P2P File Sharing

File sharing is a concept where the content creator or content owner lets it to be available to those who need it. File sharing takes place mostly via internet. Two people or their computer resources are used to carry out file sharing. Some  of software that enable file sharing in P2P modes are Lime wire and Bit Torrent. Lime wire is under fire from the government for sharing some software through their networks, which was illegal.

So the open sharing of software and files is under strict pressure from the media creators such as music companies, movie production houses and software manufacturing companies. Also issues such as illegal and unauthorized virus distribution inflicting damages to the unguarded or unprotected computers over the networks is on rise. These viruses can wipe up data on unprotected computers and hackers can really compromise data security of big firms. This can lead to identity thefts as well.

P2P file sharing good for open source, freewares, or other files that are not subject to copyright laws. As long as file sharing is legitimate it can be useful. Regulators are constantly monitoring these P2P networks for illegitimate use. Once detected they are either shut down like Napster or remanded to  court orders to stop functioning, like Lime wire.