Internet Storage Rant

pcrattail · Joined: Jun 11, 2004 Posts: 406

I had an online game that a "friend" wanted to try.
She proceeded to try to download it. Well, the download failed every time.

Now since I had downloaded it without problems, I figured I would upload it to a "file storage" site, and see if she could have better luck from me.

I searched the NET for a solution, but most were dismissed because.....
the file was 2 Gigs in size. Most sited allowed less than 500mb size per file.

I was told about one called......... Megashares.
Boy did it look good. Up to 10Gig of space for storage on free account, and a file COULD be 10Gig in size. You are given 2 links to the file. One for downloading it, and one to delete it (if there are problems).

Without any helper programs..... it took ... over 9 hours to upload.
I received my "links" as soon as the upload was over (nice).

Now, all who know me, know that I try NOT to send links UNLESS I know they work as advertised. I pasted the link into the browser, and was greeted by a wonderful page.

YOU can only download 250mb for free. IF you wish to download more, buy our services. PS... The file you want to download is WAY above the allotted size. You will have to buy our service, to get the full file.

SAY WHAT ???? They did NOT tell me THIS when I uploaded the FILE.
There was NO mention of a download "limitation". This is a classic "bait and switch" if I have ever seen one.

HEY...... IF I had known this restriction, I may have "broken up" the file. But....... noooooooooo, they want to use a GUN to force their service down YOUR recipients throat.

zlim · Joined: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 2636

I have about a page and a half of file sharing sites with size limits and costs. Looking over the list for a free 2 GB site, there' s
http://www.flyupload.com/ (inactive files deleted after 60 days)
http://bitroad.net/ (requires registration)
http://www.esnips.com/ (requires registration)

I'd go for flyupload - I've gotten files from that site.

pcrattail · Joined: Jun 11, 2004 Posts: 406

zlim ..... thanks.

flyupload .. is not worth it . I tried uploading a small file, and upon downloading it, it was 0mb. The file was there only by name. Also, I was greeted with 10 popup windows... with the 11th window being the download one. To finish it off, the download link...... was dead center of the page, and surrounded by 30 ads. I could handle going through this on upload, but I can't make a person downloading the file take that chance.

flyupload ..... flunks the ...... Usability test..... LOL

........................................................................................

Bitroad .. will work . I tried uploading a picture, and downloading was great. I got the download link, and I was greeted with a page that had a timer on it. I clicked the internal link, and was next greeted with the timer starting (3 minutes). After the clock stopped, I was greeted with one of those security pics/codes. When I pressed the internal link again, I was greeted with another timer (3 minutes again). Again, the clock stopped, again a security pic/code. 1 more click of the internal link, and I was able to get to the pic. I think my "downloader" can handle those little hoops to jump through.

Bitroad ..... just slightly passes the ...... Usability test..... LOL

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1546 Location: Central FL, USA

Rat,

I download what seems like TONS of software every week/month.
Lately many titles have been coming not from the originating site but from
www.box.net

It's just a hosting and storage site. I signed up and got my FREE 'box' but finally decided I wanted more space/bandwidth, etc.
So I opted for their premium subscription and paid for it, a year in advance.
They had a special running and I saved several dollars in the process.

To save space in my "Box", I always Untra-Compress my files with '7Zip' before uploading them. I now have a file, in my 'Box' , that's 430 megabytes on my hard drive, but compresses to 8.3 meg's with 7Zip.

Anyone can download one of my saved files, as long as I send them the download code.
In My Box, the filename to download is changed to a CODE name, for security reasons.
I'm keeping a text file, sort of like a poor man's spreadsheet, of my filenames and their download code names.

So far the whole system is working like a champ!

I'm also a paid up member at "Rapidshare.com".
I don't upload files there, but went "Pro" to avail myself of much faster downloads.
Two or three minutes and several trys to get a download was killing me! Rolling Eyes

For just a few 'well-placed' bucks, there's all sorts of really good stuff out there.

Drop me an email, if you need specific details. OK rat?

Cheers Mate!
The Doctor Cool

zlim · Joined: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 2636

pcrattail, sorry it didn't work. I use AdMuncher in windows and AdBlock+ in linux so I never see any popups. You need to install a decent popup blocker!!!

goretsky

Hello,

Have you considered sending the file on a DVD±R or USB key to the recipient? With weekly sales on them at office supply and computer superstores, you can often pick up a 4GB key for $15-20 or so, and then mail it to the recipient for a couple of dollars more. Makes a nice inexpensive gift, too.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1546 Location: Central FL, USA

In years past, I've sent CD's all over the world. But with all the increases in mailing costs, it's just not economically feasible, unless the person receiving the CD is willing to pick up the costs.

Having the files I want to share on a server somewhere on the internet, is by far the best way to go.
7Zip can compress a file to a mere fraction of its normal size so uploads and subsequent downloads can be really swift.

I have two ISP's that give me free web space, but it's only 15 megs ea.
I learned a long time ago to 'scrunch' my files before uploading them.

Rat, I hope you find what you need.

Good Luck,
The Doctor Cool