Transferring, sharing, and distributing files is a task performed by nearly all computer users. Different situations may have different solutions, depending on what you need to share. For example, I would not use the same method to send a friend a PDF as I would to transfer my music collection from one computer to another. Today I will countdown the 10 best strategies for transferring files, when to use them, and their possible drawbacks.

10. Public Sharing Site

If you are looking for a way to share your content with millions, a public sharing site may be an easy solution. These sites include internet giants like Youtube (video) and Flickr (photo). Have vacation photos or the next big viral video? These allow others easy access without the need to download. This method does not actually transfer the files to someone; it simply lets them view their content. Most sites of this nature require you to sign up for an account and have upload limits.

9. Windows Live SkyDrive/Dropbox/GMail Drive

These services offer a simple solution to store and backup files to an online server, but require you to install software on your personal computer. Dropbox is currently in the beta stage, but is sending periodic invites to those who sign up. It places a folder on your computer which you save to like any other, then syncs that folder to their servers, allowing you to access your files from anywhere with internet. Transferring files is easy through use of shared folders. Gmail Drive is very similar to Filedropper, but is exclusively for personal starage. It creates a drive (which looks like an additional hard drive) and files saved there are backed up to the storage provided with your Gmail Account. SkyDrive is a newer solution from Microsoft that offers personal storage, sharing with friends, and the ability to share with all. It is similar to Dropbox, except the folder you save to is already online. The drawback with these three is the need to install software (and have others install it if sharing). However, SkyDrive has a public folder option that allows you to share files by sending a link with no software required (similar to File Dropper below).

8. FTP

If you have a web hosting plan, you can use FTP to share files easily with anyone. FTP is a client used to upload files from your computer to an online server. This option gives you further control over your files because you upload them to your server. Just share the URL of the file and others can download like anything else on the internet. With this option you cannot control who can download the file, so security may be an issue for certain files. As long as you don’t publicly post the link, you shouldn’t have any issues.

7. Pownce

Pownce is a social networking site that focuses on sharing files, links, posts, and events. This site works well, if the people you wish to share with have also signed up for Pownce. You can send the previously listed items to a single friend, list of friends, or all friends on Pownce. The service offers impressive upload sizes, and with a pro account for $20 a year, upload limts are 2.5x larger. Pownce also has a desktop application, eliminating the need to open the site in a browser to share files.

6. Network

If you need to move files between local computers, transferring them over the network is easy and free. This option requires initial setup, making sure both computers can share files and are properly connected to the network. Windows has a public folder by default, but you can set any folder to be shared. You can copy whole directories over to a shared folder on another computer. The drawback to sending large files and folders over the network is that transfer speeds can be slow. Another problem that occurs when you start to work off of multiple copies of a file is the need to keep track of which is the latest version.

5. IM

The option to send files over instant messenger is built into most clients. You will be able to see transfer progress from both ends and you instantly know when the transfer is completed. With IM, transfers fail often and speeds are can be painfully slow. Also, both users must be online to make a transfer. This option can be best for quickly sending small files to one person.

4. CD/DVD

This option has been a standard in moving files for years. Burning files to blank media is fast, easy, and has a decent storage size. It also allows you to keep a physical backup of your data. You can even send it through the mail. CDs and DVDs scratch easily and are not reusable (except for ±RW). If you are making a one-time transfer, there are more environmentally friendly methods.

3. Email

Email makes it this far up our list for one main reason: everyone has it. Attaching a file to a message is simple and convenient. Drawbacks to email file transfers include file size limits, restrictions on file types, and very slow transfers. Email also seems to be plagued with issues. How many times have you heard (or said), “My email is broken.”

2. External Hard Drives/Flash Drives

The best solution to transfer files locally is using an external hard drive or flash drive. Flash drives are small and convenient, can be carried in a pocket, and are available in ever-increasing sizes. External hard drives offer the highest size limits available. Both are fast and reusable. This solution only works as far as you are willing to physically move a drive.

1. File Dropper and Other Sites

File Dropper offers two ways to use its service. You can create an account and use it as online storage, or you can upload and share the link of the file. File Dropper offers free and paid accounts, depending on your storage needs. Also, you can use it without creating an account. The site has a very simple layout and the simplest method conceivable for sharing a file: upload, share link. There are many sites similar to File Dropper, but it is the best I have used to Date.

Other Soultions

I hope you can take advantage of these numerous options. If you have any other methods to share files, please leave them in the comments.