Uploading files to Rapidshare is a secure and easy way to make files available on the Internet. The current file limit is 100 MB for each individual upload with virtually no limitation on the number of uploads. Rapidshare will provide a address that links to the upload so that users can download it.

The first step is to go to the RapidShare homepage and click the “browse” button. This allows you to search your computer for the file you want to upload. It is basically an identical process to attaching a file to an e=mail. After the proper file is selected, simply hit the “upload” button.

After finishing the upload of the file a new page will be shown containing two links. The first points to the file while the second can be used to delete the file. It is recommended to save both links as there will be no further reference of them for free users anywhere on Rapidshare.

Your file can now be send to your friends and family simply by pasting the download link in an e-mail. The RapidShare site also offers an e-mail form that will allow you to send your file.

It is generally recommended to avoid downloading and uploading files at the same time as an error in one connection will affect the other as well meaning that both processes will stop. It is also a good idea to stop bandwidth intensive tasks while uploading to the file hoster to speed up the upload.

Most users that upload files to Rapidshare do it to share the files with other users. There are however some users who upload movies, games or music to Rapidshare because of the large file size offered by the service.

Some users exploit the large file size limit of Rapidshare by uploading copyrighted files to the file hoster. Rapidshare was already involved in several law suits because of this behavior.

Rapidshare will automatically and manually delete files that violate copyright laws but the sheer number of uploaded files make the endeavor difficulty. Users are also bypassing the controls by password protecting or renaming the files before uploading them.

It is usually advised to avoid titles that might hint at copyright violations even if the files are not copyrighted at all. It is also common to upload files larger than 100 Megabytes as multiple parts by using archivers.

RapidShare provides a useful service and uploading your own files is an step-by-step process. When you become more familiar with the site, you can begin adding descriptions and graphics to your files as well. However, users of any experience level can benefit from the site.