5) Megaupload

Megaupload

At Megaupload, you can send a file simply by completing the form on its home page. Enter an email address to send it or leave the recipient email blank to save the file on the server. After the file is uploaded, the URL to the file's location appears and it's emailed to you, if you include your email address. The free service allows uploading files up to 250 megs and stores it until it's unused for 30 days. Premium ups the file upload size limit to 1 Gb, files can be password protected and you can send them to multiple recipients.

Price: free (up to 500 megs) and Premium (various options from USD $4.99 for two days to USD $99.99 for a lifetime membership). Here's a comparison of the plans.

Multiple pickup: yes (premium only)

Delivery receipt: no

Virus scan: yes (premium only)

Compression: no

Encryption: no

Secure site: yes

Expiration period: unused for 30 days

Maximum file size: 500 (free) MB or 250 GB (premium)

Web site integration: no

Pros: No encryption.

Cons: No delivery receipt and disruptive ads.

4) YouSendIt

YouSendIt

YouSendIt is currently the most popular large-file transmission service. Khalid Shaikh from Campbell, California is the developer. YouSendIt is free, doesn't require upfront registration and it's easy to use. Frequently asked questions provide more information.

You can send an email along with the upload to let the recipient know how to receive the file. You receive a note when the file is sent and downloaded. YouSendIt also allows you to keep a list of contacts, so you don't enter the names every time if you tend to email the same people. There's a 128 character limit in the "To" field to prevent people from using the service to spam.

Price: free

Multiple pickup: yes

Delivery receipt: no

Virus scan: no

Compression: no

Encryption: no

Secure site: yes (HTTPS)

Expiration period: 7 days or 25 downloads, whichever comes first

Maximum file size: 100 MB (lite) and up to 2 Gb (plus)

Web site integration: Option to include a FileLink URL on your Web site that allows people to send you files.

Fair use policy: DMCA Policy

Pros: Easy to use. No registration. Secure.

Cons: We've had trouble downloading a 90meg file. Can only send one file at a time (zip multiple files). No confirmation when file is picked up. Requires recipient email address.

YouSendIt is popular because it's straightforward and allows anonymity. In October 2004, there was an article on the service in the WashingtonPost.com: From a Virtual Shadow, Messages of Terror by Ariana Eunjung Cha (Oct 2, 2004). It reports on how the service is being used by globally operating Islamic extremists.

3) SendThisfile

SendThisfile

SendThisFile is a product by Layer-Z, Inc., a Wichita, Kansas-based software engineering company. Its core business is the automation of irrigation systems. The full Enterprise version of SendThisFile is a complete, highly customizable and secure online file storage system.

Check the feature matrix, showing detailed tooltips for each individual feature. Note that the most advanced features like 64-bit DES storage encryption is available only for the most expensive subscriptions (Enterprise account).

The free account of SendThisFile can be used for occasional file transfers. Bandwidth usage for this type of account may be limited depending on mileage.

Price: free (limited features); several subscription plans range from USD $2.95 (200 Mb upload, 200 Mb download) to USD $49.95 / month. The pricing for the top plan is an administrative charge. For each Gb, you will be charged and the amount depends on the plan. Sign up for free (trial) account (provide email address and create a password).

Multiple pickup: yes (with paid subscriptions only)

Delivery receipt: yes

Virus scan: no

Compression: no

Encryption: yes (with paid subscriptions only)

Secure site: yes (with paid subscription only)

Expiration period: 3 days (6 days with paid subscription)

Maximum file size: no maximum

Web site integration: yes, called SendThisFile FileBox (example)

More information: Frequently asked questions

Pros: Custom page available. Good download times.

Cons: Free version has limited features.

2) LeapFILE

LeapFILE

LeapFILE is the core product of LeapFILE, a privately held company from Union City, California. Its file exchange product with full status tracking is mainly targeted to professionals and corporate users. Customers can send files to LeapFILE members without signing up for an account. This feature called FileDrop is accessed through a personalized URL created for each LeapFILE member.

Price: Prices and features vary depending on the service type.

Trial: free 7-day trial (max 250 Mb) based on the service you're interested in.

Multiple pickup: yes

Delivery receipt: yes (detailed status tracking feature)

Virus scan: no

Compression: yes

Encryption: yes

Secure site: yes

Expiration period: none

Maximum file size: The amount available in storage depends on the service. The range is from 5 gb to unlimited.

Web site integration: yes examples of integrated sites)

Pros: Receiver doesn't need to register. Uses access firewalls and data encryption for security. Files protected from unauthorized downloads.

Cons: Not free.

1) Dropload

Dropload

Created by André Torrez
Sign up: Generate Account (provide first name, last name, email address and password). This is the simplest service available for sending files to one recipient at a time. Once a file is picked up from the Dropload server, it is automatically deleted. The file size limit is 100 Mb.

Price: free

Multiple pickup: no

Delivery receipt: yes

Virus scan: yes

Compression: no

Encryption: no

Secure site: no

Expiration period: 7 days

Maximum file size: 100 Mb

Pros: Site has secure servers. Its virus definitions are updated in real time providing up to date protection. Servers are typically fast. Delivery confirmation.

Cons: The transfer process (uploading and downloading) is unencrypted unless you encrypt the files yourself. Servers at capacity, which could cause upload / download could cut off or hang. Can only send one file at a time (zip multiple files). Registration.