How to Transfer Large Files Without Clogging Up Email

Transferring files larger than a few megabytes through email can be a hassle, some taking hours to leave your outbox. And if your or your recipients’ email provider is low on memory, it can take days to reach their inbox. Consider one of these four options to transferring files instead.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Use an instant messenger. If you’re using a Mac and have a messenger service less than 2 years old, the iChat function should allow you to drag and drop PDFs, JPGs and other files into an Instant Message. Press "Return" to transfer the file and its image--whether it’s a photo, a presentation or a manuscript--will pop up on the recipient's computer. All the recipient has to do is drag it off the message and onto the desktop.
2. Use an FTP site. If the recipients have an FTP site, or File Transfer Protocol, and your Web browser isn’t more than a few years old, you can type in a URL and password, then drag-and-drop your file into a folder online.
3. Use YouSendIt. Created specifically for transferring large files, YouSendIt is one of your cheapest and easiest options. Simply type in your email address and the recipient's email address, select a file up to 100 MB and click “Send It.” The recipients will receive an announcement in their email box of a link to download the file off the Web. The service is free unless you want the option to track and password-protect your files or if you will be transferring more than 1 GB of bandwidth a month.
4. Use a USB flash drive. A small memory storage stick that took the place of the floppy disk and CD in 2000, flash drives are compatible with both Mac OS X and Windows operating systems. Plug it into your computer’s USB port, and a folder will pop up on your desktop. Drag-and-drop your large files into the folder. The stick is small enough to be easily mailed or attached to a key chain for delivery.

Tips & Warnings

• When dragging and dropping a file onto an FTP site, there is no way to know whether or not the upload is successful. The transfer could be interrupted, but on your screen it appears complete.
• USB flash drives are much more durable than CDs and floppy disks in that they have been known to retain their memory even after being submerged in water. However, depending on their memory size, they can sustain only a few hundred thousand uploads and erases before slowing down and eventually failing.