How to setup a file server instantly with Fileai

Posted on December 19, 2008 at 5:54 am

Are you looking for a free way to send large files to friends and family? Previously, I wrote about Docstoc OneClick, which allows you to send large file attachments, and DriveWay, a free file-sharing service that lets you share files up to 500MB for free.

If you hate using these online services to send large files, I had written about HFS (HTTP File Server), a free program you can use to create your own home file server. All of these methods work, but your mileage can vary depending on how big your file is and how much technical knowledge you have.

fileai is a new service that I ran across that makes sending large files to someone a piece of cake! The cool thing is that it turns your web browser into a file server by using Java Applets.

Other than installing the Java Runtime Environment, which just about everyone has installed already, you do not have download or install any software nor upload any data to share files. Sounds too good to be true?

Well, I thought so too and decided to try it out for myself! Amazingly, it works! And it works really well. Using applets, the program sends files directly to another computer using peer-to-peer technology via your web browser. It’s pretty sweet actually.

HFS is a great program for setting up a proper file server, but if you really need to send something large to someone quickly, it’s too much trouble to setup. Using fileai, you just click on Send Files to get started! Then, simply drag and drop the files you want to send onto the folder:

Once you drop a file onto the folder, it will display the size and give you a Transfer ID and link to the file. The awesome thing about fileai is that you can drop an entire folder also without having to zip the folder up!

Now send the link along with the transfer ID number to whoever you want to be able to download the file or folder. Note that you can send the link to multiple people at once and they can all download the file at once since it is using Bit Torrent type technology.

Also note that you must keep the web page OPEN in order for people to download the files or folders. You cannot close the window or try to navigate off the page. To download a file, paste the link given to you by the sender and click Continue. It will have the Transfer ID on the screen also.

Then choose a destination folder for the files you want to download.

Once you choose the destination folder, the transfer will automatically begin as long as the sender still have their window open.

That’s it! This has to be the easiest way to share large files with others ever! No configuration, no need to upload files, and nothing to install for both parties! You can’t beat a program like this. If you ever have to send someone a large file or a large folder with lots of files, definitely make sure to use this program! It’s great! [via DownloadSquad]