File sharing is just as it sounds: Allowing access of files and information to others via computers and networks. Take a closer look and learn more about BitTorrent, MP3 files, Napster and others.
If you're a music lover and own a portable MP3 player, chances are you've used an MP3 file recently. An accessible and easy-to-use format, MP3s have changed the way people listen to and distribute music. But how do MP3s work? See more »
Instead of downloading a file in its entirety, BitTorrent gathers pieces of the file you want and transfers them simultaneously from other sources. How does it put the pieces back together?
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If you want to play MP3 files in your car and your car has a CD player in it, or if you want to play them on your home stereo, then what you need to do is move your MP3 files onto a CD. Here's how.
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The digital revolution that has empowered consumers to use digital media in new and innovative ways has also made it nearly impossible for copyright holders to control the distribution of their property. Enter "digital rights management," or DRM.
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Get a refresher on the original Napster and why it caused such a storm about intellectual property laws.
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Compression programs can eliminate 50 to 95 percent of file size in seconds, but when you open up the file the data is still there! Learn how compression algorithms cut down on bytes without killing data.
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File-sharing allow millions of people to freely trade MP3 and video files on the Internet. Is it legal? How are the files exchanged? Is there a central database? Find out how the file-sharing structure works and see why it makes it difficult for record labels to sue.
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CDs took care of storing music digitally, then MP3 files took it to the next level, compressing audio data down to a manageable file size -- without losing sound quality! Learn about the miracle of MP3.
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While the original Napster got sued out of business, dozens of free file-sharing utilities have popped up to take its place. Find out how the old Napster worked and why it was vulnerable to legal attacks.
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If you're a music lover and own a portable MP3 player, chances are you've used an MP3 file recently. An accessible and easy-to-use format, MP3s have changed the way people listen to and distribute music. But how do MP3s work?
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As a file-sharing program, Aimster is generally more secure because users have complete control over their files. This AOL program can also hook up with your IM friends.
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