File hosting options are everywhere, and many Web file hosting services even offer free accounts. However, free accounts may not provide the features you need, and may come packaged with annoying popup ads or embedded links. If you're looking for a good file hosting service, you'll need to compare the options offered by several providers.
Size, Bandwidth and File Type Limitations
Most free file hosting services have some sort of limitations on size, file types and bandwidth. If you need to host large files, or files of a certain file type, such as MP3s, make sure you check ahead of time to see if the file hosting service meets your needs. Free services are more likely to have limitations than paid services, so if you can't find a free service that offers you enough space or supports a specific file type, you might have to go with a paid provider.
Bandwidth determines how quickly users are able to download your files, and how often users may download it before you exceed your account allocation. If you're going to be hosting large files or popular files, make sure you get an account with high bandwidth.
Do You Want a Collaborative Provider?
Some file hosting services, such as Google Docs, give users the ability to collaborate on hosted files. You can share files with other users, and everyone has the ability to alter the hosted document. If collaboration is important, look for a file hosting service that offers this feature. Otherwise, people will have to download a file, make edits, and send the file to the account administrator to upload the changes, unless they have direct account access to the file host.
Beware of Advertising and Membership Requirements
Some file hosting Web sites finance their services with tons of popup ads, or by requiring membership in order for people to download files. When you're evaluating file hosting services, take a look at whether they offer easy-to-use, no-strings services, or if they inundate users with irritating advertisements. If you select a file host that makes users navigate tons of popup ads before they can download files, you may end up with some very unhappy users. That also sends the wrong message to clients if you're a business.
Consider the Interface
How do you want to interact with your file hosting provider? Some file hosting services allow you to upload your files via FTP, while others use a Web-based form that requires you to have an active browser window open. If you want to upload many files simultaneously, FTP provides a better interface than most Web interfaces. However, some people may not want to install FTP software on their computers, so Web interfaces can provide a welcome alternative.
Using a File Hosting Service
While the specifics vary from service to service, in general all you need to do is upload your file. Once it's uploaded, you'll get a link you can send to other people, who can download the file directly from the file host. Different services have specific steps to follow for these procedures, and some hosts don't allow you to provide direct links, so consult the file host for specifics.
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