Can I share files to non-users?
How secure are my file transfers?
File Transfers seem very slow. Why does it take so long to transfer files?
Stopped uploads, performance less than above speed test results, or errors
Are there bandwidth limitations, as to how much I can transfer?
What is the best way to Upload a Large amount of data?
Can I share files to non-users?
Files can be shared with anyone, including non-members, using a simple web-based link to shared files. An email message is sent to your chosen recipients containing a link to your files.
This works well for sharing files on a short-term basis, and to non-users. This method is secure, since you can assign a separate password for the share, and the link is accessed via SSL "Secure Socket Layer".
Here's how:
- Select any remote file on the left that you wish to share. You may choose to share files from any of your Our Heritage Vault folders, or GroupShare folders. the same option is available from the email icon or from the file-info icon right menu.
- Click the file that you wish to share, to view the file sending/sharing options; Follow the prompts for the email address, and optional password.
- This will allow you to send anyone links to the files you want to share, through an email message.
- The password is optional, but recommended if you are sending documents that are confidential or sensitive in nature. If you do set a password, you will need to inform recipients since the password is not emailed to them by the system.
- There are limits per 24-hours on how many total shared files can be accessed. These limits are determined by your account size (a 100mb account can provide access to 10 shared file links per day). In most cases, you will not be affected by this daily limit, unless you use this feature constantly with large distributions.
- An email will be sent and recipients will click on a link in the email to directly download your shared files.
How secure are my file transfers?
File transfers to www.OurHeritageVault.com are sent over the Internet without encryption, just as most email transmissions are. This maximizes transfer performance. However, due to the open nature of the Internet, if some malicious person has access to your network connection, your transmission can potentially be intercepted and the contents of the transfer can be read. Our current network consists of direct connections to top-tier providers, UUNet, Sprint, Level 3, Global Crossing, Verio, Time Warner, Allegiance Telecom and AboveNet.
If the security of your transmission is a high priority, to prevent interception we provide an SSL Login option (secure.filesanywhere.com), which encrypts every packet transmitted to and from our servers to your desktop. The SSL certificate is certified by Verisign and provides a 1024-bit RSA key (this encryption is so strong, it is predicted by RSA that this key would take 3 million years to break using a $10 Million super computer with current technology). This security is also used by banks and the US military to secure document transmission.
You can switch to this security with any of our plans, including the free trial. Simply click the link "Use SSL Login" next to the Enter button before logging in. You can also require this security each time you Login, in case you forget, by checking the "Require SSL Login" option in your user profile.
File Transfers seem very slow. Why does it take so long to transfer files?
Performance of uploads and downloads is directly related to your bandwidth to the Internet. Our data center supports the highest connection speeds available, so you will always get the best performance that your Internet connection provides. Our Heritage Vault performs ideally from a "broadband" connection: DSL, Cable Modem, and T1 connections.
Your upstream bandwidth is the single most important factor that affects upload performance and success.
Even cable modems and DSL connections can operate at slower than expected speeds for the upstream portion of the connection, and if this is the case you can speak to you ISP about ways to achieve a faster uplink.
Test Your True Line Speed
You can test your connection to see your true speed in kilobits per second.
- Interpreting the Results: Look at the measurement: "Upload Speed". This is how much file data IN KILOBITS that can be uploaded using your connection each second. You can divide this number by 8 to get the results in KiloBYTES. KILOBYTES is the how file sizes are shown on your computer, and in Our Heritage Vault, and in the upload progress screen.
- Typical upload speed for high speed DSL or Cable Modem: 300-3000 kbps, or 38-375 KILOBYTES per sec. (1MB file in 3 to 30 sec)
- Typical upload speed for a full office T1: 1200 kbps, or 150 KILOBYTES per sec. (1MB file in 6 to 10 sec)
- Typical upload speed for high speed Fiber (FiOS): 2 Mbps - 30 Mbps, or 244-3662 KILOBYTES per sec. (1MB file in 1/4 to 4 sec)
- Dial-up modem and satellite speeds depend on the connection type. You can expect a 1MB upload to take a few minutes.
The standard Upload feature on the default Main View page is not recommended for files over 200MB, and will not work at all for files over 2GB in size.
Try a small file first. Sometimes what seems to be an error caused by a large file is actually a different problem, such as a connection timeout or a browser setting, which will be easier to troubleshoot by uploading a small sample file. If a small file is failing, change the Options on your web browser back to Default, and verify your connection. Also, try restarting your browser and check for available LOCAL disk space, since some temporary local space may be needed during file transfers.
We recommend you try the MultiUpload tab for uploads, since a detailed progress indicator displays the calculated time remaining, which make uploads easier to track. Plus, the MultiUpload Java applet runs in its own window, so it is less prone to interruption on your computer, and you can upload entire folders with ease using drag-n-drop.
Are there bandwidth limitations, as to how much I can transfer?
There are no restrictions on the amount of data that can be transferred. You can upload and download files that are up to the full size of your account storage. What is the best way to Upload a Large amount of data?
Allowed upload is up to 5 files at once, in the previously defined size limits