File sharing is the process used to access digital information.
It can be documents, audio, video, photos, graphics, computer programs, various images, and even e-books. Secure file sharing is used for this purpose. There can be private or public distribution of data on the network, and levels of access can be configured on a case-by-case basis.
File sharing can be performed in different ways. Let’s look at the most common ones:
peer-to-peer networks;
hyperlinked documents;
centralized server installations.
Users can choose the appropriate method according to their requirements.
Purpose of Using File Sharing
File sharing is a special computer function that was developed in connection with portable media through the use of network protocols, among which is the FTP file transfer protocol. Over the years and up to today, many servers and remote file sharing mechanisms have been introduced. FTP and IRC are among them.
The operating system also enables sharing files over an NFS network. This method of file sharing is rather popular. Basically, two network criteria are used for this process:
Peer-to-peer networks (P2P). This is the most popular way for document sharing. Users can find shared data using secure third-party software. Peer-to-peer file sharing allows direct access to edit and download files. Some third-party software makes using a peer-to-peer network much easier. This is due to the possibility of segmenting large files into smaller pieces.
File Placement Services. This method is an alternative to using a peer-to-peer network. Services are often used in conjunction with the Internet. E-mail, forums, blogs, and other media of mass communication can be selected. They can include direct links to download the necessary files. Such sophisticated websites host files that can be easily downloaded.
It is worth noting that file sharing can be illegal. The exception should be the exchange of materials that do not have the copyright or proprietary protection. There may also be problems with file-sharing applications. They are subject to spyware or adware hacking because some websites place spyware on their servers. Programs are installed on the user’s computer without the user’s knowledge or consent. Consequently, information that is supposed to be confidential is hacked.
Remote File Sharing
This is a type of distributed file system technology, which provides access to different files. It can be accessed by remote users via the Internet, as well as through a network connection. This technique was developed back in 1980 and has been successfully used until today.
RFS is also a well-known process that provides remote access to locally stored data or specific files. It is a typical distributed system where local hosts access files stored on a specific device with any protocol. It can be used on different systems and computers. Reliable file sharing software is available to users.
Ways to Share Files on the Internet
There are different ways to share files that you can use on different devices. For a quick sharing process, it is recommended to use simple sites. They are suitable when you need to exchange small-size files.
File sharing is essentially the same as peer-to-peer torrents. There are sites that enable users to drag and drop files and share links to those files. In this way, other users can download them without registration.
ShareDrop features functionality that is unlike other file-sharing options. To share, you need to open the ShareDrop website and click on the plus sign located in the upper right corner. After this, a room will be created and the necessary users can join it via a QR code.
This is an excellent secure document sharing platform. Everyone who joins the room gets an avatar. In order to send a file to the desired person, you need to click on his or her avatar. The main advantages include:
strong encryption;
use of WebRTC;
there is no need to use password protection.
JustBeamIt is another peer-to-peer file sharing site. It is easy to use. The user selects a file and creates a URL. Then he/she has to share the created link with the recipients.
The website has no restrictions that are related to the size or number of files to share. Despite this, the URL has an expiration time. It will actually expire after 10 minutes. The user has to re-upload the file. Some of the advantages include the fact that there is no limit on the number or size of files.
WeTransfer works in the same way as PlusTransfer. You need to upload the necessary files, enter the email address, and send the file in a convenient way. The main advantages include:
the possibility of downloading an unlimited number of files;
files are stored for 7 days;
there is no password protection or encryption.
Users can choose the best way to share files and data. Choose a tool that meets your requirements and can be considered reliable and secure. Robust software will help improve business performance.