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 varying levels of access privileges assigned. Typically file sharing requires users to upload 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 website. Instead, files are shared directly between personal computers with no intermediate server, making it a peer-to-peer exchange. File sharing allows a number of people to access one file, being able to combine elements like reading, writing, 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 (15.5 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 are automatically synchronized to Dropbox's servers and are accessible from any other computer using the account.
  • Authors can share files after inviting people to a particular folder
  • 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.
  • Mobile application access
  • 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
Box.net Cloud content management system to manage and access content online
  • Free web storage up to 5 GB for non-commercial use
  • File size limit of 25 MB
  • Files can be shared as links
  • Access available on mobile devices like iPhone or Blackberry
Features like syncing files to desktop and integration with Google Docs only available through paid subscription
Google Docs Online space which allows 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


Job Aid

Pdf.png File Sharing

References

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