With the increase in fast broadband, one benefit is that we can get files to other people more quickly. Forget peer-to-peer networking, it’s easier just to archive the files you require and then put them on a file server for other people to download. The snag is, it’s really costly to purchase and maintain your own server and your free homepage will be bandwidth restricted, so you can only share files with a limited number of people.

The best option would be to make use of your fast broadband connection and use your bandwidth and capacity to supply files to other users. If you do not have any bandwidth restrictions, then you could just make these available to download in the background whilst you work in the foreground.

HFS (the HTTP File Server) is a tool that can be used to enable other users to download (or even upload) files from your computer. It works in the same way as a web site, so give users your IP address or even a domain name and they’ll see the files available to download. By using a dynamic IP service, you could register yourname.com and then assign this domain to your IP, making it appear as if you’re running a professional file-sharing service.

Best of all, you do not need to upload files to any remote server as everything is accessed and served from your PC, from home.