Efficient Networks

File sharing is the practice of making files available for other users to download over the Internet and smaller networks. Usually file sharing follows the peer-to-peer (P2P) model, where the files are stored on and served by personal computers of the users. more...

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Most people who engage in file sharing are also downloading files that other users share. Sometimes these two activities are linked together. P2P File sharing is distinct from file trading in that downloading files from a P2P network does not require uploading, although some networks either provide incentives for uploading such as credits or force the sharing of files being currently downloaded.

The first P2P-Generation: Server-Client

The first generation of peer-to-peer file sharing networks had a centralized file list. Courts in the United States ruled that whoever controlled this centralized file list, containing works whose copyright was being infringed upon, were responsible for any infringement. Ultimately, Napster was held liable even if it used the most advanced technology available to identify works copyright holders had asked it to block, because no technology that can identify works with 100% certainty exists or can exist. Napster still exists today, but as a subsidiary of Roxio after they bought the name during the original Napster's bankruptcy phase, continues to operate today, and is now legally distributing music under a subscription-based model.

In the centralized peer-to-peer model, a user would send a search to the centralized server of what they were looking for, that is, song, video, movie. The server then sends back a list of which peers have the data and facilitates the connection and download.

The first file sharing programs marked themselves by inquiries to a server, either the data to the Download held ready or in appropriate different Peer s and so-called Node s further-obtained, so that one could download there. Best example was Napster (today an Payment offerer) or eDonkey2000 in the server version (today likewise with Overnet and KAD - network decentralized).

Sharehoste

Sharehoster for the file sharing are also used. Since it is here very well possible to exchange privately and in the very small framework also unpopular files can be distributed very fast and purposefully. Sharehoster are from each other independent, therefore contents are not offerer-spreading.

server-client-protocols

Audiogalaxy - Service ended in the middle of 2002.; Direct Connect; Napster - Closed in its original form in July 2001. Now it's a paid for service.; Scour Exchange - The second exchange network after Napster. No longer exists.; Soulseek - Still popular today despite being relatively old, with more than 120,000 users online at any time.; TinyP2P - 15 lines Python - SOURCE code; WinMX - The original servers were switched off in September 2005, but servers from other companies have taken over.;

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