File Sharing

File sharing is the activity of making files available for other users to download over the Internet or other networks. File sharing refers to both sharing the file, so that others can download it, and downloading a file other users have shared.

Files are shared in one of two ways: The client-server model or the P2P model. In the client-server model, a user uploads files to a server, where other users can connect and download files. In a typical one-way download scheme, the users only download files from the server and typically do not upload files. Popular Web sites for freeware and shareware downloads follow this model, such as Download.com , Tucows , and Softpedia . In the P2P model, users install file-sharing software like Bit Torrent , Kazaa  or eMule , which allows them to directly connect to one another. Since this system is decentralized, more obscure files can be found more easily via the software’s built-in search mechanisms. File sharing is also typically faster via this method. Here, users typically both download and upload files.

Certain Web sites are popular for downloads of free software, as well as shareware. While P2P networks were originally developed for users to share their own material, the most common use of P2P networks today is to share copyrighted material like video, audio and software without explicit permission. This amounts to copyright infringement or piracy.

For this reason, the video (MPAA ), audio (RIAA ) and software industries aggressively target P2P search sites, software and users in an attempt to stem the flow of distribution of copyright material. Napster, software which was extremely popular for sharing music files, was shut down. It has now been reincarnated in the form of legitimate distribution networks where users pay for the music they download.

File-sharing software sometimes comes packaged with spyware or other malware. It is therefore necessary to make sure that the file-sharing software in use is clean.

File-sharing networks may also be used to distribute pornography, hate literature, propaganda, and other illegal materials. A wide variety of file-sharing networks exist, and it can be hard for a newcomer to determine which are safe.

While figuring out safe networks usually comes with experience, there are some rules of thumb to follow. First, ensure that the file-sharing software does not contain any spyware or malware. Comparison pages, such as the Wikipedia page on file sharing , help in making that decision. Some software like Bit Torrent allow filtering of searches and content based on keywords, so it is possible to create filters which exclude the specified keywords while searching. Finally, useful resources, such as the P2P forums , exist to warn users of “rogue” file sharing sites.