How to Use Peer-to-Peer Video Sharing

Peer-to-peer (P2P) video sharing is a way to download videos from other users (peers) on the Internet and share videos you've downloaded with others. Instead of being distributed by a central server, the videos are hosted by your peers. This generally means less (if any) cost and faster downloading time. Note, however, that downloading copyrighted movies and videos without permission is illegal [source: Dartmouth

].

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In order to use a peer-to-peer network you'll need to install the program onto your computer.

  1. Click the link to download the software from the program's Web site.
  2. Follow the prompts that pop up on your screen.
  3. Read the licensing agreement when it pops up and click I Agree.
  4. Choose a computer folder for the software to be downloaded into. The folder that's suggested by default is fine.
  5. Choose a computer folder to download videos into. Again, the default folder is fine.
  6. Click OK and wait for the software to install.
  7. Click Done, when prompted to do so [source: BearShare].

Next you'll need to register. Click register. Fill in your name, e-mail address and password and click Next.

Now you're ready to download video files.

  1. Select Video from the navigation menu.
  2. Select the video you want from the list. The video will begin downloading [source: BitTorrent].

Once you've downloaded the video, open the file to watch it. If the video doesn't play, it may mean you don't have a media player on your computer [source: BitTorrent]. Your peer-to-peer network may suggest one, or you can search the Internet for one. After you download the media player, your video should play.

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Frequently Answered Questions

What is peer-to-peer video?
Peer-to-peer video is a video communication system that allows two or more users to connect and share video and audio content in real time.

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