File hosting services, cloud storage services, online file storage providers, and cyberlockers are references to Internet hosting services designed to host user files.
Although they may use varying technologies, these services allow users to upload files to a remote server after a username and password, or another form of authentication, is provided, Typically, the user is allowed HTTP or FTP access, although cloud-based services may allow automated access through permission settings.
Personal file storage services are popular with individuals, as they serve as a form of network storage for personal backup of important files, allowing access from any computer system. Users can upload their files to a personal file storage service for safekeeping or to share them publicly. File sharing services allow users to collaborate on documents or other digital projects, such as PDFs, word processor documents, and spreadsheets. They may also allow users to share and synchronize all types of files across all of the devices they use.
File synchronization and sharing services allow users to create special folders on each of their computers or mobile devices, which are then synchronized by the service so that it appears to be the same folder, regardless of which computer is accessing it. Other users may be invited to have access to this folder, or to subfolders within this folder, for the purpose of collaboration. Dropbox is an example of this type of service.
Individuals with limited storage space on their computer might make use of a personal file storage service to store large files, such as photos or other documents.
Online file storage services sometimes offer the service for free, sometimes with charges for additional storage space, or they may rely on advertising revenue. Others offer the service at a flat rate, with or without limits on the amount of storage available to clients, while others charge on a per-gigabyte basis, sometimes including a bandwidth fee component, as well.
Some services require users to install client software on their computer, making the files available only through computers thave have the software installed, while others allow access through a web browser.
Cyberlocker services, sometimes known as one-click hosting, is a reference to web services that permit Internet users to upload one or more files from their hard drive onto the cyberlocker's server free of charge. Such services typically generate a URL that can be used to provide access to the file. The business model for these sites typically is through advertising or charging for premium services, which might include unlimited downloading, higher download speeds, or an increased amount of time in which the file remains on the server. Sometimes a CAPTCHA is used to discourage automated access.
Cloud storage is a service through which digital data is stored in logical pools, which includes multiple servers, sometimes in multiple locations. These services are often owned and managed by a hosting company. Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) is an example of a cloud storage service.
Whatever the business model or technologies involved, file hosting services are the focus of topics in this category.
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Founded in 2005, 4shared is an online file hosting and storage company, on which users can upload, store, and download music, videos, photographs, and other types of files and documents. Users can create folders and subfolders in order to organize their online storage space, as well as naming folders, assigning descriptions to files, and so on. The service integrates with WebDAV, which can be used as a way of storing and retrieving files between the user's computer and 4shared accounts.
https://www.4shared.com/
Originally known as Amazon Cloud Drive, the cloud storage application is managed by Amazon, which offers secure cloud storage, file backup, file sharing, and photo printing services. Free photo storage is offered with an Amazon Prime subscription or the purchase of an Amazon Kindle device, and paid storage is also available. Using technology, photos are automatically sorted into categories, places, and the dates taken, while users can further manage files.
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive
Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) is a service from Amazon in which object storage services are provided through a web service interface. Using the same infrastructure that powers its e-commerce network, S3 can be used to store any type of digital object, including Internet applications, backup and recovery data, archives, data lakes for analytics, IoT devices, and hybrid cloud storage, guaranteeing 99.9% uptime. The service is described on its site.
https://aws.amazon.com/s3/
Founded in 2007, Backblaze offers cloud storage services, similar to Amazon's S3, as well as computer backup services, allowing Windows and macOS business and end-users to back up their data to offsite data centers. Its personal backup, business backup, and B2 cloud storage services are featured, with details offered on the company's website. Customers can also locate their computer if lost or stolen, and a hard drive can be shipped to them with their data on it. A free trial is offered.
https://www.backblaze.com/
Based in California, Box is a cloud content management and file sharing service for businesses, priced per month, with official clients and applications available for macOS, Windows, and several mobile platforms. An overview of its services, its security precautions, and suitability for collaboration and workflow projects, integration, developer tools, and administrative and IT controls. Support resources, webinars, and other training programs are included.
https://www.box.com/
The secure European service is based in Sweden, offering file storage services, file synchronization, and client software, which features a blue folder that appears on all devices with the same content, and all files are synchronized between devices. The company offers a thirty-day trial of any of its three business plans, which are compared side-by-side, with a list of features and limitations for each, along with prices. Five consumer plans are also available.
https://www.cloudme.com/
In business since 2007, Dropbox is a file hosting service based in San Francisco, California, that offers cloud storage, file synchronization, personal cloud, and client software. Through client software, Dropbox brings files together in one central place by placing a folder on the user's computer, the contents of which are synchronized to Dropbox's servers and to other devices where Dropbox has been installed. Two levels of individual and team services are offered.
https://www.dropbox.com/
FileFactory is a provider of unlimited free file hosting, offering downloading and streaming, while premium members are granted unlimited speed, bandwidth, and downloads. Premium hosting plans are for thirty days, ninety days, one hundred and eighty days, or one year, with lower prices for increased commitments. Collaboration and sharing of files are permitted, along with streaming audio files. Its services are described in detail, and an affiliate sales program is included.
http://www.filefactory.com/
Offered by Google, the file storage and synchronization service allow users to store files on their servers, synchronize them across devices, and optionally share files. Access is provided through a website or through applications with offline capabilities for macOS and Windows computers, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices. Google Drive is part of a suite that includes Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides, and documents created within the suite are saved to Google Drive.
https://www.google.com/drive/
The cloud storage and computing service are offered by Apple, allowing users to store data on remote servers for download to iOS, macOS, or Windows devices, to share and send data to other users, and to manage their Apple devices if they are lost or stolen. Also offered is a means of wirelessly backing up iOS devices directly to iCloud rather than using manual backups to a host computer through iTunes. Accounts can also be linked through AirDrop Wireless.
https://www.icloud.com/
Files may be sent, received, tracked, and shared through this online file storage service. Offering a limited free trial plan for individuals, as well as two levels of premium plans for individuals and a business plan, the features, and limitations of each are compared side-by-side, along with monthly subscription costs. Available for Linux, Mac, Windows, and Android, is a desktop tool that allows users to upload multiple files to their account, as well as developer tools.
https://www.sendspace.com/
