File Hosting - How Should You Choose?
(Page 2 of 4 )
What should you aim for when you are searching for a file hosting service? For openers, it depends on what files you are planning to host. On the Internet there is a wide collection of file hosts but most of them have one or a few areas in which they are particularly strong.
So there is no such thing as the perfect site. It all depends on the file properties you want to host and what you want to do after the file has been hosted. Let's also not forget how much cash you are willing to spend for this service on a monthly/yearly basis.
Then there is the file size limit, coupled with the file lifetime period of the hosted files on the server. Nobody wants to host a file and see it disappear after a week. Choose appropriately. Some sites come with a download limit. Other sites offer the option of mass uploading, which is surely handy for frequent uploaders.
If possible, it's a good idea to find a file host who doesn't require registration, because it can slow you down when you just want to throw a file on a host. If we can't get away without registering, then it is best for the registration process to be short. Happily for us, the service providers know this, too, so most of the time they ask for only a few key pieces of information when you sign up.
The differences between similar sites can be found in all the little extras. So any useful option is welcome. Fewer ads on the page means less trouble for downloaders trying to find the package.
Finally, I'll introduce another factor into this list, and that is an easily readable image for the download key. These are the so-called CAPTCHAs. They usually appear right before the site gives users the valid download link. They are used as a security feature, because humans can read and type them, but scripts and bots cannot (at least, not yet).
Thus, it is crucial for these to be as easily readable as possible. Downloaders should breeze through the process pretty seamlessly. Most of the time, these captchas are all right, but sometimes they are not. For example, Rapidshare has recently migrated to a new set of captchas, and these aren't user-friendly at all. Check out the following example.
Say what? Why not find four dogs spread across your neighborhood and enter the first letter said by each? It is a bad example to follow for anyone. Chances are that the downloader will struggle time after time to guess the letters, especially if he or she lacks eagle eyes. Period.
In the following I will look over a few sites which I recommend for you to try in pursuit of the perfect file host for you. Measure your needs first and choose accordingly.
Next: Which One Should You Pick? >>
More Web Hosting Articles Articles
More By Gabor Bernat
