What Is File Transfer?

A file transfer is the process of sending a computer file through a communication channel from one computer system to another. In most cases, a communications protocol is used to manage the transfer of files from one location to another.

Several different file transfer protocols have been designed over the years to meet a variety of needs and use cases. For example, the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a simple method of sharing files over the Internet, while the SFTP adds an additional layer of security to the transfer process.

For business purposes, there are a number of advanced file transfer solutions available that offer high-performance capabilities and full visibility to track the flow of data. These technologies help companies ensure that the right information is being transferred at the right time, and that performance issues such as failed transfers or delays are identified quickly.

Some of the most common methods for transferring files from computer to computer are cloud storage services and external hard drives. These tools provide a simple and convenient way to move files between devices, but are not ideal for larger file sizes. For example, a 5GB file might take hours to transfer using a cloud service, and a standard USB drive only has limited storage capacity.

For large files, it is sometimes faster to move them from one computer to another by connecting the devices via a cable and then using copy-and-paste software. This can be a more reliable option than using drives or cloud storage, but can still take hours for very large files to transfer between PCs. To speed up the process, consider selecting cables with a high transfer rate. MediaFire Alternative