Using Windows Live SkyDrive to share large files
Figure 1 - SkyDrive home page
Windows Live SkyDrive is an online file storage and sharing system which can be used to replace a traditional FTP server.
http://skydrive.live.com
Sign in with a Windows Live ID (you can create one if you don’t already have one). Your Windows Live ID can be used for a multitude of services, including Hotmail, Expedia, Windows Live Messenger, MSN Spaces, and more.
Figure 2 - SkyDrive folders
SkyDrive can be used to store up to 5 Gb online with 3 different levels of security: Personal, Shared, and Public. Personal folders are extremely secured. Only you, with your Windows Live ID, can access Personal folders. Shared folders are password protected and can be accessed only by e-mail accounts you specify. Public folders are exposed to the Internet with no security – anyone can look at the contents of a Public folder if they have the proper link.
Figure 3 - SkyDrive Shared Folder options
When creating a Shared folder, you have the option to name the folder and specify who can access the folder. When picking people who have access, you can select from anyone in your Hotmail or Windows Live Messenger contacts list or you can explicitly specify e-mail addresses. You also have the ability to specify the level of access a user of your folder has – whether or not they can change or add items to the shared folder. An e-mail will automatically be sent to the people you have granted access to.
Figure 4 - SkyDrive e-mail notification
The HTML e-mail received by your invited guests gives them a link to the shared folder.