File-sharing options: MediaFire

File-sharing options: MediaFire
MediaFire

MediaFire is useful if you have lots of files you want to distribute, as long as they're under 200MB each. Uploads are scanned with the BitDefender antivirus engine; common document types can be previewed directly at MediaFire's site via a Flash-based previewer. Distribution includes sending file links to social media (Facebook, Twitter) and emailing via contact lists from a variety of programs including Outlook, Plaxo, vCards and many more.

The MediaFire Express desktop application is currently in beta but shows a fair amount of thought. It provides a drag-and-drop target for quick uploading of files and folders; after uploading, a pop-up appears with a quick link to the uploaded files.

Free account storage space: No limit
Free account max file size: 200MB
Paid account storage space: No limit
Paid account max file size: 4GB ($9/month); 10GB ($49/month)
File storage expiration: None as long as account is not inactive for more than 128 days
Other paid options: Uploads do not expire for lack of activity; direct links to files without interstitial pages; removal of ads; custom domains and branding
Time to upload 100MB file: 6 min. 30 sec. (includes BitDefender scan)