File sharing software is used by businesses and individuals to send and receive files over a local network or through the Internet.
File sharing software uses distributed peer-to-peer networking, localized servers on computer networks, online-based hyperlinked documents, and manual sharing of movable data.
Most commonly, file sharing is done through peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing, which is conducted through peer-to-peer software. Popularized by Napster in the late 1990s, P2P refers to the distribution and sharing of digital media using P2P networking technology, which allows users to download books, games, movies, music, and other files.
BitTorrent clients are a form of peer-to-peer file sharing using the BitTorrent protocol. Because BitTorrent is a P2P communications protocol that does not require a server, it differs from the conventional client-server model. Most BitTorrent programs are open-source, while others are freeware, adware, shareware, or commercial and proprietary.
While P2P networks are controversial due to copyright issues, there are legitimate uses for the technology. Microsoft Corporation uses P2P technology for updates of its operating system, and it is used by the online gaming industry for downloading large amounts of data. Although Napster was shut down in its original format due to lawsuits over the transfer of copyrighted materials, other P2P networks have been established.
While sites promoting illegal activities will not be accepted into the directory, legal P2P networks may be listed here.
File hosting services are another popular type of file-sharing network. Also known as a cloud storage service, online file storage provider, or a cyberlocker, a file hosting service is an online service designed to store files. Users upload files to their accounts, to be accessed over the Internet after a username and password are provided. File serving networks may use HTTP or FTP access.
File hosting services may be used by individuals as a form of network storage of files, for personal backup, or file distribution. Users may upload files for later access by themselves or to share with others, protected by a username and password. An advantage of using a file hosting service for personal use is that they can be accessed from any device, in which case they might be used for file syncing purposes. Dropbox is an example of a file hosting service.
A form of file hosting is known as a cyberlocker or one-click hosting. This is a web service in which a user is able to easily upload one or more files from his computer hard drive, or from a remote location, onto the cyberlocker host's server. Usually, the service returns a URL that can be given to other people, who can then download the file later. Generally, the service is free, with revenue coming from advertising. or by charging for premium services, such as an increased download capacity.
This type of technology is sometimes used by software distributors to distribute software applications after payment has been received.
Whatever the specific technology or business model, file-sharing software clients are appropriate topics for this category.
However, the focus of topics in this category is on the file-sharing or file-hosting clients, as in the software involved. File hosting or file-sharing services offered to end-users are listed in the File Hosting category, for which a link is provided below.
Categories
@File Hosting |
Recommended Resources
Aorta is a load-balanced and clustering P2P application that executes tasklets, which have the ability to split themselves into subtasks that are executed in parallel. Typically, a cluster contains a LAN with from 1-256 computers, each of them running Aorta. Although Aorta is a Java program, function calls can be made to C or C++, or to applications like Matlab. Its algorithm is outlined, along with a description of a tasklet, and screenshot samples of various program functions.
http://aortas.sourceforge.net/
Compatible with the Windows operating system platform, Ares is a peer-to-peer file-sharing system that allows users to download unlimited games, movies, music, software, and other files, promising adware/malware-free downloads with 24/7 technical support. The software also supports the BitTorrent protocol and Shoutcast radio stations. The features, awards, and support services for Ares Lite and Ares Ultra are put forth, along with client testimonials and a download area.
http://www.ares.net/
Designed by Jonas Borgstrom and developed by the Borg Collective, Attic is available as free and open-source (BSD License) deduplicating backup software for most Unix-type operating systems, particularly Debian, Ubuntu, Arch, and Slackware. Written in Python, Attic is suitable for daily backups since only changes are stored. Installation and user's guides are presented, along with information on bug reports, an issue tracker, and development notes. Along with its source code, it is available.
https://attic-backup.org/
Available for macOS and Windows, BitComet is an HTTP, FTP, and BitTorrent client available in fifty-two different languages. Originally known as SimpleBT Client, and currently developed by the BitComet Development Group, it is a multi-threaded, multi-protocol, hybrid download manager and BitTorrent P2P file-sharing program which supports simultaneous download tasks. Its features are listed and highlighted with screenshots and current and previous versions are available for download.
http://www.bitcomet.com/
BitTorrent Inc. is a San Francisco technology company known for the BitTorrent communication protocol for peer-to-peer file sharing, used to distribute data and electronic files over the Internet. The company offers a desktop Torrent application for experienced users, available for Mac and Windows, including language packs, as well as a browser-based app and a live streaming application, and an Android mobile version. A help section and a blog are included.
https://www.bittorrent.com/
Developed for the Windows platform, eMule is a free P2P file-sharing application distributed under the dictates of the GNU General Public License. Created in 2002 as an alternative to eDonkey2000, the client now connects to the eDonkey and Kad networks. Its features are listed, along with development notes, and the development team is introduced. Other resources include skins, screenshots, help and support files, contacts, and an online support forum.
http://www.emule-project.net/
A fork of LimeWire, FrostWire is a free and open-source BitTorrent client available under the terms of the GNU General Public License, with versions compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and other Unix-type operating systems, and Android. The system requirements are stated, and download mirrors are posted to the site. Developed in 2004, FrostWire was formerly a Gnutella client, becoming a BitTorrent client in 2005, later discontinuing its support for Gnutella.
https://www.frostwire.com/
Also known as the MUTE Network or MUTE-net, MUTE is an unmaintained peer-to-peer file-sharing network developed with anonymity in mind. Released into the public domain, the MUTE client is open-source and includes support for the Linux, Mac, and Windows operating systems. MUTE was developed by Jason Rohrer in 2003, who used a routing algorithm based on ant colony optimization and using RSA encryption to exchange keys. MUTE-compatible clients are listed.
http://mute-net.sourceforge.net/
Licensed through the GNU General Public License, Myster is a file-sharing utility similar to BitTorrent, Hotline, and FreeNet, allowing users to share files with others and download files being shared by others, both on the Myster network and over the Internet. Its protocol has also been developed as a standalone, unique file-sharing program that can operate without a central logistics server, using a unique and open-source distributed networking protocol. An overview is provided.
http://www.mysternetworks.com/
The OpenSource Learning Management System (OpenLMS) was developed at the Department of Geography at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). It is a fully-functional LMS with support for group collaboration, file sharing, distribution of lectures, and other purposes. Currently, the program supports English and Norwegian and is available under the terms of the GNU General Public License. Details about the program are given, along with screenshots.
http://openlms.sourceforge.net/
Released under the dictates of the GNU General Public License, Phex is a peer-to-peer file-sharing client for the Gnutella network. Written in Java, Phex will operate in GNU/Linux, macOS, Windows, and other platforms supporting Java, and it will support most of the features of the Gnutella network, as well as the creation of private networks over the Internet, and the distribution of files decentrally. An overview of the client is given, along with screenshots, and a support forum.
http://www.phex.org/
First developed in late 1999 and early 2000, Soulseek is a P2P file-sharing network and application. Used primarily to exchange music, the network is made up of two independent networks, both operated by the same management, and supporting Linux, macOS, and Windows. The application may be downloaded from the site, which also includes a blog advising of new developments and information, its rules, a FAQ, and a user support forum.
http://www.slsknet.org/
BitTorrent facilitates the accessibility of data on the Internet by allowing users to share information with a large audience. Tomato Torrent is a BitTorrent client for users of the Apple Macintosh operating system. Built on a branch of the original BitTorrent client in 2007, the program was developed so as to separate the BitTorrent code from the Macintosh code. Its features are posted, and the program (and source) may be freely downloaded under a BSD-style license.
https://sarwat.net/bittorrent/
Developed by BitTorrent Inc., uTorrent is a proprietary adware BitTorrent client that has been in active development since its release in 2005. Available for macOS, Windows, and Android, its products include a desktop version, a pro version, a web version, a remote version, and a Windows beta version, each of which is highlighted here. A help section may be searched by keyword or browsed by topic. It also includes is an informational blog and a community support forum.
https://www.utorrent.com/
Originally known as Azureus, Vuze is a BitTorrent client used to transfer files using the BitTorrent protocol. Written in Java, the client allows users to view, publish, and share original DVD and HD quality video content, which is presented through channels and categories. Users may also opt to charge a fee for original content. Although earlier versions remain GPL-licensed, more recent versions are proprietary, and both a free and a subscription-based version are offered.
http://www.vuze.com/
Tested on Debian Etch, Fedora8, and Fedora 9 Linux versions, Wippien can be downloaded for free, and the source code is available, although several third-party components will need to be licensed separately. The free P2P VPN software can be used in gaming, for file sharing, and as an instant messaging client, with support for several common protocols. WippienService, a Wippien-enabled application may be used to keep a connection with the server even when the user is not logged on.
http://www.wippien.com/
