Peer-to-peer file sharing software p2p networks allow those that use them to use a file-sharing network to share files: in this case generally music, video and games files. This is done by connecting storage devices such as hard disks, USB memory and DVD disks between two or more computers and transferring selected files from one to another.



Although the vast majority of such peer to peer file sharing software p2p networks are true networks, offering connections directly from provider to user, it was not always that way. Some still contain elements of the old Napster client-server structure that ended in the old Napster dying because the network was destroyed when the central hub, the Napster server, was removed.

Napster arose from its ashes as a regular paid service, but without its original pizzazz, and those software p2p systems that came after it had learned. They consisted of a more direct architecture whereby a direct route between the provider and client for the file was provided. If A wants a copy of a movie, game or music file, the P2P software provides a direct .link between A and all the peer to peer file sharing members that are online. The packets making up the file are downloaded simultaneously from all logged in members that have the file on their storage device (generally the hard disk or a partition of it). This connection can be between you and your neighbor, or the Queen of Sheba, provided she is live on the network.

You can have access to hard disks of every other member of your network that is online, and the download speed is determined directly to the speed of your internet connection, the software, the internet connection speed of the provider of the file and the number of other users using the network at the time of download, but can be exceptionally quick, particularly with paid, as opposed to free, software PSP services. Examples of such peer to peer file sharing software P2;Pervices are the open source Gnutella network, used by Limewire, Moviedownloads, and Bearshare, and the eDonkey network used by Kazaa and Overnet services. Another is BitTorrent, although that is a different type of system.

The base software P2P networks are open source, and hence free to use. However, the paid membership sites, that generally charge a one-time life membership fee, offer support, a better directory structure, faster downloading speed and many other benefits. These are real benefits, and one of t5he best is that the membership version is free of Spyware and adware that comes along with the free versions. Adware puts pop-ups on your screen related to your browsing habits, and sometimes you cannot remove these without switching off your computer. Spyware can read your keystrokes, and hence capture your banking and credit details: enough said!

PAID FILE SHARING NETWORKS

The paid software p2p services are not paid networks, but provide access to the open source networks that is guaranteed free from viruses, adware and spyware, and monthly paid membership p2p services offer you unlimited downloads of music, games an movies. Although it is sill possible to download current hits, you should avoid that since it is illegal, and stick to those tracks in the public domain and not protected by copyright. In fact some current chart hits are already protected by software that stops you downloading them, but they are still very much in the minority.

Most peer to peer file sharing software p2p networks will inform you if you are trying to download a copyrighted file, and give the you opportunity to stop or to continue. However, you are still allowed by the software to download a Number One hit, although it would be wrong of you to do so. In fact it is possible for one member of a p2p service to purchase a top blockbuster movie online, and then allow it to be distributed to millions of others for no more than their initial membership fee: in other words, basically for nothing. Imagine what this would do to future and income of those working in the entertainment industry! However peer to peer file sharing software p2p can be used for the benefit of the industry if used as it was originally.

The original software p2p networks offered new singers, bands and movie makers the opportunity to showcase their work free of charge to the public. In this way they became known, and their work would slowly start to sell. As they became better known, they would gather a fan base, and eventually become stars in their own right. Many Indie bands started off that way without having to spend much money. They could get comments and valuable criticism, and find out how popular they were. Some could use that information to improve until they felt ready to launch commercial work. Computer games could be tested before going onto the market. Bugs could be fixed and the product perfected.

However, many selfish people are still ruining it for those that want to use these peer to peer file sharing software p2p services as they should properly be used. They copy movie hits and current music onto hard disk, and then onto portable disks for commercial sale. In fact the authorities should be tackling the big dogs - the pirate gangs that make millions through illegal movie and music downloads. But they do not - they prosecute kids that don't know better or want to download a track to assess before buying the album, and fine their hard-working moms

.

That is not to say that downloading copyrighted material should be legal, but it would help if some proper 'high profile' prosecutions of professional pirates were made. That would be a more positive message to the ordinary person that they are doing wrong than just prosecuting a few kids and their moms.

THE PROPER USE OF P2P FILE SHARING NETWORKS

Check your network for public domain material, or look for it online and search for it using your network search facility. You can also check out your favorite singer's website, particularly new singers or bands, and ask what free downloads are available. Search for legitimate free movie downloads - you will be surprised at how many are available. You should also check out the copyright laws for your country. Copyright does not last for ever, and they go into the public domain after a period of time. After that they can be legally downloaded free of charge using p2p file sharing software.

New bands or singers can record their work, and open it for free download. Simply place it on your hard disk and advertise it - it's better than YouTube because there is no time limit. When you consider the one-off payment, you actually pay very .little for the peer to peer file sharing software p2p network service of your choice, offering free music downloads, free movies, and free computer games. However, you are advised to use your p2p file sharing service within the terms of copyright law.