A file hosting service, online file
storage service, or online media center
is an Internet hosting service
specifically designed to host static content, typically large files
that are not web pages. Typically they allow web and FTP access. They can be optimized for
serving many users (as is implied by the term "hosting") or be
optimized for single-user storage (as is implied by the term
"storage"). Related services are video sharing, virtual storage and remote backup.
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Box.net | FlipDrive | Xdrive | Storegate | IBackup | GlobalDrive | Mozy | Allmydata | iStorage | Online Storage Solution |
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| Monthly Fee for at Least 5 GB of Space |  $7.95 |
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| 2 GB | $2.99 | $7.00 | Free | |||||||
| 5 GB | $4.99 | Free | $6.99 | $9.95 | $19.99 | $2.99 | ||||
| 10 GB | $11.49 | $19.95 | $16.00 | $35.99 | ||||||
| 15 GB | $9.99 | $49.99 | ||||||||
| 20 GB | $4.95 | $17.99 | ||||||||
| 25 GB | $180.00 | |||||||||
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| 50 GB | $9.95 | $49.95 | $350.00 | |||||||
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| 100 GB | $19.90 | $99.95 | $680.00 | $4.95 | $4.99 | |||||
| 200 GB | $199.95 | |||||||||
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| 1,000 GB | $9.99 | |||||||||
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Why Use an Online Storage Service?
If you’ve ever lost a disk or jump drive, or had your computer crash and important files vaporized, you know the benefit of having a backup of your files. Online storage services allow you to backup your files on the Internet where they are safe and easily accessed.
Protect your important files from natural disasters, like fires and floods, from computer threats, like viruses, from theft, being lost or broken and other hazards.
Share you files with friends family or the world. Online storage services make sharing easy and secure.
Access your files anytime and anywhere. Never get caught without an important file again. With an online storage service, you can access your files from any computer with an Internet connection. Additionally, some services allow you to view and listen to your media within the service.
In this site, you’ll find articles on online storage and comprehensive reviews on online storage services that will help you make an informed decision on which online storage service is right for you. At TopTenREVIEWS, we do the research so you don’t have to.™
What to Look for in an Online Storage Service
There are many online storage services on the Internet so it’s wise to evaluate your storage needs and the quality of the service before creating an account. Some services offer a free membership so you are able to test drive the service before purchasing an account.
Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate online storage services.
- Feature Set – Practical features make uploading, storing, accessing and sharing your files easy. Online storage services should offer remote access, public and private file sharing, scheduled backup and a drag–and–drop window.
- Security – Security is exceptionally important when storing data. Online storage services should offer encrypted file transfer and password protection.
- Storage Space/Price – The top online storage services offer a lot of storage space for a reasonable price, free trial accounts and don’t charge setup fees.
- Ease of Use – Online storage services should be user–friendly and not require a lot of instruction in order to upload and access files. Anyone should be able to learn the basic functions of the service in minutes.
- Help/Support – Good help and support is necessary with any service. Online storage services should provide self–help through FAQs, user manuals and tutorials. They should also provide customer support through email, phone or online chat.
