Peer-to-Peer File Sharing

Peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, or social computing, refers to the process of employing a network of computers with specific operating logic to allow individuals, communities, or companies (users) to freely share files on their own computers with other users. In P2P technology, computers can directly connect to each other and use specialized software programs to share digital files including music, videos, movies, and computer programs.

Contrary to the traditional client–server model, P2P technology provides an exchange of information without centralized services—that is, P2P technology uses various end users to share data rather than many centralized services such as FTP and web services. Each peer operates as a potential resource and an information requester at the same time. Thus, the primary objective of P2P technology is to ...