File Transfer Software
Share and exchange files worldwide
File sharing software allows the exchange of files through a network such as the Internet. File transfer protocol (FTP) or peer-to-peer (P2P) software can be used to access and share files within small local area networks (LANs) or among millions of users on the World Wide Web.
FTP software is used to transfer files from one computer to another over the Internet or through a LAN and runs over transmission control protocol, or TCP. To access files for transfer, users log onto an FTP server, either anonymously or through authentication, and then select the files they wish to download.
FTP can also be used for uploading. It is often used to transfer a Web page to a hosting server; in this case, the user requires FTP client software to make the transition possible. Some of the best file sharing software includes CuteFTP, FTPVoyager and WS_FTP Pro for Windows or Transmit 2, Interarchy 6.2 and Fetch 4.0 for Macintosh.
Other than for building websites from scratch, FTP file transferring has decreased in popularity in recent years, while peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing has exploded. Rather than depending on a central core of servers, P2P networks rely on the collective bandwidth of the network to connect and transfer files.
With P2P, files for download are stored on individual users' computers and software such as Napster, LimeWire and Gnutella searches for the desired files on these "peer" computers. Uploading files for download by other peers keeps the community full of available files. Some software makes uploading mandatory, while others encourage contributing to a file sharing community with rewards systems. P2P file sharing is used widely in homes for acquiring music and video files.
Free file transfer software of both the FTP and P2P varieties can be downloaded easily. Popular programs include FileZilla, an FTP application, and LimeWire, a P2P program. Other applications offer free trials, and some P2P programs, like Napster, charge a nominal monthly fee to keep the industry running despite increasing preference for downloaded media.
Features and Benefits
File transfer software allows you to:
- Upload your own website to a Web host quickly and simply.
- Gain access to millions of files from users all over the world.
- Share your own music, videos, images or documents.
- Transfer files within a local area network (LAN) without the use of removable storage such as disks or thumb drives.
Top Choices
- Cute FTP
- Fetch 4.0
- Napster
- Limewire
Major Considerations
- Do I want an FTP method of file sharing, or should I use P2P software?
- Is free software enough to meet my needs, or should I buy a full-featured, full-priced program?
- Do I want to only download files or is sharing my own files important to me?
- Do I want to connect with many anonymous users over the Internet or get an FTP system within my LAN?
Price Range
There is a great deal of free P2P software available for download, though some will charge a nominal fee of around $10 per month for media downloading. Some basic FTP client software can also be found free online, but most full versions cost from around $25 to around $60.
Summary
Quick and easy file sharing is important to businesses and music lovers. FTP or P2P applications provide simple file sharing without the hassle of solid storage systems such as disks or USB flash drives. File sharing has become an everyday part of online media and is another step technology is taking to bring the worldwide community even closer.
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