Is file sharing still a big thing on today's Internet? Sending files to another device, your own or from someone else, may still be something that you need to do from time to time. Maybe you need to move some documents to another PC, share some photos with family members, or make sure your uncle in Australia or Japan gets the latest 4K video of the last family get-together.
Whatever it is, plenty of options are available today. From using cloud-services and file sharing sites to sending files via mail or using apps. Sometimes, you may need something that is private. That usually means end-to-end encryption or another form of encryption, if the files get transferred over the Internet.
Send encrypted files to other desktop systems
AltSendMe is a free open source tool for file transfers between two PCs running Windows, macOS or Linux. It is easy to use and uses end-to-encryption.
Here are its main features:
- Transfer files or folders of any size.
- Cross-platform sharing between Linux, macOS and Windows.
- No account needed.
- Encryption from start to finish.
- Open source.
- Works on (same) LAN and Internet.
Using it is relatively simple. Note however that Windows may throw a security warning when you run the program, as it is relatively new. I scanned the file at Virustotal and two of the 72 antivirus engines returned a hit, or more precisely, guessed that it could be problematic. It is safe.
If you are the sender, drag and drop files or folder on the interface. You may also use the browse buttons, if you prefer that. Once you have added the files and folders, activate the start sharing button.
You may get a network prompt, which you need to accept. AltSendMe displays a code, which you need to share with the receiving person. There is no integrated option to share codes, not even for PCs that have communicated before using the app. That leaves several of the other options, from using chat or email to something more secure, like a secure messenger that also uses end-to-end encryption.
The receiving person needs to select the receive tab in the program's interface, pick a download directory, and enter the code. This links the two devices and starts the transfer.
Note that the transfer speed depends on the Internet connection of the sender and receiver. More precisely, on the sending PC's upload speed and the receiving PCs download speed. The sender can stop the transfer or listening at any time.
Closing Words
AltSendMe is a straightforward file transfer program for desktop PCs. It is easy to use and the main difficulty is the exchange of the share code. Using encryption to share it is the safest option. Another issue that you may run into is when you share huge file sizes. Both PCs need to be online for the sending and receiving to work. It does support pause and resume, and verifies file integrity though.
Now You: Do you transfer files between devices? If so, which services or programs do you use for the job? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
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