P2P File Sharing

File sharing: 


File sharing is defined as the exchange of information, such as computer documents, programs, or multimedia. There are many ways to share files, including removable media (i.e., flash drives), servers, and peer-to-peer networking


P2P File Sharing:


P2P File Sharing is defined as a method/system that connects users in a peer-to-peer network. These users can then search for files on the computers of other users connected to that network. The user can not only download files from other users, but can also upload their own files. The P2P system involves partitioning parts/tasks among users. For instance, a user wishing to download a song will download that song in parts from a many other users. These users break up and share the "workload." Some example of P2P File Sharing applications are: Napster, BitTorrent, Kazaa, and Limewire.


Piracy Concerns:


There is an ongoing battle between content producers and users of P2P Networks. The sharing of protected material has grown and spread since the days of Napster. In a 2006 outrageous legal battle, a Minnesota mother is being sued for $1.5 million for downloading and sharing 24 songs on Kazaa (source: 
http://baruchnewmedia.com/w/images/3/35/IllegalMusic.pdf). Suitable penalties for sharing content are being debated. Some believe that restricting internet access is a viable option, whereas others believe that "There's increasing understanding that broadband is fundamental to basic economic and social participation." (source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/13/technology/internet/13iht-piracy13.html). 


Future File Sharing


While P2P file sharing can be used in a myriad of legal and positive ways, there will always be piracy concerns. New avenues of illegal file sharing are already being pursued. For example, alternatives to downloading, such as streaming movies, are growing fast. There are also ways to share files without having your internet address being tracked. (source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/13/technology/internet/13iht-piracy13.html).