Thoughts on Gigatribe 2.50 (Ultimate Version)
Not being a big fan of file sharing programs, when we got the chance to review Gigatribe, I really wasn't that excited. I'm still not, but the app did what it promised.
Installation is a snap. Download, install, set up an account, and invite your friends. In the free version, for the first 30 days you get what they call "easy connect", this feature automatically connects you to your groups; After 30 days you have to manually set up your connections.
The Ultimate version is the full version, and it's pay by the month or year. The difference in features is as follows:
Free user vs. Ultimate user
I can exchange large files (even entire folders!) with my friends. Yes Yes
I can chat with my friends. Yes Yes
I can manage my user list (add, remove, ban). Yes Yes
Maximum number of simultaneous downloads: 1/unlimited
I can connect without any configuration (EasyConnect service). 30 days Yes
I can benefit from the multisource downloads. No Yes
I can limit my folder access to a specific user group. No Yes
I can choose the level of authorization (read/write) for my shared folders. No Yes
I can protect my shared folders with a password. No Yes
I can download my shared files from anywhere with web browser. No Yes
I receive support via email. No Yes
The pay version is either $4.99 a month or $29.95 a year.
Speeds:
At the time of testing I was reading as follows:
Hmmm seems to be slow tonight. At any rate between the two machines we were getting 14.4k on the download side. As the site says the more people in your group that have the file, the faster it will DL. It it limited by people's upstream speeds though.
A plus for Gigatribe is that only you and your private circle can see and download your files, if you so choose. Unlike direct peer to peer type clients, the app runs through a central server that only directs your files to the clients, if you are sending private files this is great, but what happens if the central servers crashes? You could set up a direct connection, not a bad option.
All files are 256 bit encrypted. Gigatribe is using the Blowfish algorithm so your files should be pretty safe. You'd need a dedicated machine to crack a file open.
Another feature, at least in the Ultimate version, is online chatting with your friends. Sharing pics, vids, whatever, you can talk about it while downloading. Makes a nice little meeting space.
What can I say here folks, it's a file server. It worked fine in our tests and did what it promised. If you'd like to check it out, or buy, you're more than welcome to do so:
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