What Does File Hosting Service Mean?
File hosting service is an Internet hosting service that is exclusively designed for hosting user files. The word hosting indicates that only user data is stored on the back end for Internet and related services. The stored data may belong to one or more users. The users can later access or retrieve this data through FTP or HTTP.
The stored data may include images, videos, audio, data files, software, manuals, tutorials or E-books. Different storage providers offer file hosting services with a monthly or annual subscription fee.
File hosting service is also known as online file storage.
Techopedia Explains File Hosting Service
Not everyone can afford a file server for data storage and retrieval. Like other services, file hosting is provided by many file storage providers.
- Software File Hosting: Different authors of freeware use this service to provide their software. Some providers use delayed or intentionally slow downloading options for free users, persuading them to buy a premium service to get full privileges. This service is also used for marketing purposes.
- Personal File Storage: Designed to store personal data and back up individual files, just like a network storage system. The data and files are password protected and paid users can upload and share their data with authorized users. These files are accessible through HTTP or FTP.
There is another form of file hosting known as one-click hosting. Different one-click hosting services are available for data storage. These allow the user to upload or download data to or from their local hard drives with just one click, often for free. These services are offered through Web-based applications and only one URL is required to get the homepage or interface that provides the platform for such activities.