Minus

Web-Based File Sharing Application

Published 12/13/2010 and rated 3 out of 5 stars by AppAppeal Editor

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Minus has completely simplified the sharing process. Users can share almost any kind of file, from documents to music and videos, through Minus. The site is working to add additional file types soon. The reason Minus is so easy is because the site provides users with a drag and drop system that works well. Even the name “minus” was chosen to indicate the minimalistic nature of the site. The motto, “share simply” sums it up well. Anyone can visit the Minus site and begin uploading and sharing their favorite videos, music or a document just by dragging and dropping them. Minus is a great way to save time and make it easy to share files online.

Minus was launched on October 13th, 2010. The original design was inspired by the creations of Glen Murphy, who has worked as a UI lead for Google Chrome and has also contributed to other projects including SproutLiner, BT Timeline, DropMocks and Achtung Detail. The founders of Minus, Carl and John, met in Boston in September of 2010 and set up their first meeting that same week. They worked together to create the internet’s simplest file sharing service available. Previously their service was hosted on the domain Min.us. They acquired Minus.com for $115,000 in 2011.

Sharing files is something that is done every day, or really every minute on the internet. There are many sites that offer storage space, some are free and others for a fee depending on the type and size of the file. While many of these sites are relatively easy to use, there could be other ways to make the process even simpler. This is what makes Minus stand out. The application takes this common activity and makes it even easier through a drag and drop system.

As soon as a new visitor arrives on the Minus website, they can easily see the simplicity of this application. The homepage includes a lot of white space and a few basic tools. User s can see navigational links across the bottom, including the best browsers for using Minus (which include Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer). The user can also check out their gallery or begin uploading files right from the homepage. The direct approach helps eliminate a click or two, which is another benefit to using Minus. It is also possible to connect a Facebook or Twitter account and share files easily through these social networking sites.

A visitor can sign up for a Minus account by clicking the blue and white “Sign In” button along the bottom right hand corner of the homepage. The right column is for users who already have an account, but the left column includes the registration form for newcomers. Just like the site, the form is kept minimal. Users are asked for a username, optional email address, password and verification to prove that they are human. After clicking the “Create Account” button at the bottom of the form, the user is taken back to the homepage where they can begin managing their files.

Not only is Minus simple, but it is also very affordable. Anyone can use Minus for free. There are no charges for uploading or sharing files. The site does not request a subscription fee and there is not a premium paid membership offered at this time. According to the FAQ, Minus will eventually include text advertisements to help keep the service free for all users. The site allows users to upload files of up to 2 GB. Each account receives 10 GB free and for every friend a user invites, they get an extra 1 GB free.

Anyone who has a file to share can really appreciate Minus. Those who are limited on time or computer knowledge can benefit even more. The site allows fast access and quick uploads so users can get their files online and share them right away. It really doesn’t get any easier than the drag and drop system.

• Upload videos, images and documents
• Share files through Minus
• Maintain personal galleries
• Add up to 50 photos per gallery
• Quickly upload with the Minus drag and drop system

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