One stormy day …

Most ISP’s and free Email providers like Yahoo, MSN and Google have liberalized their file size policies and allow files of 10 MB or so. This makes it easier to send large documents, but still isn’t enough when there are several, large pictures or files that have to get to somebody quickly.

Here is an overview of alternatives to handle the problems of moving large files, within your association, and with outside contacts:

• Zip - most PC’s have the software ability to compress files to a smaller size (zip), and to de-compress or unzip them. Try zipping your file(s) and see if you can get under the file size limitation. Email the Zipped (smaller) file.
• Thumb drives - these little devices fit on your key ring and can hold 32 MB and more. I use one that holds 1 GB. Simply copy the file to a thumb drive and send/carry it to the desired recipient. They insert the Thumb drive into a USB port and copy the file(s) using any windows programs.
• CD - burn a CD that can be mailed/expressed/carried to your recipient. Tip - use write-once CD’s instead of rewritable CD’s, to minimize compatibility issues between PC’s.
• File Exchange Services - In the “Software I Like” blog, I profiled the YouSendIt service that has worked well for me: Software I Like (Emailing very large files) You upload the file to the service; they email your recipient; your recipient links to and downloads the file.
• File Split programs - These utilities will chop a large file into smaller chunks to beat the attachment size limits. The recipient must have the same utility to rejoin the chunks into the original file. Works well but is a little too technical and involved for casual transfers.
• FTP - FTP (file transfer protocol) is a quick way to exchange files, at Internet up/download speeds. FTP is fine, if you have an FTP server that can house the files, and if you and the recipient have ftp clients and know how to use them (all big ifs).
• Connect your two PC’s over the Internet - and then transfer files. I’ve used PCAnywhere (requires software on each PC, and setup), and GoToMyPC (pay for connection, and download software to link up).
• Peer-to-peer file transfer networks - these nets (names like KaZaA, Napster, Gnutella) are usually associated, in a negative way, with freely swapping music and videos. The process is just a way for two PC’s to hook up over the Internet and exchange files - even works for business purposes! Not for the faint of heart because both ends have to install special software, open up their hard drives somewhat, and dodge malware.

How have you handled files that are too big to send as Email attachments?