.
8 - Review the software AND its manufacturer before you download
There are several anti-virus programs that actually contain spyware. The main reason people download software like that is because they never bothered to investigate the software maker or the program itself before they downloaded it. Look for reviews of the software and the company behind it, and ask several questions: does the software have advanced security settings, are there satisfied users who give it high ratings, has it won any industry awards, can it be completely uninstalled when you choose to delete it? These questions should be answered long before you even consider downloading a particular program. (see #6 and #7)
7 - Download all of your software from a reputable source
You can avoid a lot of heartache by choosing to download your software from a website with a great reputation. Websites like Download.com and Tucows.com both list programs that have been thoroughly tested before they're made available to the public, as well as useful reviews and recommendations. Like a grade school bully, you should let the nerds do your homework if you're unwilling to do it yourself.
AFTER you download the file sharing software...
6 - Modify file sharing program settings for maximum security
It's astonishing that so few users of file sharing software ever bother to review the software settings. NEVER use the default software settings because they're usually designed for the benefit of the community - you often get the lowest security, the slowest download speed, and the fewest search options. Make sure you alter these settings for maximum security. If the software doesn't allow you to do that, don't use it! Downloading P2P software is like inviting strangers into your house - you hope they'll do the right thing, but it's up to you to make sure they don't do the wrong thing.
5 - Avoid programs and other executable files when file sharing
Although it's tempting to download many types of computer programs (especially .EXE files), you must be careful. They can easily be modified to contain viruses. Downloading files that are popular (i.e. files that have been downloaded many times, or files that are on a "popular files" list) can also present problems because some viruses are programmed to change its title to that of a more popular file. For example, a hacker can easily rename a virus from "harddrivekiller.exe" to something more desirable, something like "PhotoShopInstaller.exe." Don't allow your greed to override your common sense (see #2 and #3).
4 - Look for adult and game files elsewhere
Adult files (i.e. files with explicit sexual content) and PC game files are the 2 most likely types of files to contain viruses, adware and spyware. Downloading them ANYWHERE on the internet is somewhat risky if you're not familiar with the source website, but trying to get them through P2P networks is like playing Russian roulette - you might escape the bullet for a while, but you'll get it eventually.
DURING your use of the file sharing software...
3 - Look at the file size and type when you download a file
P2P programs are full of files with inaccurate (and intentionally misleading) file names. But you can often spot a fake file by making sure the file has a corresponding file size and type. For example, most songs (not albums) and books shouldn't be greater than 10 megabytes (MBs) in size, and they shouldn't be executable files, either. If you want to download a copy of the Bible, but it's 15MB in size and it has a .EXE file extension, it's probably a virus, not a book.
2 - Read user reviews of each download file
Most people don't realize that you can read user reviews of a file before you download it. There's no single file sharing protocol, so I can't tell you exactly where you should look. But look for any links that say "User Comments," "File Reviews" or something similar, and read what others are saying about the downloaded file. They can warn you if the file is corrupt, if it has an inaccurate file title or description, contains a virus, etc.
1 - Be observant about your computer and its behavior
Has your computer been acting 'weird' lately? Has a new folder or icon appeared on your desktop? Are you unable to access or delete certain folders? These symptoms could be the first signs that you have a virus. Be grateful that you caught the warning signs, and act quickly! Delete the file, run your anti-virus and adware software, and restore your pre-download computer settings. Hopefully, you followed tips #10 and #9 before you started to experience a problem.
I hope these tips are useful to you. As I stated earlier, you'll always be vulnerable to many types of viruses when you engage in traditional file sharing, regardless of how careful you are. But, if you follow these tips, you can significantly reduce any problems you might experience. Happy file hunting!

Ken Walker is a certified computer technician who specializes in file sharing and computer security. He's the author of the "Next Level File Sharing List" - the most comprehensive collection of file sharing websites, tips and tricks - available exclusively at [http://www.NextLevelFileSharing.com]. He is based in New York City.

File Sharing Goes Mobile

Advances in communications and technology have brought with it an off-shoot phenomenon that has greatly impacted the way individuals and businesses connect and deal with each other. File Sharing, which usually follows the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) model, has made it possible for people to connect in an instant. It involves an exchange of files between two users: an uploader providing the file and a downloader, who receives the file. The files are usually stored and served by the personal computers of the users.
Whereas before it would take days for individuals from across the globe to share photos, documents, videos and music, file sharing has bridged that gap of time and distance. Its impact is probably most felt in the music and entertainment industry wherein file sharing has made it possible for fans to listen and watch the latest music and movie releases in a span of seconds! As soon as the upload is finished, fans can easily download the file and be instantly updated with the latest events in the music and entertainment industry.
This wave was started by Napster, a file sharing service that paved the way for other P2P file sharing programs which are now used for many of the same reasons and can download music, pictures, and other files. The popularity and repercussions of the first Napster have made it a legendary icon in the computer and entertainment fields.
Napster was only just the beginning. Its pioneering effort in the file sharing phenomenon brought about the rise of more advanced P2P file sharing programs.
Kazaa, for one, is commonly used to exchange mp3 files over the internet. It uses the FastTrack protocol and enables users to exchange other file types as well. Videos, documents, and even software applications were made readily available to downloaders. However, Kazaa also saw its decline as it found itself the target of many copyright-related lawsuits. In addition, it has also become infamous due to the large number of viruses, worms, and Trojans that it has been known to support and help spread.
iMesh is a social network that also operates as a file sharing system. It has its own protocols for file transfer, and it was also the first to introduce the concept of swarming; that is, one user can download a single file from many different sources, effectively breaking the file down and increasing the speed of one's download.
P2P sharing programs like iMesh has brought with it the rise of Limewire, probably the most commonly used P2P application for downloading mp3s and videos. LimeWire is a P2P client for the Java Platform, which uses the Gnutella network to locate files as well as share files. Although a free software, Limewire also offers a PRO version which differs from the Basic Version in a number of respects; the most highlighted being its "Turbo Charged" downloads as it allows downloads to come simultaneously from 10 peers rather than only 8.
Swarming eventually led to the development of BitTorrent, the latest rage in File Sharing. Also P2P in nature, BitTorrent users connect to each other to send and receive portions of the file. What sets BitTorrent apart from its other file sharing counterparts is that there is a central server (a tracker) which coordinates the action of all peers. The tracker only manages connections but it does not have any knowledge of the contents of the files being distributed; therefore, a large number of users can be supported with relatively limited tracker bandwidth. The key philosophy behind BitTorrent is that users upload at the same time they are downloading. In this manner, network bandwidth is utilized as efficiently as possible. BitTorrent is designed to work better as the number of people interested in a certain file increases. BitTorrent is ideal for downloading the latest movies, discographies and software applications.
File Sharing and the Mobile Web
Indeed, file sharing has become quite the phenomenon that it has even carried over to the mobile web. Mobilemo, a mobile web site builder, is among the few mobile web hosting platforms that introduces file sharing features for mobile phones. People from across the globe now find it easier to connect and share photos, music, videos and files with friends, family and business partners. Mobilemo facilitates file sharing by enabling its members to upload their files through the internet and letting their friends download these files through mobile phones at any given time and at any given place. With Mobilemo's file sharing feature, connecting with friends, promoting creative freedom, and keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and happenings have never been this easy!
Although still not as advanced as the file sharing programs made available on the Internet, Mobile File Sharing offers mobile phone users the instant convenience of sharing and downloading their files on-the-go. Businesses get to present their latest line of products to clients and partners without having to log into a PC. Mobile File Sharing also celebrates creative self expression-artists and musicians are given another venue to showcase their latest artworks and musical compositions through mobile phones! Fans get to download their favorite songs, videos and artworks as soon as it is uploaded! Although not yet as highly developed as its Internet file sharing counterpart, the future is definitely looking good for Mobile File Sharing!







Tricia Morente started writing even before she started talking. She writes about everything under the sun. Her forte is Creative Nonfiction but she has also written articles discussing technology, business, lifestyle and public affairs. Her stint in public relations and marketing eventually led her to join the Internet Marketing team of Mobilemo, a mobile website builder that provides mobile phone users the platform to create and manage their mobile websites using highly interactive and user-friendly tools.