We all know the struggle of trying to figure out how to share large files over the internet. Whether it’s a document, photo, or video, the process of getting it from one computer to another can be frustratingly slow. But with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be.
Doing a quick Google search for “how to share large files over the internet” will give you a plethora of options. But not all of them are created equal. Some services are better for sending small files, while others are designed for larger ones.
There are a number of ways to share large files over the internet, but not all of them are created equal. In this article, we’ll explore a few of the most popular methods to share large files and discuss the pros and cons of each. Let’s get started!
Compress Files
Before you send any files, it’s important to make sure they’re as compressed as possible. This will help reduce the amount of time it takes to send them and also save you some bandwidth.
There are a number of ways to compress files, but the most popular is probably ZIP compression. This is the format that most file compression tools use, including WinZip and 7-Zip.
It’s fairly easy to compress files using compression software like WinZip or 7zip. Just select the files you want to compress, right-click on them, and choose the “Compress” option. This will create a new compressed file that’s smaller in size and takes less time to send. The file will be saved as a ZIP file, which you can then send over the internet.
Email To Send Large Files
The most common way to send files over the internet is by email. This is a quick and easy method that doesn’t require any special software or tools. Email also has the advantage of being universally supported, so almost everyone can use it.
To send files via email, just attach it to an email message and send it to the recipient. They can then open the attachment and save the file to their computer. It’s as easy as that!
The downside of email is that it can be slow and unreliable, especially if the file is large. Email servers can also be overloaded, which can cause the file to take a long time to download. Additionally, email is a good option for small files, but it’s not ideal for larger files. The maximum size for an email attachment is usually around 25MB, which may not be enough for larger files.
Use a Pen-Drive / USB Drive
If you need to send a file that’s larger than 25MB, you can use a pen drive or USB drive. This is a physical device that you can use to store and transfer files between computers.
USB drives come in a variety of sizes, from 1GB to 128GB. They’re also relatively cheap, which makes them a good option for transferring large files. However, they can be inconvenient if you’re not near a computer with a USB port.
To send a file using a USB drive, first copy the file to the drive. Then, insert the drive into the recipient’s computer and open it. The file will be saved to the computer’s hard drive.
The downside of using a USB drive is that it can be difficult to find someone who has one. Additionally, not everyone has a USB drive, which means that not everyone can receive files this way. So, if you’re looking for a way to send files to a wider audience, USB drives may not be the best option.
External Hard Drive To Share Large Files
Another option for sending large files is to use an external drive. This is a physical device that plugs into the recipient’s computer and can be used to store and transfer files.
External drives come in a variety of sizes, from a few gigabytes up to several terabytes. They can also be expensive, depending on the size and type you choose. It’s also important to make sure that the external drive is compatible with the recipient’s computer.
To send a file using an external drive, first copy the file to the drive. Then, unplug the drive from your computer and plug it into the recipient’s computer. The file will be saved to the computer’s hard drive.
The downside of using an external drive is that it can be difficult to find someone who has one. Additionally, not everyone has an external drive, which means that not everyone can receive files this way.
Use FTP
If you need to send a file that’s larger than 25MB, and the recipient doesn’t have a USB drive or external drive, you can use FTP. FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, and it’s a way to transfer files between computers.
To send a file using FTP, you first need to find an FTP server. This is a computer that’s specifically set up to store and share files. The most popular FTP server is FileZilla, which you can download for free.
Once you have the FTP server installed, you can open it and create a new connection. In the Connect to Server window, enter the address of the FTP server and click Connect. The username and password fields will be automatically filled in.
Next, navigate to the folder where the file is stored. Drag the file from the local window to the remote window, and click Upload. The file will be transferred to the FTP server and saved in the designated folder.
The downside of using FTP is that it can be difficult to find an FTP server. Additionally, not everyone knows how to use FTP, which means that not everyone can receive files this way.
Cloud-Based File-Sharing Services
Cloud-based file-sharing services are another option for sending large files. These services allow you to upload files to the internet and share them with other people.
They’re easy to use, and most of them have a free tier that allows you to send files up to a certain size. The most popular cloud-based file-sharing services are Google Drive, iCloud, and DropBox.
So, how do cloud-based file-sharing services work?
Basically, you create an account with the service and then upload the files that you want to share. The files are stored on the service’s server, and you can then share them with other people by sending them a link. This link can be used to download the files, or they can be streamed online.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using cloud-based file-sharing services.
First, not all of these services are free. Some of them require a paid subscription in order to use the service. Second, the files that you upload to these services are often stored in a public folder. This means that anyone who has access to the link can download the files. Finally, the file-sharing service can go offline or experience other technical difficulties, which means that the files may not be accessible.
To send a file using a cloud-based file-sharing service, first upload the file to the service. Then, open the service and share the file with the recipient. They will be able to download the file and save it to their computer.
The downside of cloud-based file-sharing services is that they can be slow and unreliable. Additionally, not everyone has a subscription to these services, which means that not everyone can receive files this way.
Filemail
Filemail is the perfect solution for individuals and businesses of all sizes looking for a secure way to transfer huge files. Filemail has made a name for itself for its ease of use, fast transfer speeds, generous storage space, and secure compliant data handling.
With Filemail, there is no size limit for sending files. This means that you can send files of any size, without having to worry about exceeding a limit. Filemail offers two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption, which ensures that your files are safe and secure. Additionally, Filemail also comes with a virus scanning feature, which scans all files for viruses before they’re sent. Make sure to check out Filemail for your next large file transfer!
Conclusion
Sending large files over the internet can be a challenge, but there are several options available. The most popular methods include compressing files, using email, a USD drive, an external drive, FTP, or a cloud-based file-sharing service. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Make sure to do thorough research before selecting a method, as this will help ensure successful file transfers. It’s also important to keep in mind the file size, as some methods may not be suitable for larger files.
Finally, remember that the best way to send large files is to use a combination of methods. This will help ensure that the file is delivered successfully, regardless of the internet connection speed or file size. Happy sending!