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Peer-to-Peer
What
is Peer-to-Peer?
Peer-to-peer
(also known as file sharing) is a network arrangement of
computers which treats each computer as a node, capable
of distributing as well as requesting files from other computers
(acting as both a client and server). Simply put, P2P is
a program installed on a computer that allows that computer
to communicate directly with other computers that have the
same program installed. If your computer has a P2P program
on it , it can request files from any other computer with
that P2P program or can share files with the other computers.
In essence, it opens your computer up to other computers.
It allows direct real-time exchange of files that may contain
chat, audio, video, images, software, and games. This arrangement
has the ability to bypass any security features that may
be in place in the typical client server arrangement. Peer-to-peer
is used for gaming as well as distribution of illegal copies
of music, movies, and pornography, and is thought to aid
terrorism. For a more technical look at peer-to-peer networking
go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer-to-peer.
Dangers:
P2P
or file sharing is the downloading (copying) of computer
files from someone's computer to yours. It is unlikely that
you will know this person; therefore, you cannot be assured
that the files are virus free. Downloading files is a very
effective way of spreading computer viruses.
The
primary legal dangers are the possession of computer files
containing illegal copies of music, movies, software, and
child pornography and possibly distribution charges of the
same.
There
are hundreds of Peer-to-Peer software programs, some of
the more common ones are:
Aimster
Audio
Galaxy
Bearshare
Gnutella
Gnucleus
Grokster
iMesh
KaZaa
Limewire
Mactella
Napster
Morpheus
SwapNut
WinMX
Copyright
violations are being pursued by various industries. If you
receive legal notification that you or your child is in
trouble see the site listed below, "Talking to Your
Children About Downloading Music." To find a list of
relevant Copyright Laws and their explanations, see the
NetMonkey
site. The laws that are described apply to software, games,
music, and movies both in digital and physical forms.
