How to share files between a mac and pc in 5 easy steps: Back in the day, we had floppy discs, which were then replaced by CDs, then DVDs, and later on, USB keys. Somewhere in between, the first online file-sharing platforms began. With physical data carriers, there is more than one thing that could be considered an issue.
Remember the floppy discs? The capacity was extremely small, but then again, in those times, so was the software. Also, unbelievably unreliable. Moving on, all the other data-carrying gadgets had to be given from person to person or at least sent via snail mail.
And in these times, when working from home and keeping a distance from each other is the norm, there must be better ways to get files from one person to the other.
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Share in 5 Easy Steps:
As you might have seen in the paragraph above, online file-sharing platforms aren’t a new thing, the idea is about 20 years old, but back then, the internet was also still slow, and maybe that’s why it was faster to have the files burnt to a CD and snail-mailed them to the recipient.
But we’re not here to discuss the technology from the olden days but to help you pick the ultimate file sharing platform that will support your professional and private file sharing needs.
Share files between a Mac and PC using Dropbox:
Starting with Dropbox, it’s the veteran of file-sharing platforms, with a very simple file sharing process. It’s a cloud-based cross-platform and known to be one of the most reliable ones. A major bonus is also the fact that you can share the file with anyone, even if they don’t have a Dropbox account.
What might be considered a letdown is the limited free allowance, enabling you just 2 GB of free storage? Other than that, sharing is easy, can be done through any OS, and enables password protection too.
Google Drive:
The giant of all internet giants, Google, of course, has its own sharing platform. It’s called Google drive and is very much in the same quality range as Dropbox. The functioning is very straightforward and intuitive and you can get to it as long as you have an internet connection.
It works really well when sharing files from Google Docs, Sheets and Slides and with other applications too. It is also accessible from any mobile device, but it does offer 15 GB for free, but that is including your Gmail account.
How to share files between a mac and pc in 5 easy steps using Wetransfer
The third one, that is definitely worth taking a look at is WeTransfer. It is a very quick and convenient service, and unrelated to any other bigger platform.
The simplicity of it lies in the fact that you don’t need to create an account, just provide your email and recipient’s email and pick the files you wish to share. Send the link and voila, you’re done.
The link stays active for a week, and you can of course work with the application through an app. The whole ordeal is free, but there’s a Plus account available, it gives you more options regarding safety and download limits, and also lets you change the visual appearance of the application.
If we’re climbing up the simplicity ladder, then Send Anywhere is definitely the next step. Even more simple than WeTransfer, it enables you to send files through the site via a code, URL link or e-mail. Also, all these functions are available through the app as well.
It will let you share files up to 10 GB in size, and the link remains active for 48 hours. Of course, you can sign up too, for some more goodies.
DropBox:
If you’re looking for something more business-oriented, then Box is your go-to. It’s similar to Dropbox, but a bit more businessy, combining file storage and syncing with file sharing.
You do, however, need to open an account and upload the files into your very own cloud. From here, you then just create a unique link with an optional password and expiry date and send it on its way. Other people can also edit the documents (if invited of course). There’s also desktop and mobile syncing, and a very hefty 10 GB of free storage space.
This is just a small part of the file-sharing platforms available out there. If you do your research and know what you need, I’m sure you will find something that will satisfy all your data sharing needs.
