P2P

File sharing is the transmitting of files over the internet or network from one computer to the next.  More specifically, P2P file sharing is the spreading and sharing of digital media using peer-to-peer networking technology.  The most well known p2p file sharing to me is Limewire.  In the early 2000s this was a popular way to download music instead of buying it through iTunes or physical disc copies in a store.  The only risk that you faced was a possible virus on your computer.  Besides that, it was convenient and, for the most part, free to use.  Many people turn to p2p file sharing programs because of their no cost and easy option of obtaining entertainment.  According to The BitTorrent Effect article, Bram Cohen created a faster way to download entertainment content by breaking up the files for quick upload speeds to match the download speed.  The article explained more in depth of how the program actually worked.  A single source file is broken up into pieces and is spread across to users so that “everyone has a chunk to share.”  After downloading, uploading happens which allows other to download and then upload the chunks.  After the continuous uploading and downloading, everyone will obtain all the chunks necessary for a complete source.


Source:  The BitTorrent Effect