Free Replacements For Drop.io

Sending files to another person these days is usually as simple as attaching them to an email, but what if the file is a large one?

This article looks at three online services for sending large files which are easy to use, and above all free.

The other criteria I set for these services to meet were:

• require no registration
• have acceptable speed
• have acceptable file size limits
• have acceptable storage time before automatic deletion
• have a business model that suggests it will be around for a while

FileJumbo has an operating speed of 100mbps/s which is not limited when recipients download. You can send files up to 1GB in size and use up to 10GB of storage space on their server.

There is no storage time limitation so long as a file is downloaded at least once during the three months following the date it was uploaded. The storage period is always three months beyond the last download date, and users are notified when their file(s) become due for deletion.

To use the service, simply browse to the location on your computer where the file is stored and open it, enter a description so you can identify it later, and then click "upload".

Once the process has completed, a second window will open to notify you of the successful transfer. This same window also displays two URL's, one to download the file and another to delete it should you wish to do this manually before the auto delete comes into effect.

Please note that some browser extensions, such as NoScript, may interfere with this process and should be configured accordingly.

Sendspace is another option which according to their FAQ will always offer a free service. No registration is required although users who elect to do so (free) will have access to additional features including the wizard tool (ad free) provided for Windows, Mac and Linux.

The maximum file size with sendspace is 300MB but this will still be large enough for many users. The storage period is limited at 30 days after which files will be deleted if not being downloaded. Otherwise, if a file is downloaded at least once every 30 days it will be kept online indefinitely.  Disk space is unlimited too, as is the number of times a file can be downloaded.

The procedure for using sendspace is the same as that for FileJumbo (JavaScript required).

This last option is maybe best suited to those just looking to send one large file to one recipient without any requirement for storage.

LargeFiles ASAP allows for files up to 2GB to be sent but these will only remain on their server for 72 hours.

Unlike services with permanent upgrade plans, with this one you can select single options like increased speed*, or extended storage times per file during the upload process if you so wish.

Using this service follows the same format as above except the "to" and "from" email addresses must be entered before you can upload a file. The second window displays the file details and allows the upload to proceed, or you can choose from a variety of upgrade options if you wish first.

Once the file transfer is complete, a confirmation window appears and the service notifies your intended recipient by email that you have sent a file for them to download (link included).

*File upload/download speeds in general will depend on local circumstances, mostly governed by the connection plan supplied by your ISP.