Free Web Hosting vs Free File Storage
A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea
Free Web Hosting or File Storage
Do you really need or want web hosting or do you only need a free online file storage system to share your files? Which type of free service suits your needs?
Free Web Hosting
With free web hosting you create HTML pages using text and graphic images. This can be to convey your ideas to other people on the Internet, tell others about your products, interests, family, etc.. What if you don't really want to take the time to create HTML pages or you don't know how? What is the alternative?
Free File Storage Instead of Web Hosting
Yahoo! has a Briefcase tool that allows you to store files online and then access them from anywhere. This is similar to having an extra hard drive that you can use from any computer connected to the Internet. You can use it to manage files from home, work, or any other location, or share files with family, friends, and co-workers. You get 30MB of space for free, you just have to be a Yahoo! member.
The drawbacks to this type of free service is that if your Briefcase account has not been logged into for six months, it will be deactivated, and the data contained in it will be deleted. You will no longer have access to the information it cannot be retrieved. Also, Yahoo! does not allow FTP access.
When you create an account you can specify whether you want the folder to have public access, be restricted to yourself or which Yahoo! friends and family you want to have access. Your friends will be able to view and download your files but cannot upload files into your Briefcase.
Free Web Hosting and/or Free File Storage
There is a compromise between free web hosting and free file storage. A new company (files.villagephotos.com) gives you a free 30MB file hosting account. This can be for either personal or commercial use.
Using your browser, you can access your files from anywhere in the world. You will have the ability to upload your files with a HTTP browser up-loader or FTP software. Unlike free web hosting which limits bandwidth, they have unlimited access to your files when you log in to your account. They have online customer service inquiries (not just a FAQ section) so if you have problems they are available to help. The best part is there are no ad banners!
You can upload any file type you want. They provide PHP Scripting support, allow blogging, and indicate that MySQL will be available soon.
You can create a web site or just share your files with the public using a simple link. With free web hosting you must create HTML pages.
They do have a Terms of Service agreement that indicates that illegal activities will not be tolerated. Also accounts that are inactive for over 30 days are removed so make sure you log in at least once a month to keep your account active.
