If you send files on a frequent basis and you want to be able to send those files through email, a web browser, or social media (such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn), what do you do?
Chrome or Chrome OS users, you'll want to turn to a handy extension/app called Send Anywhere. With this amazingly simple addition to the Google browser or your favorite desktop platform, you can drag and drop files into an extension and then share the file via email or social media. If your platform of choice is Chrome OS, the app allows you to share the file immediately or for 24 hours via a link. You can also share with another Send Anywhere user via a six-digit code.
I'll demonstrate how to send and receive with this cloud service through the desktop app. Fear not — using the Chrome extension or app works very similarly.Even if you're not a Chrome/Chrome OS user, you're still in luck, because the developers of Send Anywhere have thought of everything, and you can use cross-platform app installers. I've tried the service through Chrome, Chrome OS, and through the desktop app (via Linux Elementary OS), and all work well.
SEE: P2P File Sharing Policy (Tech Pro Research)
Installing Send Anywhere
Installation on every platform is a snap. If you're using Chrome or Chrome OS, all you have to do is point your browser to the Send Anywhere extension page, click ADD TO CHROME, and when prompted click Add App.
If you're going to use the desktop app, you run the app installer (found on the Download page) and then install it as usual. The installation on Elementary OS Freya can be done by either double-clicking the downloaded file from within the file manager or opening a terminal window, changing into the directory housing the downloaded file, and issuing the command sudo dpkg -i sendanywhere*.deb. Once the application is installed, you'll find it in your desktop menu.
You don't have to sign up for an account or a plan; you can sign up for a free account (which will allow you to gain access to your sharing history, regardless of the device you're using), but it is not necessary — you just open the app (or extension) and send or receive.
Using Send Anywhere
- Open the app.
- Click the Send button.
- When prompted, either drag and drop the file to be sent or click in the box and locate the file (Figure A).
- Click the Send button.
Sending with the Send Anywhere cloud service from Linux.
Once the file is ready to share, you will be given a six-digit code. Share that code with the recipient of the file, and then they can open Send Anywhere, click the Receive button, enter the six-digit code, and receive the file. Once they have received the file, it will show up in your history as received (Figure B).
A file shown as received.
If the receiver isn't using either the app or the extension, they can go to the Send Anywhere website, enter the six-digit key, and click Receive to download the file — all without signing into an account or installing anything.
Making file sharing simple
If you've been looking for a simple way to share files with clients, coworkers, friends, or family, it doesn't get much easier than using the cloud-based service Send Anywhere. Give it a try, and see if it doesn't wind up becoming your go-to file sharing service.
