File hosting services has seen an explosion in popularity thanks to broadband internet, with millions of gigs of web traffic being used by virtual lockers and storage solutions. We thought it would be a good idea to sift through all of these sites and pick out our favourite file-hosting services.
Rapidshare
URL: http://www.rapidshare.com
Premium option: ?7 for one month, up to ?55 for a year's subscription.
Maximum upload size: 200 MBs for free service, 2 gigabytes for paid service
One of the most recognisable file-hosting services, Rapidshare allows users to upload files and distribute the download link up to ten times - with no need to create an account. Files do however, get deleted after 60 days without a download if you don't opt for a paid account.
Megaupload
URL: http://www.megaupload.com
Premium option: $10 for one month, up to $200 for a lifetime membership
Maximum upload size: 500 MBs for non-members, unlimited for premium accounts
Megaupload offers tremendous value for money with unlimited upload sizes and unlimited storage space, ideal for users who'd like to back-up or share huge chunks of data. For those not wanting to pay for the service, there's still the option of creating a free account, which gives users a hefty 200 gigabytes of storage.
The only downside is that, like Rapidshare, this service imposes a few seconds' waiting time before you're allowed to start downloading each file - unless you pay for an account.
Dropbox
URL: http://dropbox.com
Premium option: $10 for 50 gigabytes per month, $20 for 100 gigabytes per month
Maximum upload size: 300 MBs via website, unlimited via computer software
Dropbox uses file synchronisation to store and share files on the web. The software allows users to 'drop' their files into a folder (dropbox) on their computer, which is then synced to the computer cloud. When uploading a changed file, Dropbox only uploads the portions of the file that were changed, saving bandwidth and time.
Skydrive
Premium option: None
Maximum upload size: 50 MBs
Microsoft's attempt at a file-hosting service isn't a bad start at all, allowing Windows Live account holders to upload, store and share their files in the computer cloud. Every user gets 25 gigabytes of space, as well as integration with Windows Live Photos, Office apps and Windows Live Favourites ? ideal for executives and office people on the move.
Mediafire
URL: http://www.mediafire.com/
Premium option: From a bronze account for $7 per month giving you 100 gigabytes worth of direct links, to a gold account for $50 which gives you a 1000 gigabytes.
Maximum upload size: 200 MBs for non-registered users and 10 gigabytes for premium users
An award-winning file-hosting solution, Mediafire does away with waiting times and speed limits for downloading. Uploaded files are stored as long as the user logs into their account at least once every two months. Mediafire also does away with storage limitations, allowing all users to store an unlimited amount of files.
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