Often we need to transfer files quickly between PC’s on the same network. The first thing that you would do is to use is a USB stick that would be lying around. If the files are smaller or if you have got a fast enough connection you would probably use Dropbox or any modern cloud storage solution. But all these techniques are unnecessarily time consuming and we know that a better solution is definitely required.
Meet FileDrop
FileDrop is a simple tool that you can use for sharing files between two computers that are on the same network. All you need to do to transfer the files is to install FileDrop on both the PC’s and make sure you are running it. No further configuration required.
How does it work?
You need to install the app on the system that you need to transfer files with along with your home PC. Next you need to make sure the applications are running at both the ends. FileDrop simply detects any PC’s or Macs on the same Wifi or LAN.
To transfer the files, just drag and drop the files over to the computers listed in FileDrop. For the transfer to begin the receiving computer will be have to confirm the file transfer. Thankfully when you are sending multiple files, you do not have to confirm each one of them (like in Bluetooth). What is annoying though is the need to refresh to find the PC’s every time you start the app.
The file transfer progress is shown in the FileDrop window. You can also set the default save location.
Performance
It’s pointless to use FileDrop to transfer small files, when you can just mail it. So we tested FileDrop with multiple files, each sized around 300 to 400 MB. It approximately took three and half minutes to send a 400 MB file over a Wifi connection. I consider this performance as fairly decent and there is no doubt that FileDrop will save a lot of time, considering that you you would otherwise have to copy the file to a USB stick as well as to the desired PC.
Verdict
If you are working on a network and often have to transfer multiple large files to other PC’s in the network, then FileDrop is really godsend for you, not to mention the massive amount of time you save in transferring the file physically over say, USB . Those who have proper network file sharing already setup may be amused at the very idea of FileDrop, though FileDrop again scores on the front of saving you from the hassle of setting up file sharing initially. A definite keep.
Download: FileDrop Beta [17 MB]
