A file hosting service or online file storage service is an Internet hosting service specifically designed to host static content, typically large files that are not web pages. Typically they allow web and FTP access. They can be optimized for serving many users (as is implied by the term "hosting") or be optimized for single-user storage (as is implied by the term "storage"). A related service is remote backup.

Uses

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Software file hosting

Shareware authors often use file hosting services to serve their software. The inheritent problem with free downloads is the huge bandwidth cost. These hosts also offer additional services to the authors like statistics or other marketing features.

Personal file storage

This service is aimed at the private individual, in this case the service offers a sort of Network Storage solution. Users can upload their files and share them publicly or keep them password-protected.

This facility has enabled another form of off-site backup that would have been unfeasible to individual and SOHO computer users.

Storage

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Most online file storage services offer space on a per-gigabyte basis — some offer the service for free, relying on advertising revenue. Some services require a software download which makes files only available on computers which have that software installed. Some services allow users to retrieve files through any web browser. With the increased inbox space (up to 2.7 GB) offered by webmail services, many users have started using their webmail service as an online drive.

Internet hosting | Computer storage

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