Preparing a file for rapidshare in OS X
Hopefully this will answer all questions on the subject.
There are three major things that can/should be done to a file before uploading it.
•Compress
•Encrypt
•Split
I will go over a couple ways to do this.
Method A:
Using Stuffit Deluxe. Stuffit Deluxe is an application that can compress, encrypt and split an archive all in one fell swoop.Advantages: Very easy to use. It does it all at once.
Disadvantages: Slightly slower than other applications and slightly less compressed.
Instructions:
1)Get and install the latest version of stuffit.
2)Open 'DropStuff'.
3)Click the 'Stuffit' tab at the top left.
4)Select the 'Encrypt Archives'
5)Click on the 'Segment size:' button and go down to 'Zip (100Mb)'.
6)Drag whatever you want to onto the application and enter a desired pass-phrase when prompted.
7)If you haven't configured a default destination, it might prompt you for one.
8)You should now have an encrypted, compressed split archive capable of being uploaded to a server of your choice(more on that later).
Method B:
Using Springy and Split&Concat.Springy is an application that can encrypt and compress. Split&Concat can... split... and concat files.
Advantages: Free software, faster and more compressed. My tests indicate that the zip format is faster and more compressed than the stuffit format, and just as good as any other.
Disadvantages: A two-part process.
1)Download and install the newest version of Springy. Available in the link above.
2)Download and install the newest version of Split&Concat, also above.
3)Open Springy(register it if you want).
4)Click 'zip'
5)Enter a name and a place to save as.
6)Go to 'Springy' in the top menu bar, then down to 'Preferences'.
7)Click on the 'Archiving' tab.
8)Set the level of compression as you wish, and then make sure to click 'Encrypt With Password:'.
9)Enter your password, and click the red circle at the top left of the preferences window as to close it.
10)Drag whatever you want into the springy window. Allow it to compress, and you'll be good to move on.
11)Open up Split&Concat.
12)Click 'Split'
13)Make sure the 'MB' option is selected, and then enter a number less than 100 in the box and hit ok.
14)Now navigate to you archive from step 10 and you are good to go.
Uploading:
You must now select a site to upload your files to. Some popular ones are:•Rapidshare.com Max size: 100MB Save time: 45Days Wait: Yes
•Mediafire.com Max Size: None Save time: ? Wait: No
•Bigupload.com Max Size: 500MB Save time: 30Days Wait: Yes
•Megaupload.com Max Size: 500MB Save time: 90Days Wait: Yes
Basically, all you have to do it pick one, and upload all of your files one by one(or all at once if you can).
Then just find a place to post the links. Make sure to follow all guidelines(proper title). I also found that it is helpful to post a description of what you uploaded and or a link the manufacturers website. Also make sure to post any passwords that might be necessary.
On a final note, this is the most complex way to do things. If your file is less than 100 megabytes, there is no reason to split it into smaller files. If it is larger than 100MB and you are uploading it anywhere but rapidshare, it is also not an issue.
You don't have to compress anything. This is usually done to make the file smaller, and hence faster for you to upload, and for other people to download.
You also don't have to encrypt things. I sometimes forget. If you can, it is generally recommended though.
I think that's about it though.
Enjoy and happy uploading!
