Have you ever tried to email a large file to a colleague, only to discover that your file is going no where fast because there’s a size restriction on attachments?  Then you’re stuck trying to upload the file to an FTP site, or worse, burning the file to CD and sending it by courier.

For frustration-free file sharing and storage, use MediaFire (www.mediafire.com).

What is a MediaFire?
MediaFire is “a free and unlimited file and image hosting web site with no strings attached.”  Basically, MediaFire allows people to upload, store and share files using MediaFire’s website.

Benefits:
- It’s free
- Access your files from any computer with an internet connection
- No limit on the number of files you can upload
- No software to install
- User friendly with excellent features
- No registration required

Drawbacks:
- As with most free applications, you’ll be subjected to lots of advertising, including flashing banners and pop ups.

How Do I Use MediaFire?
Using MediaFire is very straight forward: if you have a computer and access to the Internet, you can use MediaFire.  Here’s a quick overview of how you would (a) create an account, (b) upload a file and (c) share a file:

(a)  Creating an Account:

Step 1: Go to http://www.mediafire.com
Step 2: Click on the “Create Account” link located at the top of the page on the right side.
Step 3: Fill in the drop down box (email address and password) and click “Create a Free Account”.

 
(b)  Uploading a File:

Step 1: Click on the “Upload Files” tab, located at the top of the page.
Step 2: Using the drop down options provided, select the number of files you want to upload. Click the “Browse” button.
Step 3: Find the file you want to upload. Select the file, and click “Open”.
Step 4: Click the “Upload File to MediaFire” button.  The system will begin uploading the file and display a page that tells you the progress of your upload.

(c)  Sharing a File:

Step 1: After you have successfully uploaded your file, you will see a screen with several sharing options.
Step 2 (a): To email the file link, click the “Email” tab, and enter the recipient’s email address by typing it into the text box, or adding it from your address book.  
Step 2 (b): To share the link using MSN’s Instant Messenger, click the “Share by IM” tab.
Step 2 (c): To share the link by embedding it into website, blog or forum, click the “Embed in Website” tab

All your colleague has to do to access the file is click the link you provided and download the file by clicking the download icon.