File Sharing Questions

[Dire Bare]

I am looking to get onto the file sharing bandwagon, and would like your help/opinions on what software is the best to use. I've heard of programs like Kazaa and Bittorrent, but am totally unfamiliar with any of them, or really file sharing in general.

Please don't turn this thread into a debate about the morality/legality of file sharing. I don't personally plan on using it for illegal downloads (at least, I don't think so . . . downloading copies of books I already own in print).

Any help or advice would be appreciated!

Oh, and I am not a very technical person, I am proficient in Windows use but don't ever go under the hood of the car!

Thanks!

 

[Aeson]

Winmx is ok. Emule is better. Like I said in another thread, I don't advocate illegal activity but if you own a legal copy already I don't see anything wrong with downloading a digital copy. I use it sometimes to preview things before I buy them.

 

[smootrk]

Another option is a software program called Grouper. It allows for private, encrypted, and invitation only groups that can share whatever files they want. I use it among my friends. Because it is invitation only, you control who can access your shared files. Great also because it is completely free.

http://grouper.com/download/

 

[Lazybones]

You should find answers to most of your questions here:

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/filesharing

Also note that downloading copies of books that you currently own in print may be illegal. AFAIK no actual legal cases have been brought regarding this particular justification for the downloading of copyrighted content. I do know that the record and movie industries (print publishing too, I'm sure) consider this illegal despite the possible (untested) fair use issues. I am not a lawyer, but my understanding of case law on copyright puts you on extremely shaky ground. Now, whether anyone cares enough to do anything about it is another story; thus far 99% of legal action has been against those who distribute (i.e. "upload") content, rather than just download it.

Of course, be sure to note that some p2p clients, like Bittorrent, automatically share/upload while you are downloading material. Others, like Kazaa, allow choice of what to share, but be careful lest you accidentally set huge portions of your hard drive to eligible for sharing (this can lead to significant other problems as well, if someone gets a hold of your confidential files).

 

[Psionicist]

Do you have broadband? Whats your maximum download and upload speed?

 

[Andre]

A related question: Any file sharing programs available that don't come with spyware?

 

[Aeson]

winmx and kazaa lite ++ don't have spyware as far as I know.

There is something called delisting where Spyware is taken of the list of some spyware blockers. Something to keep in mind. Because they won't show up when you try to remove them.

 

[Psionicist]

A related question: Any file sharing programs available that don't come with spyware?

DC++ is an open source Direct Connect client without spyware. You can compile it yourself if you dont trust the binaries. Almost all BitTorrent clients are open source too.

Dont bother with Kazaa/Gnutella/Donkey or whatever they are called. Because they are easy to use, they attract dumb people, and noone with interesting files to share use these programs. If you dont like the sound of this, then file sharing is probably not for you. Its the most lawful neutral thing I know of, with rules and ranks and hierarchies etc. The more you know (as in knowledge), the better your sharing experience will be.

 

[Aeson]

DC++ is an open source Direct Connect client without spyware. You can compile it yourself if you dont trust the binaries. Almost all BitTorrent clients are open source too.

Dont bother with Kazaa/Gnutella/Donkey or whatever they are called. Because they are easy to use, they attract dumb people, and noone with interesting files to share use these programs. If you dont like the sound of this, then file sharing is probably not for you. Its the most lawful neutral thing I know of, with rules and ranks and hierarchies etc. The more you know (as in knowledge), the better your sharing experience will be.

I guess I should just defer to you on this. You best me on everything.

 

[Psionicist]

I guess I should just defer to you on this. You best me on everything.

Sorry. I apologize if I stepped on your foot here Aeson, not my intent.

File sharing is a weird world uncomfortable at first until you understand how it works, kinda like a finer golf court. You know they dont like you wear shorts for example. My point here is, file sharing is very elitist once you get past the "load up a program, search and download and eventually in a few hours its done"-stage. And The Napster Way is long gone.