Using of File Hosting

What is file hosting? It’s a service that lets you store your files in a remote server over the internet. You can store different file types, and sometimes any kind of file type within a specified size limit. There are several reasons why you’ll want to use file hosting, but there are warnings to keep in mind to.

Some uses of file hosting:

1. It lets you access your files from anywhere. This may be useful for frequent travelers and for backup purposes. But we do not recommend that you use a file hosting service as your primary backup. After all, you do not know where your files are actually being kept. (Some of them are stored in bomb-proof vaults underground, but that’s still no guarantee that they are safe.)

2. File hosting lets you distribute large files without eating up disk space in your web hosting account. Suppose you have a web site hosted on a free server that gives you a paltry 20MB of space. You have a ton of PDF books you want to make available for download, but you can’t afford to use up that precious little space. Solution: file hosting. Just make sure when you do this that your web site’s name and URL are mentioned in the file hosting account, so people will see it. Also, include a live link back to your site in all your freebies whenever possible (e.g. clickable links in ebooks).

3. File hosting lets you share files without giving away your e-mail address or having to send the file every time. Suppose you are a member of a forum or message board. You have files to share but want to do it without showing your e-mail address. How? Just post a link to your hosted files (make sure they are in a “shared” folder). Your friends may or may not be required to sign up with the file hosting service to be able to access your files. This spares you the trouble of having to upload and send files via e-mail every time someone asks for it.

4. Some file hosting services are also file sending services. That is, they let you upload a file to their server, and a temporary link i given to your designated recipient’s e-mail address. The file will then be available for download for a limited time or number of downloads.

We offer you this tip if you don’t want to use e-mail: When you upload the file, designate your own e-mail address (preferably a dummy account to guard against spam) and the file download info will be sent to THAT account. Copy the link and give it to your recipient via PM in a forum.

Now some warnings:

1. Never trust a file hosting service with your private files. It’s obvious why: You don’t know who these people are.

2. Read the Terms of Agreement carefully when you sign up.

3. Don’t abuse a file hosting service by uploading and then sharing illegal content such as pirated music and “warez.” This might cause the free service to be discontinued or the bandwidth limit to become smaller. These guys keep an eye on illegal usage because it’s not only a crime, it also eats up bandwidth. So if you enjoy free file hosting, be fair and don’t abuse it.

File hosting has its advantages as well as its limits. It should never be treated as an alternative or an equal to your hard disk drive. But it has its uses. Use it wisely and you will find yet another useful web freebie. Courtesy ZNetIndia.com