Five new ways to share files online

Each is very different from the rest: Tubes, from mobile synchronization platform developer Adesso Systems, involves a program you install that creates a direct, network-like link with other users for shared folders. YouSendIt and FileCrunch are basically web storage with an email notification feature. Pando is a P2P file sharing service that lets you exchange large files or subscribe to channels from media companies. Windows Live Folders is a web-based hybrid of the others, using both online storage with notification and a folder metaphor.

A promising new beta project in this space, Pownce, whose staff includes Kevin Rose of Digg fame, was unavailable for testing at review time, and you wouldn't be able to check it out for yourself yet anyway, so we'll review it at a later date. The service will be able to work using either the browser or a lightweight app built with the new Adobe Air runtime technology.