File sharing is a central feature of all computer networks and especially of P2P, or peer-to-peer networks over the Internet. Essentially, file sharing refers to the process of making files and/or programs available to different users on different computers in a network. Sometimes this is achieved by connecting more than one computer to a central server where the files are saved, or by creating access to and from more than one computer through the Internet or a smaller network of computers. File sharing enables people and computers that are connected to the same network, through a software application, to browse, search and download from each other’s shared media files.
File sharing sites work by creating a network in which all the members offer the contents of their media files to the group and, in exchange, are able to access the files of the other members. Files are usually music, movies, and games. In order to make files available, users first have to upload them to their own computers by copying the material from either an original purchased CD or DVD or from a burned copy from another source. Once the file is saved on the computer, and the user is connected to the Internet and the network, the file is available for other members of the network to access and download.
File sharing allows people to build extensive media libraries, while most often not paying for the files they are acquiring. File sharing is usually a violation of copyright laws and different states and countries are trying to respond in appropriate ways. Some are trying to hold the network creators responsible for making the files available, others are aiming at people who make files available, and still others want to crack down on people who are downloading illegal files.
The most popular file sharing sites are those for media files like music, movies and computer games. Users first download a software program that gives them access to a network of users and the contents of their combined shared media files. Some of the most popular of these sites are LimeWire, Kazaa and WinMX - designed specifically for Windows users.
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