How to Share Files Between Computers

In the ancient days of home computing, around eight or ten years ago, people could see that the floppy disc’s days were numbered but were unsure what would fill the void. Most 3 1/2-inch floppies had a capacity of 1.44MB, which was already too small for storing image files or backing up databases. People who needed to exchange large files often invested in high-end tape drive systems, although those were too expensive for general use.

So there was, briefly, a race to see who could come up with the replacement, a super-floppy which would let computer users exchange large files and would be as universally recognized as the floppy. The Iomega Zip drive held an early lead. It could originally store 100MB on a disc. The Iomega Jaz, which could hold 1 or 2GB, was also briefly popular. Both fell from use, however, when recordable CD drives become common and the price dropped on blank CDs.

And the Winner Is…

While CDs and pocket-sized flash drives are now standard ways to exchange files, the real victor in the file sharing race should have been obvious from the start: network file sharing. Exchanging files directly over a local network (such as a home network) or over the Internet makes the process simpler, faster, and reduces the need for any physical way to store files.

If you have a wired or wireless home network, you’ve probably exchanged files between computers by e-mailing them. This is a simple workaround when you only need to send a few documents or pictures, but it doesn’t work as well when you need to exchange huge files or folders.

Windows Networks

Macintosh Networks

Troy Dreier is a freelance tech writer based in the New York City area.