Gnutella

Gnutella is a system that allows users to exchange files directly over the web. This utility eliminates the need for a file sharing platform such as a peer-to-peer site. It is commonly used to download and share music files with others users. Unlike LimeWire or Napster, Gnutella is not a website, yet a system that allows users to access the files of ther Gnutella users. It is not limited to the MP3 music format and allows the downloading of any type of file. Upon installing and running this utility, a computer becomes both a client and a server in a network and is then known as a GnutellaNet. This enables the sharing of files with other users who have their files configured to do so. Since being developed, Gnutella has been the object of concern in the music publishing industry who stress the abuse of copyright laws. Supporters of this peer-to-peer approach perceive it as innovation that enables the free sharing of information without the regulations and restrictions administered by a website or third-party source.