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Free P2P Download Software

By Peter Nisbet

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 01Jan2009 Word count: 757 Viewed: 531 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

Free P2P download software permits free peer to peer users (also referred to as nodes) to access each others hard disks. Not to provide full access, which will compromise your security, but only files of certain types.

Some of these connections are true networked systems whereas the original file sharing systems were based on a client-server structure. That means that each client on the network was connected to a central server through which files were routed from the source to the member requiring the file.

To put it simply, if A wanted a copy of a movie or music file that was on the hard drive of B, the file passed from B to the central server, and then to the hard drive of A. That is how Napster used to work and is the main reason that it failed. Once the central server is closed, either by the server owners or the authorities, the entire network fails. True software p2p downloads do not involve any centralization.

Peer to peer file sharing, also referred to as P2P downloads, is now the most common means by which entertainment files are shared throughout networks. Every user is connected to every user that is logged on, and when you download free music, movies or games you do so through a direct but secure connection between your hard disk and that of the person or persons providing the file. You could be downloading from your sibling in the next bedroom or from the opposite side of the world - you will never know who is providing the file. Peer to peer user networks offer you access to countless millions of music tracks, movies and games that you can download directly to your hard disk.

BitTorrent was devised by Bram Cohen is completely different to any other kind of free p2p software, one difference being that it has no search facility. You must first carry out a search on the web for the file you want and then download it. There are BitTorrent search engines available to facilitate this, such as BTBot and TorrentSpy.

However, Gnutella is by far the most popular P2P software online, and is used by popular free peer to peer downloading networks such as MovieDownloads and many others.

Free Downloading

Peer to peer file sharing networks such as Gnutella and BitTorrent are free to use. Many companies will charge you for using the software, but they are conning you. You must, however, be careful when choosing and using the free software.

Most free download programs come with bundled adware and spyware. Adware produces the pop-ups which appear on your screen and are extremely difficult to remove. Frequently you can only get rid of them by rebooting your computer. Spyware can record keystrokes, and in doing so can copy your login, credit card and banking details. Employers can record your internet usage and legally use this for disciplinary purposes.

While some free P2P file download software is good, you are advised to opt for the paid versions. You normally make one lifetime membership payment, but can also pay monthly. The payment covers maintenance, support and a much faster download speed with more sites from which to download. It also guarantees that the package you use is free of adware and spyware.

LEGALITY

It is illegal to download copyright protected files using free peer to peer software, or any other for that matter, and that covers the vast majority of modern music and movies. However, there are many files that are copyright-free, and these can be found by a simple online search. Many new artistes offer their work free online via file sharing services in order to get their name known. Additionally, many people use P2P downloads to check out new singers and bands before deciding to buy the album. Some budding move-makers offer their work online as an advertising technique. They would all suffer were free P2P downloads banned as many online advertising sites are doing now.

While it is not recommended that you download the latest blockbusters or Number One hits, you are able to do so and you should make sure that you do not break the law by illegal use of free P2P download file sharing packages - P2P downloads are not illegal but free P2P downloading of copyrighted material is. Used properly it can be a useful tool for those that want their name known and are willing to offer some work as free p2p download files as an investment for their future.

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