P2P File Sharing

File sharing is the exchange of information through downloading and uploading files such as music and movies.

P2P file sharing is peer-to-peer exchange of files where one computer user uploads a file that the recipient will later download. Downloading is a faster process as uploading requires more space and checks.

As stated in "The BitTorrent Effect" by Clive Thompson, traditional P2P file sharing examples are Kazaa and Morpheus, which are slow processes due to the uploading "bottleneck" method. The same source is responsible to feed the information to transfer to requesting systems. Bram Cohen developed BitTorrent as a faster means to transfer files, he constructed it like a puzzle using numerous parts to complete tasks. Each user is involved in providing bits of the files making the sharing process readily available. This process demonstrates team work at its best as no one user carries a hefty load that weighs down or delays the job.