What are some examples of Peer-to-Peer file sharing systems?
“Peer-to-peer” file-sharing systems are popular programs for sharing files with others over the Internet. People who install these powerful tools, however, need to be aware of the privacy and security risks that may come from their use or misuse. Key concerns facing file-sharing users include:
- Inadvertent sharing of sensitive personal information - Peer-to-peer systems make it possible, and in some cases too easy, for people to share personal files and accidently disclose critical information. There is evidence on major peer-to-peer networks of users sharing very sensitive documents like their tax returns, email inboxes, or check registers, certainly in most cases by mistake.
- Spyware and adware – Shared files may contain spyware that communicates information to remote third parties for advertising or other reasons, often without the user's knowledge.
- Security concerns - File trading introduces risks similar to those faced by Internet users generally. People should take care to only download files and execute downloaded applications from sources they trust, and everyone should safeguard their computers from online threats.
- Legal risks - File traders who violate copyright laws face obvious legal risks. ISPs may be required by federal law to provide customer contact information to government authorities for customers suspected of engaging in illegal activities, including file sharing of copyright material.
Some popular peer-to-peer applications are:
- BitTorrent
- LimeWire
- Shareaza
- Kazaa
- iMesh
- Bearshare Lite
- eMule
- KCeasy
- Ares Galaxy
- Gnutellla
- Azureus - also known as Vuze
- Morpheus
- uTorrent
Some popular peer-to-peer web sites are:
- The Pirate Bay
- BTJunkie
- Demonoid.com
- Mininova
- BitTorent.com
- isoHunt
