This document discusses peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing. It provides a brief history of P2P file sharing beginning in 1977 and highlights some important developments and software through the 1990s and 2000s. The document also distinguishes between centralized and decentralized P2P network structures. It identifies some common file hosting services and P2P software/networks. Potential risks of P2P file sharing are outlined as well as some methods to avoid risks. The conclusion states that P2P is efficient for data transfer but carries security and legal risks that current research is working to address.

1. Free Powerpoint Templates Peer-2-Peer File Sharing Kenie Moses TECH621 Social Internet Spring 2011

2. Essentially at it’s basis is file sharing File sharing amongst connected peers No host computer storage Free downloadable shareware to connect Peer-2-Peer File Sharing What is it?

3. Peer-2-Peer File Sharing History 1977 Xmodem a point-to-point BTP- Ward Christensen 1985 File Transfer Protocol- Postel and Reynolds 1986 Zmodem another BTP superior long-distance transmission 1988 Internet Relay Chat- Jarkko Oikarinen IRC users can exchange files via Direct Client-to-Client 1990 The World Wide Web-Tim Berners-Lee & Robert Cailliau 1991 Mp3 is finalized as an ISO/IEC standard

4. Peer-2-Peer File Sharing History 1997 Scour, Winamp, Hotline & MP3.com founded 1998 MPMan F10, Rio PMP300, Audiogalaxy, MP3 Newswire and Digital Millenium Copyright Act Passed 1999 Napster uses centralized structure. Indexing & searching performed on Napster servers. Storage on peer from peer 2000 MyMP3, eDonkey, Gnutella, Scour Exchange & Freenet 2001- Decentralized file sharing clients, lawsuits, shut downs & open source software distribution

5. Peer-2-Peer File Sharing Peer-2-Peer Network Organization Centralized Network Decentralized Network

6. Peer-2-Peer File Sharing File Hosting Services Internet hosting service specifically designed to host static content through direct download; online storage Peer-2-Peer Services File sharing among peers connected by common, normally, open source software package that allow users to download and upload bits of info through swarm networks 2 Types of File Sharing Services

7. Peer-2-Peer File Sharing File Hosting Services RapidShare, File Savr, file dropper, FileFactory , File Den , Fileqube, 4Shared, 2big2send.com Peer-2-Peer Services TorrentSpy, uTorrent, Azureus, PirateBay, ARES, Gnutella, LimeWire, eDonkey isoHunt, PirateBay Major Examples

8. Peer-2-Peer File Sharing Risks Unknowingly allow others to copy private files May download material that is protected by copyright laws May download a virus or facilitate a security breach Allow others to view personal information or download content other than anticipated information. (i.e. porn)

9. Peer-2-Peer File Sharing Risk Avoidance Install file-sharing software carefully, so that you know what’s being shared Use security software and keep it and your operating system up-to-date Close the connection & back-up sensitive data Create separate user accounts

10. Peer-2-Peer File Sharing Conclusion P2P is an efficient and effective means to transfer data between individuals over distance High risk for worm (virus) intrusion, security breaches & unwanted information access Current study for P2GP for increased security and control over “friends” (peers)

11. Peer-2-Peer File Sharing References http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt128.shtm http://www.peer2peertutors.com/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_sharing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File_hosting_service http://www.blogsdna.com/923/top-20-best-peer-2-peer-p2p-file-sharing-programs-applications-software.htm http://compnetworking.about.com/od/p2ppeertopeer/Peer_to_Peer_File_Sharing_P2P_Networking.htm http://p2pfoundation.net/