Techies - what's the best way to transfer laaarge files over the Internet?

[T Roosevelt]

My wife needs to get large (40-50+ MB) audio files from a friend located in Dallas (we're in Florida).

Obviously email is not an option.
Buying server space for FTP is an option, though not preferable.
Regular mail (copying to CDs, etc) is not an option.

Both are home computers with broadband access (we're cable, friend is DSL). Both computers are Windows XP.

Is it possible to map a shared folder on the friend's computer and access it remotely (with appropriate passwords, etc)? If so, how?

[yella_dawg]

1. Try breaking the file into pieces

and emailing the separate pieces. Winzip should be able to handle this. If not, try tucows.com. Surely there is a utility that will handle breaking the file.

[Champion Jack]

Use Winrar to split it ---it's better for multi media

[T Roosevelt]

15. Is Winrar straightforward to use?

I'm dealing with two fairly computer non-literates - one of them a thousand miles away.

[Champion Jack]

17. It's pretty easy

you'll need it on both ends, but, you it allows you to set the file size
so you can set the chunks for what your e-mail server will handle.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

2. Your friend could install an FTP daemon on his machine.

WFTD is a good choice: http://www.wftpd.com


You could also solve your problem with pcAnywhere from Symantec: http://www.symantec.com/pcanywhere

[truthspeaker]

6. yep, set up one of the machines as an FTP or HTTP server

and share those files

[T Roosevelt]

16. How about ISP issues?

Would there be problems getting through, since these computers are accessing through different providers?

[Kellanved]

19. no

As long as no firewall is in the way there should be no problems at all - the initial setup aside.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

25. The only issue could be if a provider had a TOS against running servers.

One minor issue is that you might or might not have a static IP address, so the one running the server might have to send the ip via email or something before a connection can be made.

[patrice]

3. WinSoft FTP

I haven't managed to choke it yet, even whole directories full of big files go well if your on a good connection (something bigger than dial up).

[patrice]

4. I don't think you have to buy the server space.

There are FTP servers available on the internet, same as http.

[Shrek]

5. These guys have a 14-day free trial

http://www.filesdirect.com/info/Default.aspx

I've never used them but it looks like it could work for what you want.

[tridim]

7. Zip it up and send it via Yahoo messenger

I do it all the time. Zipping an audio file (if it's a wav) will probably cut the file size in half.

FTP is an option too, one party needs to know how to set up a server. ServU will work.

[T Roosevelt]

18. How large can Yahoo messenger handle?

That would be the easiest since they're always chatting on YM anyway.

[BigMcLargehuge]

22. yahoo messenger is capped at 1meg

however, AOLIM is unlimited. I transfer much more than 50 megs every now and then over AOLIM.

[T Roosevelt]

23. This might work as well...

[tridim]

24. I didn't know it was capped

sorry about that. Although I could swear I've sent files much larger than that.

[EarlG]

8. If you're not particularly bothered about security

You could try this: get Kazaa (or prefereably, Kazaa Lite), make sure you're both running it at the same time, give your file some kind of exotic filename that only you and your friend know, put it in your Kazaa shared folder, and have him search for it.

I think that would work. Plus, it would actually be a legal way of using Kazaa, which may be a world first!

[sangh0]

13. A legal way of using Kazaa

How utterly subversive!

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

9. Both log into IRC at the same time

Use DCC to send files. And chat while you're at it.

[Kellanved]

12. exactly

IRC is the way to go. (not to mention: free)




Setting up a FTP Server (Filezilla would be my choice) is another option - free as well.





Edit: 50MB certainly is not large. Large starts at a GB.

[DS1]

10. I'll hook you up with a 24 hour ftp account for a 5 dollar donation to DU

up to 200 megs, unlimited transfer, nothing illegal.

[Wilber_Stool]

11. Try an app called

Master Splitter. Its free. You can get it at CNet.

[DS1]

14. However, if your ISPs are doing their job, it will not be possible

for you to map to each other's drives. You ~may~ be able to talk them into setting up a VPN, but that's highly unlikely. Drop five bucks to DU and you'll be done before dinner ;-)

[Squeegee]

20. FTP is the most efficient method

The FTP (File trasmission protocol) is very lightweight and efficient. It's probably the best way to send large files.

[theoceansnerves]

21. AIM

just send them over aol instant messenger. i send files to a friend, we both have cable modems, and i average about 150K/s. a 50MB file at that speed will take about 7 minutes? correct my math if i'm wrong.

on edit: no file size limit.