BIG TRANSFER? NO SWEAT

AllPeers (beta)

Free

PROS A quick and easy way to send large files

from machine to machine.
SSL-protected transfers.

CONS Works only with Firefox.

Sender or intermediary

must be online for receiver to get a file.

ALLPEERS HOPES TO EASE THE PAIN OF sending large files over the Internet by leveraging the power of peer-to-peer networking. Simply drag a file to your browser window and this new service copies the contents to another AllPeers user’s system—for free.
The app works only with Firefox, however, and performance was spotty when I tested it. Still, this beta shows promise. I had set-up problems, and the service went down several times during testing, but when AllPeers worked, the speed was acceptable.
A customized version of BitTorrent drives the utility, so if you send a file to several people, others can help send it once they receive parts of the file. Using the app is easy. After keying in e-mail addresses or AllPeer usernames to create a contact list, you can choose a name and send files via drag-and-drop or dialog boxes.
You can send off-line recipients a notice that the file is on offer. Once online with the app open, your intended recipient can download the file—provided that you or others you’ve sent the same file to are online. SSL encryption protects transfers.
AllPeers plans to make the software browseragnostic, and I expect performance to improve. But even now, the service does what it promises with little fuss.

Read the AllPeers (beta) full review here.

Allpears home

PC Magazine (Oct 2006)