File sharing in its purest form is simply the ability for individual users to take their files and upload them onto the ‘Net for other users to share, use, and manipulate. Similarly, the individual user is able to use file sharing abilities to make use of other users’ files as well, and to this end a host of peer-to-peer file sharing network programs have mushroomed. It is interesting to note that the idea of peer-to-peer file sharing has drawn a lot of criticism since it completely disregarded the copyrighted status of many a file. Yet while these cases were being litigated, file sharing continued unabashedly and millions of computer users refused to adopt a wait and see attitude.

As a matter of fact, free file sharing is probably one of the main reasons that many computer users sign on with the Internet in the first place. Additionally, free file sharing programs for download are readily available. While some of these free file sharing programs also have paid versions – which sometimes offer increased download speeds – many others are content with the quality and speed of their file sharing program.

Today many applications of file sharing software include podcasting as well as PeerCast. The best file sharing programs are rated for their safety and known virus and spyware protection. The less reputable file sharing sites are known to bundle spyware and other malware with their free downloads – Kazaa and LimeWire come to mind – and this was indeed a steep price to pay for some simple movies file sharing. Yet because of the consumer pressure, the programs that may be downloaded now from the major sites which enable the free music file sharing are conspicuously free from such unwanted additives.

Keep in mind that when you download file sharing programs it is still up to you, the consumer, to do your homework to ensure that the software you are considering is indeed free from any additives that make it objectionable. Doing your research on the Internet will help you to stay away from the questionable downloads, no matter how much they promise on their sites, and it will also help you to understand the possible legal ramifications you yourself might experience when sharing files via the ‘Net. While it has been held by the courts that it is generally the file distributors’ responsibility to keep copyrighted material off their sites, more and more enforcement has come down on the user end and thus it will behoove the computer user to know well in advance what she or he is signing up for.