file-sharing

Get an extra 4.5GB of Dropbox storage for free

Dropbox rolled out a beta version of the popular file-sharing service a while back that allowed users to automatically upload photos to their Dropbox accounts.

Following the recent release of the latest beta, Dropbox is now giving beta testers the chance to earn up to 4.5GB of additional space in their Dropbox accounts. Here's a brief rundown of how it works.

To get the additional space, you need to download and install the latest beta build from the Dropbox forums. Make sure to create a backup of your Dropbox folder before installing the beta. The easiest way to … Read more

FileSonic disables file sharing in wake of MegaUpload arrests

Following the MegaUpload shutdown and indictments last week, FileSonic, one of the Internet's most popular file-sharing services, has disabled its sharing functionality.

The service can "only be used to upload and retrieve files you have uploaded personally," according to a note posted on the site's home page. FileSonic also suspended its affiliates rewards program, which paid users when people downloaded their files.

Some users on Reddit say the online digital locker has already begun deleting files and even accounts, as ZDNet's Zack Whittaker notes.

TorrentFreak called the development "a pretty big deal. Filesonic isn'… Read more

Unable to disable SMB file sharing in OS X

In addition to offering file sharing using the Mac-native Apple Filing Protocol (AFP), Apple also includes an option for the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol so you can share files with Windows machines.

Unlike the AFP option that is enabled for the whole system, the SMB service is enabled or disabled for individual users in the Sharing preferences pane. Unfortunately, in some instances after upgrading from OS X 10.6 to OS X 10.7 Lion, some people who have had the SMB service enabled are finding they cannot disable it for their accounts. When they enter their passwords at … Read more

YouSendIt debuts on Android, Mac

Popular file-sharing and cloud collaboration service YouSendIt finally brings its services to Android and Mac platforms.

While Android and Mac users have long been able to access YouSendIt through the company's Web site, native apps have only been available on Windows and iOS--until today. With the new Android and Mac apps, you can send files, share folders, and sign documents from outside a browser. YouSendIt for Mac is still in beta, but is publicly available for download now.

If you haven't used YouSendIt, it's an all-in-one suite for managing documents through the cloud. Different from services like … Read more

How to get more work done in Google Docs

Not many people use only one computer. In fact, most of us hop from machine to machine in the course of a workday.

The best way to make sure you can access your important files from any of the various machines in your digital life is to store the files online. If you use Google Docs as your online file repository, these tips will help shorten your workday.

Send a zipped copy of all your Google Docs files to your hard drive Most PC users back up their important files by copying them to an optical disc or USB storage … Read more

Dropbox woos business users with new Teams service

Dropbox is trying to capture more business customers with a new service that lets corporate employees share and sync documents.

The new Dropbox for Teams works the same way as the free Dropbox service, allowing people to save files in the cloud and sync them with their PCs and mobile devices. But the Teams service offers options designed specifically for businesses.

IT administrators can manage their Dropbox for Teams users through a central set of controls. Dropbox is also offering phone support and centralized billing to cover all users. The service costs $795 a year for five users, with each … Read more

How to share files via Web browser

Some of your friends use Dropbox, some use AIM, others use GTalk, and you're tired of keeping track of these preferences when you want to send them something.

Now you can use a service that works within both your Web browser and theirs. There's no wondering if you're both using the same file-sharing client because it's done through a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection right inside the browser. Here's how to get started sharing your files much faster:

Step 1: Open up http://www.justbeamit.com in your Web browser.

Step 2: Drag … Read more

Q&A: MacFixIt Answers

MacFixIt Answers is a feature in which we answer questions e-mailed by our readers.

This week people wrote in with questions on proper battery usage habits, PowerPC applications showing up when checking for compatibility with Lion, cloning hard-drive upgrades, and transferring files from Windows to Lion systems. We continually answer e-mail questions, and though we present answers here, we welcome alternative approaches and views from readers and encourage you to post your suggestions in the comments.

Question: Proper battery usage habits MacFixIt reader Alice asks:

Answer: It is good to regularly use your battery and not always keep it in … Read more

The 404 907: Where we 'stiL be making bank' (podcast)

The existence of the @Qwikster Twitter account proves that even the biggest dummy with Internet access can accidentally stumble into a squatting payout. Jeff dons his reading glasses today to give a dramatic reading of some of our favorite tweets from Mr. Jason Castillo.

We're also looking forward to Facebook's F8 developers conference on Thursday, during which the company is rumored to announce its hyped-up media streaming platform as part of a "major" profile redesign.

Like it or not, Facebook is pushing more for e-commerce and TechCrunch's Leena Rao thinks we'll see more buttons popping up to give users more specific sentiments like "Listened," "Watched," "Read," and maybe even "Want."

Along with a story about girls not using BitTorrent, we'll also report on a story update from three years ago about Heinz's new "Dip and Squeeze" ketchup packet.

Since everyone consumes ketchup differently, Heinz developed a packet that lets the consumer decide whether to squeeze out all the ketchup, or peel back the lid for dipping. And with three times more ketchup per packet than the old design, it might be a sign that Heinz could care less about this country's fight with obesity.

But at least this country earns the top spot in something. We finish the show with a group groan about our country's dismal Internet speeds. According to an article in "The New York Times" last week, the U.S. dropped to 25th in the global ranking of Internet speeds, just behind Romania and the Czech Republic. It could be worse for New Yorkers, however--the report also blasts Idaho for its 318 Kbps "speeds."

Enjoy today's show, and leave us a voice mail at 1-866-404-CNET--we're running low!

The 404 Digest for Episode 907

Twitter's Qwikster wants money from Netflix. Talk of 'major' redesign of Facebook profiles as F8 nears. Facebook to launch Read, Listened, Watched, and Want buttons. Button fatigue settling in at Facebook. Welcome to your Hungarian Internet. For Idaho and the Internet, life in the slow lane. Old Ketchup packet heads for trash. Girls are not into The Pirate Bay, or BitTorrent. Bathroom break video of the day: Flying lawnmower.

Episode 907 Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more