P2P File Sharing

File sharing is the way of giving access to digital stored information including programs, photos, music, videos, documents and etc. This can be the private or public distributing of information in a computer network and make us possible to share any kind of digital files. Peer to peer is a type of architectural Internet network that creates a group of computer users with the same program to have direct access among users' hard drives. It does not require the central serves in Internet network for users so that all computers with applications can share files directly.

In order to use P2P file sharing, users are required to download and install the "peer to peer" networking programs. The examples of P2P applications are Gnutella, Kazaa and Bit Torrent. Bit Torrent have become famous and expanded its users greatly since the program provides fast downloading by ensuring that downloaders have to be uploaders. Therefore, the software provide more distributions of files by its users. In addition, Skype, one of the widely used internet phone software, uses P2P technology as well. These applications using P2P technology bring advantages on our lives and business fields.

However, the producers of publishing companies have been concerned regarding illegal sharing of copyrighted content by some P2P file sharing. According to the article, "Digital Pirates Winning Battle With Studios," Motion Picture Association of America estimates that media industries lose about 40 percent of its revenue by illegal P2P file sharing. Moreover, it may bring negative effects on individuals as well. When these companies are not able to earn enough profit from their products, they eventually stop producing or produce lower quality of products in the market. Therefore, we will not able to enjoy music, movie or book form the producers.