File Sharing

File Sharing

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Term2.png FILE SHARING
File sharing refers to the public and private sharing of computer files or data in a network, with various levels of access privilege assigned. Typically file sharing requires users to upload files and download files from a server. Peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing, however, does not follow the traditional model of uploading and downloading files from a Web site. Instead, files are shared directly from personal computer to personal computer with no intermediate server — it is thus, peer to peer. File sharing allows a number of people to access one file, being able to do some combinations of reading, writing or modifying, copying and printing. In order to share files, a file transfer system called the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) has become widely-used. FTP can be used to access (read and possibly write to) files shared among a particular set of users with a password.[1]


Toolkit.png File sharing tools
Below is a list of file sharing tools that allow users to share content online:
Tools Description Characteristics Advantages Disadvantages
Dropbox Downloadable tool (14 MB) which works like any other folder on the computer.
  • Free up to 2 Gb
  • Enables access to files from anywhere
  • Any files or folders saved inside Dropbox gets automatically synchronized to Dropbox's servers and is accessible from any other computer that uses that account
  • Authors can share files after inviting the people
  • Keeps track of every change made to a document. Enables to view or restore any previous version of a given file and to undelete files accidentally trashed
  • Allows sharing files with non-Dropbox users. Users can save their files on the Public folder and send the link to these documents to others, without requiring people to sign up for Dropbox
Doesn’t enable users to edit a document at the same time
Drop.io Online space where users can upload and share files.
  • Free up to 2 Gb
  • Enables access to files from anywhere
Suggests to create a login to increase security but does not demand it. Doesn't allow to edit the files online, therefore it is not possible to edit them at the same time.
Google Docs Online space which allow you to share and collaborate online.
  • Free
  • Enables access to files from anywhere
  • Authors can share files after inviting the people
  • Keeps track of whom made changes to a document and when. Enables to view or restore any previous version of a given file.
  • Has an integrated chat that allows to comment in real time.
Requires the user to have a gmail account

References

  1. http://searchcio-midmarket.techtarget.com/definition/file-sharing (26 September 2011), http://www.bsacybersafety.com/threat/p2p.cfm (26 September 2011)