Advantages of Sharing Files Online or Using the Cloud

The way we share files, store information, or create backups has changed a lot in recent years. If we look back, not too long ago we used a DVD or CD to save files so that they are not lost if the computer is formatted. The use of external hard drives, with increasing capacity, also became very popular. Now, among the options we have to share files today we can name doing it through the Internet with one of the many online services that exist or use a program in the cloud. Let’s see what the differences are, their advantages and what to take into account.

Share and store files over the Internet, something very common

Using the Internet to share or store files is very common today. We have a wide range of possibilities for this. We can use free and paid services, multiplatform, that maintain better or worse security … But there are two different options, although both useful: send files directly online, through a web page, or use programs in the cloud.

We are going to see what are the advantages of using both options, but first of all we want to remember how the use of this type of services has increased on the Internet. They are very useful to have the files available at all times, for example. Also to create backup copies and gain accessibility.

Therefore, sharing and storing files on the network is very common today. We must always choose the best option so that our data does not run any type of danger and have everything available anywhere. These are the main benefits of storing files on the Internet:

Maximum availability : undoubtedly one of the advantages of using the Internet to store files is having maximum availability at all times. This means that we will be able to access that content from anywhere and at any time. An interesting way to always have everything available.
Create backup copies : it also allows us to create backup copies. On the one hand, we can store the files and keep them safe to prevent them from being lost in case the equipment is stolen or it has a hardware or software problem. In the cloud we will always have the files. But it will also serve to create off-device copies to free up disk space.
Have the files on all devices : it is a good solution to be able to have all the files on any device. It does not matter if we are using a computer or mobile, since most of these services are going to be multiplatform.
Being able to easily share with others : a very important reason to make use of these options is the fact that you can easily share files with other users. Here we have the option of sharing files online directly through a service or using a cloud program.
Maintain security : but you also have to mention security. We may not want to have files stored in physical memory that can be lost or accessed by a third party. Thanks to online storage we will be able to keep security safe and have files encrypted.

Send files directly online

One of the options we have to share files with third parties over the Internet is to directly use online services. Basically they are web pages that allow us to upload files and share them with other users. This has its advantages, although the risks must also be taken into account.

On the Internet we can find many pages where we can send files. Its operation is very simple and intuitive. They do not usually need registration and we can load up to a certain capacity. It is not usual that they allow to host large files, but it can be more than enough to send not very large folders, for example.

Advantages of sending files online

No registration required : One of the main benefits of opting to send files directly online is that you do not need any registration. We will not have to create an account to send files to anyone.
It is not necessary to install an application : we will not have to install any type of program either. It is as easy as accessing the website, uploading the file we want to share and generating a link that we will later share with others.
Ease of use : the way to use this type of service is very simple. As we have explained, we will only have to drag and drop the file. Later we generate a link that we can share with other users quickly and easily.
We do not put personal data : we will not need to give our personal data, or email, or generate any type of information. The normal thing is that these services are simple, without records or data. An option for those looking to simply share a file quickly.

Disadvantages of sending files online

The files are not properly protected : security is undoubtedly very important and with this type of pages to send files online there is usually not a good encryption. It is true that some promise to keep the files safe, without third parties being able to access it, but the encryption used is usually not the most optimal. In many cases there is nothing.
They usually have a maximum time before being deleted: it is also necessary to indicate that they usually have a maximum time available through the link that we are going to share before being deleted. After that time the files are not available.
Size limit : another issue to keep in mind is that they have a size limit that can be much lower. After all, the normal thing is that we use free services, which do not have great benefits. They may fall short for many users.
Fewer options : they will also have fewer options. They are simple, basic services for sending files, but they do not have a diverse configuration.

Use cloud programs to share files

Another option we have available is to use a cloud storage program . Here we talk about alternatives like Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive. They allow you to have the files saved on the Internet and be able to access them from any device and at any time.

Without a doubt it is something more complete, with more possibilities, but it also has its negative points. We are going to show, once again, what are the advantages and disadvantages. In this way we can know if it is better to send files online directly or use an application in the cloud.

In this case, it consists of hosting the content on this Internet service and sending a link for another user to download it. In part, the operation is similar to the previous case we saw, but it has peculiarities.

Advantages of using a cloud program

Greater control over the files: one of the main advantages is that we will have more control over the files that we have stored. After all, it is a program in which we are registered with our data. The files will not disappear after a while.
Improved security : it is also more reliable. They tend to have stronger encryption and this means that we are going to avoid problems that affect our privacy.
Reliability of being able to register: the fact of registering with our data means that we will be able to offer greater accuracy when sharing files. The person who receives the link will know who it belongs to.
Sharing without downloading : another issue to take into account is that we will be able to share with third parties without necessarily having to download the file. Many options allow us to edit a text file online, for example.
Greater capacity : we can also send larger files. This will depend on the service we use, but in general they have a greater capacity.

Disadvantages of using cloud programs

You need registration : One downside is that you need registration. We will have to create an account and provide our details.
You have to download an application in many cases: it will also be necessary to install a program on your computer on some occasions. Of course, they also have an online version.
It is not so fast to send something basic: having to create an account we are going to waste time. It is not as fast as the previous option, in which we simply accessed the web and sent the file.