What is file sharing?

File sharing is, as its name implies, the sharing of files by computer users on the Internet. A file-sharing program allows a user to share the contents of his computer with other computers; it also allows users to download files from another person's computer.

What are some popular file sharing programs?

Computer programs like Kazaa and Limewire allow users to search one another's hard drives for specific files. While not restricted to music, file-sharing services are mostly used by music fans who download and share their favorite music as MP3 files. The music industry claims that the circulation of MP3 files is the reason for the steady decline of record sales in the past few years.

Is file sharing legal?

Sharing a computer file is not in itself illegal. It is, however, illegal to distribute copyrighted music without the permission of the copyright holder. Most of the MP3s available for download are in fact copyrighted.

Is file sharing safe?

As with any Internet transaction, there is the risk of contracting a computer virus while downloading data from other computers.