Today we exchange more data on a daily basis than even before. Unfortunately, when it comes to sending really large amounts of data, our options are still limited.
Let’s think about it. What options do we really have when it comes to sending a large file folder, for instance? The first thing that may come to mind is file compression.
What is file compression?
File compression is a method of data compression in which the size of a file is reduced in order to save disk space. When you compress a file, you can send it over faster while still getting the same data across.
How to compress large files?
There are two main types of data compression: lossy compression and lossless compression.
Lossy compression refers to a compression algorithm that doesn’t restore data into its original form. This type of compression is mainly used for video and music files: in this case, the redundant data is deleted to reduce the file size.
The biggest benefit of using lossy compression is the substantial file size reduction. The downside is the decline in data quality — which is especially important when it comes to video and picture files.
Lossless compression, on the other hand, is the type of compression where data is restored to its original form. In this case, compression won’t remove any redundant files. The file size will be smaller — but not by much.
Pros and Cons of File Compression
There are several basic benefits of file compression.
First, you get to preserve some disk space. If you have a lot of data that needs to be stored on your device, compressing files will help you store more without running into space issues. However, if you choose to compress files for storage, keep in mind that this method should mainly be used for the files you use less often. Compressing and then decompressing files takes time and may not be the best option for storing data that you need to use often.
Second, compressing files makes them easier to send. The speed at which your file can be sent over the internet depends on its size: the smaller the file size, the quicker it will get to its recipient. Thus, you can compress a large file to send it over the web quicker.
Third, compressing files can help you save money if you use cloud storage platforms or hard drives. By using file compression, you can save up to 50% of the total cost of file storage get.
While there are quite a few benefits to file compression, there are also some notable downsides.
Compressing files takes time. If you have decided to compress files to save space on your device, keep in mind that getting them back to their original size will take some time. The larger the file, the more time you will need to decompress it. As a result, you may be spending quite a bit of time on compressing and decompressing data. So, if you need to transfer files fast, you may need to look for an alternative solution.
You will need specific software. In most cases, you will need a very specific decompressing program to get your file back to its original size. Quite often, these programs need to be purchased.
Error may occur when you try to decompress a file. In this case, you may lose valuable data or render the file you’ve been attempting to decompress totally unusable. These types of errors are often unpredictable and there is very little you can do to protect yourself from them occurring.
If you download a compressed file over the web or as an email attachment, there is always a risk of it being a malware file. As your device won’t be able to scan a compressed file, a virus can get into your system undetected and cause valuable data loss and other issues.
How to send large files online without compression?
Fortunately, there are ways to send large files and folders without using compression at all. Let’s take a quick look at what these are.
One of the best ways to get large files across the web without compression or any extra manipulations is using a service called FileWhopper.
FileWhopper lets you transfer truly large files online: even if you have a 10TB folder to send, you can do it with FileWhopper. And that’s not all.
Unlike many cloud storage solutions, FileWhopper won’t ask you for a monthly subscription. With FileWhopper, you transfer files on a pay-as-you-go basis: you only pay for the file you are transferring based on its size. You can also choose who pays for the file transfer: you or the recipient of the file.
FileWhopper uses zero-knowledge encryption, which ensures a secure file transfer. It means that no third party will have access to your data.
FileWhopper is very straightforward to use. All it takes to send your files is a really small app that will auto-delete once your transfer is complete.
There are no complicated extras weighing the FileWhopper service down. Unlike with file compression, sending a file with FileWhopper will only take minutes and the learning curve is absolutely minimal.
Other ways to quickly send files online without compression is by using cloud storage or the FTP solution. To store files on the cloud, you can use the popular cloud storage services like OneDrive, Google Drive, DropBox and others. If you need to share a file, you will simply send a link to the recipient of the file, which will give them easy access to it. Be prepared to invest in a monthly subscription to use cloud storage.
Finally, you can use the FTP solution to share files on the web. FTP (or File Transfer Protocol) is a way to send files when two computers are connected to each other by a network, which allows for an easy data transfer.
Which method you go with depends on several factors: from the time you have to the money and effort you are willing to invest.
