I have 2 questions that will probably be very basic to most of you 'pros'.

1. Do you recommend any programs for exchanging large data files (> 500 MB) between two parties? Trying to move some large files for editing/post processing/viewing.

2. I am a small time producer but I have finally reached the limits of the hard drives I have available in my own home. I don't necessarily want to buy external hard drives as a solution, but would like to store many of my raw files with a safe secure service. Any suggestions?

I hope these questions aren't too simple. Thanks for any suggestions.


PGKay

I don't really have an answer for the first question, as I usually just use my own server to upload files for someone to get. But as for hard drives, I'd only trust a local copy in my own office. There's no telling what a 3rd party service would do with your files if they are adult (would they remove them if someone complained?), or if they shut down, or whatever. You just never know. I'd just go with buying a cheap hard drive. They are inexpensive nowadays. You can get a 1TB one for only $60:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007601%20600030763%20600030775&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=20

Just plug that badboy up, and instant mass storage, and no worries. And you can even use the leftover space to act as a backup for your computer.

Amazon cloud storage is probably the cheapest for storing large amounts of data. But a couple of TB and the monthly starts adding up.

I would roll with hard drives.

Just remember, data is NOT backed up until it is in two different physical locations.

Simplest explanation of how to back up securely is the 3-2-1 rule.


http://blog.wisefaq.com/2010/01/05/backups-with-the-3-2-1-rule/






For switching large files between two people, take a look at Dropbox. It's absolutely seamless. I use it to synch important documents between my computers and mobile devices as well as share big files I need safe in a bother physical location:


DropBox - this link will get you 2GB free. It's 10 bucks a month for 50 - that's what I use. I basically use it as my home directory so all my computers have the same info and i can switch working on one to another seamlessly. 2GB is enough just for swapping bog files though