Apr 10
Free Online Storage Roundup
posted by: Connor WilsonThere are many services today that allow you to upload your files and share them anywhere. Ranging from backing up your PC with a download-able application, or simple online user interface, all these sites can do you some good. All of these sites offer free storage of at least 1GB, but there are usually paid options for better features.
- Mozy - An online backup system for your PC that safely and automatically backs up your files online. For the free version, it goes up to 2GB, but you can pay $4.95/mo to get unlimited storage. Mozy isn’t the best way to store your files online to share with your friends, or to post around the internet, but if you want online backups, then you want Mozy.
- Box.net - A friendly looking storage system that is more geared towards sharing. It’s mainly a paid service, but you can try them out with 1GB space for free. Upon paying $7.95/mo you get 5GB of space. Box.net has some cool features, like setting up sub accounts for other people to view certain files, backups of certain files, or being very easy to share. Very nice interface as well.
- OmniDrive - Store your files online and access them from anywhere at desktop-storage-speeds. The free version offers 1GB storage and 5GB bandwidth, but the paid options come out to be much cheaper than the competition. First paid plan is $40/yr for 10GB storage and 20GB bandwidth.The things I liked most about OmniDrive were its cross platform compatibility, and API possibilities. Not only do they have an application for both OSX and Windows, but they have a web version for Linux users or other users who feel like it. The API program also allows extensions and further developments.
- eSnips - A file uploading and sharing community where you can share, drive traffic to your site and join like minded communities. You start off with a nice 5GB storage for free.The thing that bothers me about eSnips is the fact that they have less than 1000 users, and less than 4000 hosted files. What if they were to blow up and become huge? Could they survive the first part of that? This site only appeals to those interested in a community situation as well.
- Xdrive - This site had one of the better first impressions, on a design based judgment. You can conveniently upload, share, backup and access from anywhere your files with Xdrive. The free plan comes with 5GB of storage space. If you want to upgrade, it’s $9.95/mo for 50GB. Xdrive has one of the better looking interfaces, so it’s safe to say that AOL (parent company) knows how to hire a designer. As far as features, its very similar, but what sets it apart is its Pro Package, where you get 50GB for $99.50/yr or $9.95/mo.
There is not a lot of diversity in this field, but here are some conclusions.
- Online Backups: Definitely go with Mozy.
- Free File Storage/Share: Try Box.net first.
- Upgraded: Go with Xdrive for best value.
April 11th, 2007 at 8:53 am
I did a post o n storing 100 GB online a little shile ago. Check it out:
http://www.myuninstalledlife.com/store-100gb-online-in-q4-2006
April 12th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
It’s always a pleasure for me to say a few good words about DriveHQ’s online storage and backup services. If the author had ever tried http://www.drivehq.com/ this article will be very different as the all verdict will go to DriveHQ.com. Indeed, not only it has the best features in every category, it is affordable and it has the best usability.
Moreover, it now has added a lot of highest-end service for corporate/business users now. So visit http://www.drivehq.com click and view the flash demos, better than reading my comments here!
April 13th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Nice plug there, but DriveHQ definitely stands out. In fact, I would say it appears less useuful than some of the other products. Just because you have a good experience with one doesn’t mean it’s the best.
April 16th, 2007 at 9:20 am
For those of you who use these online storage sites to share files with friends, consider a better (and free) alternative: http://www.gigatribe.com
GigaTribe software lets your friends download huge files (and even entire folders) straight off of your harddrive thereby eliminating the need to upload to a server (or worse, burning and mailing DVDs!).
May 28th, 2007 at 9:03 am
I’ve always had issues with Mozy application. I’m on the road more than every so I really need to take another look at these online backup solutions.
June 1st, 2007 at 6:08 am
I use a client from http://www.diino.com, its really good. it has a 2048 bit encryption and an easy drag-and-drop feature. has anyone of you heard about it?
June 17th, 2007 at 4:32 am
Yes I’ve heard about it but I thought the price was unreasonable high - when you comes up to 100 GB anyway.
June 21st, 2007 at 6:36 am
I’ve been using an online desktop called Desktop On Demand for the last few months and the people who made that have just announced their own new online backup service at ewedrive.com
Not really useful for my purpose but looks really easy to use (though no sure how it compares in terms of cost with the others mentioned here)
June 27th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Mosy is not a online storage service. It’s an online backup service. You can’t just upload files to it. The application only does backups.
And AOL may know desingers but their interface hits lots of errors in IE6.
June 28th, 2007 at 8:57 am
I’m not sure what the difference is between an online backup service and an online storage service - perhaps someone might care to explain?