P2P

File sharing is the practice of distributing or providing access to digital media, such as computer programs or multimedia, from one media device to another. File sharing can be done through various methods; some common methods being removable media devices such USBs, centralized servers such as Dropbox, Web based links, and the use of peer-to-peer networks such as BitTorrent.

P2P file sharing is a form of file sharing where users use P2P software programs to access media files such as books, music, movies, and games. P2P software programs send out a request to download a file, then locate the file on other computers that are connected to the Internet and running the same file sharing software. When the software finds a computer that has the file, the download beings.

The biggest example of P2P file sharing is torrent websites such as ThePirateBay and Kickass. Programs such as uTorrent allows users to access media files from other computers. According to Eric Pfanner, web sites such as Rapidshare, allow users to upload media files and distribute the link to others to download.  The problem with P2P file sharing is that it is illegal and taking profits away from businesses. P2P software allows users to download copyrighted media and paid software.

References:

•  Pfanner, Eric. "Should Online Scofflaws Be Denied Web Access?" The New York Times. The New York Times, 12 Apr. 2009. Web. 28 Apr. 2015.