iDisk versus Public Folder

[wurm]

As I'm sitting here about to upload a ~30MB file to my biggest client, I started thinking there must be a better (read: faster) way. I don't have, and don't anticipate getting .Mac, so I don't have an iDisk. But then I remembered the Public Folder. Am I way off in understanding what that does or couldn't I just copy the file over into the Public Folder's Drop Box and send them a link for them to retrieve it directly off my computer? If so, what's the downside? It seems to be effectively what the iDisk is.

[Ken Sp.]

http://www.yousendit.com/

[wurm]

The problem is not the space, it's the time it takes to upload. I have plenty of space on several sites, but Adelphia's upload speeds are beyond slow.

[ka jowct]

I have the same problem uploading to my iDisk over Time-Warner cable.

[D-Rod]

That is the main problem. It won't be any faster from the public folder. Your computer still has to send it out at the same speed. The advantage to sending it to other sites is the fact that whoever you are sending it to can download it much faster or multiple people can download it and You only have to send it once.

[chas_m]

Mac OS X also has a built-in FTP and SFTP server, but given your options (and I assume overnighting them a CD for $7 or so isn't on the table), the Public Folder idea is the best option.

[jdc]

you could also send it thru iChat or AOL instant messaging

i do this all the time with my buddy 3000 miles away, seems quick

[wurm]

[quote Dennis R]That is the main problem. It won't be any faster from the public folder. Your computer still has to send it out at the same speed. The advantage to sending it to other sites is the fact that whoever you are sending it to can download it much faster or multiple people can download it and You only have to send it once.
I don't care how long it takes them to download it. And they're the only people I want to access it. If it's in my Public Folder and I just email them a link so they can access it, the only time it's taking me is the 5 seconds to copy it into my Public Folder.

chas, the CD would be fine, but uploading isn't that slow. :-)

I'm reading through the Help files and their help isn't terribly helpful. Or is it really as simple as checking the box for FTP access in System Preferences>File Sharing? Then I just send the client the ftp address and they'll be able to access only my Public Folder?

[RAMd®d]

I'm reading through the Help files and their help isn't terribly helpful.


Same here.

I've gone the Apple Help several times, and about 70% of the responses leave out intermediate steps, and are ultimately of no real value.

I hate that.

[swampy]

I do have a .mac account and use FileChute to dump files into my .mac Sites->Filechute folder. Then it's just a matter of sending the other guy a link to that folder (which Filechute creates for you and puts on the clipboard for easy copy/paste into an email). FileChute will even archive the file for you if you forgot.

All the receiver has to do is click on the link the the email and the file downloads to their computer. Sweet. No one else sees the file as in your .mac public folder.

My uploads are typically slow, like most others, but I just let Filechute upload it in the background while I do other stuff.