A quick google search showed the definition of "file sharing" to be "the practice of or ability to transmit files from one computer to another over a network or the Internet" Another search on technopedia showed the definition of "file sharing" to be "the practice of sharing or offering access to digital information or resources, including documents, multimedia (audio/video), graphics, computer programs, images and e-books. It is the private or public distribution of data or resources in a network with different levels of sharing privileges."
2. What is P2P file sharing?
The term "P2P" stands for peer-to-peer, simply meaning content that is shared between two or more people. To be more specific, P2P file sharing defined now by Fossbytes is (in the 21st century) "a uniquitous technology that has proven its part to revolutionize the Internet era. P2P sharing is much praised by the pirate community, as it helps to channel digital content such as music, movies and TV shows over the Internet, without paying for it.... it wasn't intended for the purpose it has been utilized now, and the innocent P2P file sharing is being blamed for all the losses borne by the production studios and music labels." P2P file sharing has become to have a negative connotation to it, representing files that are illegally shared amongst a network of individuals, and allowing all individuals to have the files for free.
In an article by Brian Stelter and Brad Stone of the NYTimes, "people have swapped illegal copies of songs, television shows and movies on the Internet for years... a wave of streaming sites allow people to start watching video immediately without transferring a full copy of the movie or show to their hard drive, and are making it easier than ever to watch free Hollywood content online. Many of these sites are located in countries with lackluster piracy enforcement efforts, like China, and are hard to monitor."
3. What are some examples of P2P file sharing?
Some examples of popular P2P file sharing: ThePirateBay, BitTorrent, LimeWire, uTorrent
I think the idea of P2P has evolved drastically over the years. From apps to chatbots to AR models, the breadth and depth of P2P has changed and evolved. Now, in addition to exchanging files and videos over the internet, you can also find apartments, or purchase products or even buy a car all through the concept of peer-to-peer. I’m curious to see where P2P goes within the next 10 years and what else can be done through this process.
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