Secure your files with 4Shared

4shared is a file sharing service. 4shared has a search function, allows users to upload and download files to their accounts and share links with other people.

API

4shared offers a publicly available Application programming interface which allows implementing different 4shared services on other web sites (4shared search, login, logout etc) using Simple Object Access Protocol.

File-storage, sharing, and concerns of Privacy-Invasion

4shared is a storage site for all kinds of media, and, if users choose, it can be used to share between acquaintences, and even the public. However, beginning in June 2009, even for private accounts (marked by users as 'Unshared'), 4shared willingly began to, without user-permission, allow both big and indie record labels alike (which include Geffen, EMI, Interscope, Memphis Industries, Sony, and Warner Bros.) to search through individual, private User accounts and then file removal-claims for mp3, .wav, RealAudio, and other types of audio media. The aforementioned record labels are allowed to search both paying (Premium), and non-paying (Free) private 4shared User accounts, and then have said private property deleted by 4shared. Bands and artists that these record labels actively search for to remove from 4shared private 'Unshared' accounts include Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Depeche Mode, Eminem, Erasure, Green Day, The Go! Team, Lady Gaga, Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, Seal, and many more. As a result, 4shared users who bought said music legally then lose their private property (in this case, mp3s, etc) that they had legitimately paid for and uploaded to 4shared. Uproar from 4shared users (both Premium and Free account users) incurred, and they then began speaking out about this privacy-invasion, which was first brought to public attention in Wired.

This online application can also be used as an online USB or a storage device using the internet. When you forgot a file at home, users can access 4shared online storage to download the file at anytime and anywhere as long as there is an internet connection. This can also serve as a backup storage device when you accidentally lost your files.









4Shared enables students to store files as if using the internet as a handy USB Flash Disk. What makes it useful for students is that they can access there files wherever they go as long as there is internet. It also stores files so if in case your USB Flash Disk or your External HDD got broken or got corrupted, you still have your files stored online. It also helps when you need your files on-the-go without bringing anything (as long as you have a computer and internet access)

We evaluate 4Shared as a useful application. It really comes in handy on certain scenarios can help free up space for files needed by the student/user for his/her computer. It also allows easy access and retrieval of files, making this a worthy application.


Ratings: 8.4 / 10

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4shared