LostInTechnology

How To Manage Your Files Behind a Firewall for Free

Posted on 17. Feb, 2010 by Squealing.Rat in How To

More and more, schools, work environments and libraries are blocking access to seemingly frivolous sites like Gmail, Facebook, or any part of the Google online suite (Google Docs, Picasa Webs…). While this move may seem sensible, it can hinder the performance of many. Why?

Because instead of emailing a file to themselves, or putting photos for a slideshow on Facebook, they have to deal with the tiresome flash drive. Flash drive, USB drive, and thumb drive are all names for that little device that you plug into the computer, put your files on, and then carry around with you, praying that you don’t lose it at the next turn. Using a flash drive is a tedious task that often results in forgetting the thing at home, breaking it or drowning it in that overzealous cup of coffee.

But how can you get out of using a flash drive? Most computers have firewalls that block access to most email and personal sites. While the following tips may be helpful, some may not work depending on how strict the computer’s firewall is.

Box.net

Box.net, while geared towards businesses, offers a free account version as well. The basic premise is an online file site that allows you to upload your files to specific folders. These folders can be shared with your colleagues and friends, an excellent feature for a project that requires collaboration. Another feature is the ability to edit a document directly on the site, without downloading anything. While this is an excellent web application with a simple interface and plenty to offer, it may be more than one needs.

Txt.io

If Box.net was more than one needs, than txt.io is less than one needs. However, less may be just right for the average student. You sign up for txt.io by integrating it with your Google account. While it lacks privacy, if you find it necessary to save a text file really easily and quickly, txt.io is just what you need. Just know that while your posts won’t be publicized excessively, they will still be on the internet, indexed and linked to your username.

Drop.io

Drop.io is the king of easy file storage.  It lets you create a drop, where you and others can upload files to. The different ways you can do this are nearly infinite, through phones, faxes, emails and more. Very easy file collaboration, and it’s a great tool for multimedia file storage.

On Your Own Server

If you have access to a server and only have the intention of doing something educational and not illegal, you can install Glype proxy. Glype proxy will enable you to surf to nearly any website through a proxy. While most public proxies are blocked by firewalls, using Glype proxy on your own server should not be blocked.

Bonus: Lost in Technology had this great post on file sharing sites.

What do you use to get around work/school firewalls? Let us know in the comments!

The writer of this post compiles the latest tech news and more at Squealing Rat, and writes about tricks and tips of deception, trickery and survival at Lone Iguana. Find him on Twitter.

Photo: viZZZual.com

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Tags: files, firewall, How To, how to manage files, manage files behind firewall, storage