P2P

P2P

P2P stands for "peer to peer" file sharing. Instead of storing files on a central computer where the public can access the files, the files are stored on users' computers. When a user wants to retrieve or download a specific file, they are not taking the file from a central computer, but rather other user's files. In this system, all members of the network are distributors of information, as well as consumers, retrieving information at will. Because P2P software does not connect to the internet but rather to members of the network, large files can be donwloaded efficiently because of this unique structure. One aspect of this structure is that users are not downloading information from a single source, which is what happens when downloading from a web server, but instead, they are downloading information from multiple sources and gathering bits of information from several sources at once, therefore increasing the speed of download and the availability of larger files.

P2P software has become immensely popular in today's society. One of the earliest and groundbreaking P2P systems is Napster. Napster was founded in 1999 and was became a major way in which internet users shared files. It allowed users to connect to servers all over the world that also have the Napster application, and thus, a user can search for information from other users around the world. Napster's popularity can be demonstrated by its 60 million users. Another P2P software that is extremely popular is called Limewire. This software can be found on the computers of many young adults, as well as other people, throughout the world as it allows users to download quickly, and free.

However, it is this specific feature of free music that has gained criticism and much controversy, especially throughout the music industry. Members of the music industry claim that transferring music from peer to peer for no charge violates copyrights and deprives artists of album sales. In fact, lawsuits have been filed against Limewire by several record labels claiming Limewire executives are violating copyright by providing the software for people to swap files and songs. However, Limewire executives claim that they are not responsible for the actions of the users or how they decide to use the software. In fact, Limewire has been under heavy criticism and some have even gone as far as to say that Limewire, and hence P2P sharing itself, is participating in illegal activity by assisting in the violaion of copyright policy of record labels.

For a picture of the Limewire software, click the link below: []

Author: Jing Liong