File sharing
File sharing between computers can be simple for small files by e-mail as an attachment but for larger file sharing it is easier to use a third party website or upload a file onto a server.
Here are some easy explanations on how to share files with your friends or business.
Small Files
A file size of around 1 to 2 Megabtye (Mb) is usually ok to send by e-mail. Although, it's all always better to check with the person you are sending the file to as this is considered to be bad 'netiquette' - especially if the person is unknown.
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Larger than Small
Slightly larger files of around 4 or 5 Mb can be compressed or packed down to a smaller size to be sent by e-mail. To do this you'll have to use a file utility program. See How to Use Winzip or How to Use WinRAR. These are excellent file compression tools and very simple to use. Click on the links to find out how to use them. Files that are compressed are not affected in any way and you can add some security when sending compressed files by adding a password to open the file.
Large Files
Sending a file larger than 5Mb is easily done by uploading it to your server, someone else's server by means of a file transfer program. See How to Use FTP which is short for File Transfer Protocol. There are many free and commercial software packages available.
Using 3rd Party Services
Recently, I had to send a 500Mb file to my friend. I was completely out of webspace and found it difficult finding any company who would allow a 500Mb upload without parting with cash. Then I discovered a company called YouSendIt. You can send files up to 100Mb in size one after the other. Use Winzip or Winrar to split your files up into segments. The receiver simply downloads the files and unpacks them. See my tutorials on how to do this.
Checking the size of a file
You can check the size of a file quite easily.
- Find the file in your computer that you want to send.
- Right-click on the file (PC users) and select properties from the menu.
- Displayed is the size of the and the size of the file on your disk drive. Those amounts are usually the same.
Transferring a file by e-mail using Outlook Express
- Open Outlook Express and type out your message in the usual way.
- From the Insert Menu at the top - (see screenshot)
- Select file attachment
- Find the location of your file and select it by clicking on it, click on Attach
You'll now see it displayed in the Attach location of the email
- Click on Send to complete sending the file!
Transferring a file by e-mail using Eudora
- Open Eudora
- Type out your message in the usual way
- Open the Message window and select Attach File
- Locate the file you want to send
- Click on Attach
- Click on Send to complete.
Transfer a file with MSN Messenger
There are 2 options here - either sending a file while talking to somebody or going direct to hotmail to send the file from the mailbox.
Option 1 - Sending a file while in a conversation
- With the conversation window open select Actions / send a single file
- Locate your file and then select Open
- The file will sit there until the person you are having a conversation with accepts the file transmission.
Option 2 - Sending a file from the Hotmail mailbox
- Either login to Hotmail or open your MSN Messenger / Windows Live Messenger and select the open your email inbox from the icons at the top of the messenger (an envelope icon).
- Type out your email message
- select the Attach menu / File
- Browse your hard-drive for the file.
- Select Open then select OK.
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