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What is file-sharing software? A beginner’s guide

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This blog gives you tips and tricks to make the most out of file-sharing tools by helping you collaborate, be productive, and keep your files safe. 

Find out how to optimize your file-sharing software usage and make the most out of its features! 

Table of Contents 

  1. What is file-sharing software?   
  1. Common types of file-sharing tools    
  1. Key benefits of file-sharing software   
  1. 4 tips to get more out of your enterprise file-sharing tools 

What is file sharing software?  

File-sharing software refers to an array of computer programs or applications that enable the transfer of digital files between multiple users or devices over a network or the internet.  

These software tools allow users to upload, download, and share files such as documents, images, videos, and more. They are commonly used for collaborative work, sharing large files too big to be sent via email, or distributing files to a group of individuals.  

People, businesses, and groups across various industries use file-sharing programs to make file-sharing easier, increase productivity, and improve collaboration among users.  

Common types of file sharing tools   

File-sharing is important to collaboration and communication, allowing people and organizations to transfer files between computers and devices easily.  

There are various file-sharing methods, each catering to different needs and preferences. Understanding these types can help users choose the right tools for their file-sharing needs. 

The most common types of file-sharing tools include: 

Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing 

Peer-to-peer file-sharing involves directly transferring files between individual users over the internet. P2P networks allow users to share files without relying on a centralized server, making it a useful method.  

Cloud storage and cloud file sharing 

Cloud storage allows users to store files remotely on servers hosted by a cloud service provider. Cloud file-sharing, on the other hand, allows people to share those stored files with others. You can do it by sending a link or giving certain permissions to access the files. 

File transfer protocol (FTP) 

FTP is a protocol used for transferring files over a network. It involves uploading files from a local computer to a remote server or downloading files from a server to a local computer.  

Key benefits of file sharing software  

Big companies can really gain a lot from using file-sharing software. It helps them work together better and makes handling documents easier. 

With file-sharing software, teams can easily and securely store, access, and share files, improving organizational productivity, communication, and efficiency.  

Some of the primary benefits of using file-sharing software for big companies include the following: 

  • Easy and seamless collaboration: File-sharing software allows team members to work together on documents in real-time, making it easier to work together on projects and share ideas. This eliminates the need for multiple document versions and makes sure that everyone is using the most up-to-date version. 
     
  • Enhanced security: Enterprise organizations often deal with sensitive and private information. File-sharing software steps up security with fancy features like encryption, access controls, and permission settings. This makes sure only the right people can get to the files.  
     
  • Centralized document management: File-sharing software provides a main platform for storing and organizing all documents and files. This makes it easier for employees to find and access files, reducing time wasted searching for documents in different places or email threads. 
     
  • Increased accessibility and flexibility: With file-sharing software, employees can access files from anywhere and at any time, if they have an internet connection.  
     
    This makes it easier for people to work from different places. Employees can team up and get to important documents no matter where they are. 
     
  • Improved productivity and efficiency: File-sharing software gets rid of the need for lengthy email chains and passing around physical documents. It makes sharing documents quicker and cuts down on time spent on administrative tasks. 
     
    This way, employees can concentrate more on their main responsibilities. 

What makes secure file-sharing software?  

In today’s digital age, file-sharing has become integral to our personal and professional lives. But, it’s crucial to keep sensitive info safe and secure when using file-sharing software. 

To ensure the highest level of security, it is important to understand the key features that make file-sharing software safe.  

It is important to understand the key features that make file-sharing software safe, such as: 

Encryption 

One of the most valued features of secure file-sharing software is encryption. It makes sure that the information you’re sending or saving is safe from people who shouldn’t have access. 

Encryption converts the file into an unreadable format that can only be deciphered with the encryption key. This prevents hackers or unauthorized individuals from intercepting and accessing sensitive information. 

Password protection 

A strong password protection feature adds even more security to file-sharing software. Users should be able to set and enforce password requirements, including complexity and expiration policies. 

This means only the right people with the correct login details can get to the files that are shared. 

Access controls and permissions 

The best file-sharing software should give strong controls over who can do what. The people in charge should be able to create roles for users and decide exactly what each person can do. 

This way, companies can ensure that only the right individuals can access certain files or folders, stopping unauthorized access or accidental sharing of private information. 

Audit trails and activity logs 

An important security feature of file-sharing software is keeping comprehensive audit trails and activity logs. This ensures accountability and allows administrators to track user actions within the software.  

By keeping detailed records, organizations can spot when someone tries to access things they shouldn’t, keep an eye on any changes to files, and watch what users are up to. This helps to catch possible security problems or threats from insiders. 

Two-factor authentication (TFA) 

Adding two-factor authentication (TFA) adds an extra layer of protection to file-sharing software. This feature requires users to provide a second form of verification, such as a unique code sent to their mobile device and their password. 


Even if someone finds out a user’s password, the two-factor authentication makes sure that the file-sharing software remains safe. It does this by checking the user’s identity with an extra step, even after they’ve entered their password. 

4 tips to get more out of your enterprise file-sharing tools   

File-sharing tools are important for clear communication and collaboration in today’s enterprise setting.  However, lots of users might not know about all the cool things these tools can really do. 

To help you get the most out of file-sharing tools, here are four tips: 

1. Utilize version control 

Many file-sharing tools, such as WinZip® or Google Drive, offer version control capabilities. This feature allows users to keep track of different versions of a file, making working together and editing smoother.  

By using version control, users can easily go back to a previous version if needed and avoid any confusion from having multiple edits. 

2. Set access permissions 

Setting up access permissions properly within file-sharing tools is crucial to ensure the security and confidentiality of important information.  

Take advantage of the ability to set different levels of permissions for different team members or groups. This way, you can control who can view, edit, or share specific files to maintain privacy and avoid unauthorized access. 

3. Enable file syncing 

File syncing is a useful feature that lets you get to your files easily on different devices. Make sure that file syncing is enabled and set up correctly within your file-sharing tool.  

This allows team members to get to the latest versions of files from their computers, smartphones, or tablets, increasing workflow, and allowing for work to happen on the go. 

4. Integrate with productivity apps 

Many file-sharing tools, such as WinZip, can work together with popular productivity apps like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace. Make use of these integrations to make your work run smoothly and collaborate better. 

For example, working together on a document stored in a file-sharing tool can be made easier by getting it directly from within an Office suite application, taking away the need to download and upload files on their own. 

Ready to purchase or explore secure file-sharing software? Look no further – WinZip is here to revolutionize your file-sharing experience!  

With our powerful software, you can easily compress and encrypt your files, making them smaller for faster and more secure sharing.  

Share files securely with WinZip Enterprise. 


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