Downloading from your Ultra.cc service
Will these download clients use my upload quota? Yes, downloading or sharing files will use the upload quota. With the exception of FTP on Port 21 & SSH on Port 22.
Downloading Files
At Ultra.cc we offer an application hosting service that allow customers to store and access files. There are several methods available to download files from your Ultra.cc service, each with their own pros and cons. This guide provides an overview of the different file download options.
FTP/SFTP
FTP and SFTP are secure file transfer protocols used to transfer files between two locations, such as your Ultra.cc service and local machine.
Pros:
- Widely supported on devices and operating systems.
- Uses common ports (FTP port 21, SFTP port 22).
- SFTP allows using SSH keys for additional security.
Cons:
- Slower transfer speeds compared to segmented downloads.
See Connecting using FTP guide for details on settings and usage.
LFTP
LFTP allows for segmented downloads, which breaks files into smaller "segments", allowing you to maximize bandwidth by downloading segments in parallel.
Pros:
- Much faster transfer speeds.
- Useful for large files/folders.
Cons:
- Requires setup and some technical knowledge.
See Using LFTP guide for details on installation, configuration, and usage.
HTTP Access
HTTP Access provides a quick way to directly download files over HTTP from your Ultra.cc service using a web browser.
Pros:
- Simple downloads through web browser.
- Secure access with basic authentication.
Cons:
- Less features compared to sync or transfer tools.
- Counts against upload bandwidth allocation.
See Downloading using HTTP Access guide for details.
WebDAV Access
WebDAV Access is an extension of the HTTP protocol and offers an efficient way of managing your files remotely.
Pros:
- Efficient
- Secure access with basic authentication.
Cons:
- Less features compared to sync or transfer tools.
- Counts against upload bandwidth allocation.
See Access your Ultra service with WebDAV guide for details.
Rclone
Rclone is a command line program that can sync files from your Ultra.cc service using FTP, FTPS, or SFTP. It supports incremental syncing, meaning it will only download new or changed files after the initial transfer.
Key Features:
- Configure a remote pointing to your Ultra.cc service using your login credentials.
- Create a script that runs Rclone to sync data from your Ultra.cc service to a local folder.
- Automate the script to run on a schedule using cron.
Pros:
- Robust and flexible command line interface.
- Fast transfer speeds comparable to direct downloads.
- Easy to fully automate incremental syncs.
- Support for FTP, FTPS (implicit/explicit), and SFTP protocols.
Cons:
- Initial configuration requires some command line proficiency.
- Does not have a graphical interface.
- Sync can fail if files are locked or inaccessible.
For a step-by-step guide to setting up Rclone for automated transfers from your Ultra.cc service, click here.
Syncthing
Syncthing is a free, open-source, peer-to-peer file synchronization application. It synchronizes files between two or more computers.
Key Features:
Pros:
- Automatic file syncing between devices.
- No reliance on central cloud provider.
- Security features like encryption.
Cons:
- Configuration can be complex.
- Resource intensive if not properly limited.
- Not recommended by Ultra staff.
Be cautious of scanning intervals, file watcher settings, and bandwidth limits to avoid resource exhaustion. See Using Syncthing guide for full configuration details.
Resilio Sync
Resilio Sync is a peer-to-peer file sync and share tool that keeps folders matched between devices.
Key features:
- Sync folders to computers, phones and tablets.
- Secure transfer with AES-128 encryption.
- Set read/write permissions per user.
Pros:
- Resilio include easy cross-device syncing and configurable permissions.
Cons:
- No selective sync in free version.
- Local sync ability requires paid tier.
Resilio creates a decentralized sync network with military grade encryption, making it a versatile solution for sharing files from Ultra.cc. Refer to the Resilio setup guide for details.
Automated Sync Scripts
Scripts that can automatically sync Ultra.cc storage contents to another location on a regular schedule.
Pros:
- Easy way to keep folders automatically synced.
- Runs in background without manual intervention.
Cons:
- Require some technical knowledge to install and configure.
See Remote sync tool and FTP/SFTP transfer script guides for details on requirements, installation, and usage.
Recommendations
There are several methods available for downloading files from Ultra.cc that:
- Prioritize security.
- Transfer speed.
- Automation.
- Ease of use.
Review the pros and cons of each method to decide what works best based on your needs and technical background.
Sharing Files
Ultra.cc offers a variety of methods to share files from your ultra slot with friends, family or colleagues. This guide provides an overview of several options to match different use cases and comfort levels. These applications can be installed and managed from the UCP.
FileBrowser
FileBrowser provides seamless file management through your web browser.
With FileBrowser you can:
- Upload, download, preview, rename, and delete files.
- Create folders and organize your files.
- Set up user accounts with customized folder permissions.
The pros of FileBrowser are:
- Its simple web interface familiar to most users.
- It also enables granular control over what others can access in your account.
The only con is:
- It lacks some advanced functions found in protocols focused purely on file transfers.
For details on setting up File Browser, refer to the documentation Here.
Nextcloud
Nextcloud expands your Ultra.cc service into a private cloud platform with a sleek web interface.
Capabilities include:
- File hosting and transfers.
- Secure desktop and mobile sync clients.
- Public share links with passwords and expirations.
- In-browser document editing and previews.
The pros of Nextcloud are:
- Nextcloud delivers an extensive feature set for accessing, sharing and managing your files.
The Cons of Nextcloud are:
- The tradeoff is increased complexity in configuration and resource usage compared to simple sharing tools.
Follow the Nextcloud setup guide if interested Here.
ProFTPD
ProFTPD allows you to easily create FTP user accounts to share files from your Ultra.cc service.
The main benefits of ProFTPD are:
The tradeoff with ProFTPD is:
- That your users will need an FTP client to connect, so it's less user friendly than a web interface.
- But for secure file transfers, ProFTPD is a great fit.
To install and manage ProFTPD, follow this guide Here.
Recommendations
Consider aspects like:
- Your recipients' technical comfort.
- Frequency of access.
- Mobile device access needs.
- Number of users.
With various options like File Browser, Nextcloud and ProFTPD available at your disposal, you have flexible sharing capabilities on Ultra.cc to suit your needs!
If you are having trouble with this, you can open a support ticket here!
Feedback and suggestions regarding this article are welcome in our Discord server