Millions of Internet users transfer gigabytes of data on a daily basis through peer to peer file sharing services, and it’s quickly becoming a rapidly growing user base. Regardless of what file sharing service you use, the flexibility and ease of use make many p2p file sharing programs very appealing to users from all walks of life.

Just as diverse as the many uses of p2p file sharing, is the range of services or companies that offer free file sharing. Others may charge you a small fee for a subscription based service that has a larger pool of resources and users from you to choose from.

Additional upgrades such as speed or bandwidth play roles when it comes you to choosing the right P2P network to join. Don’t forget that many of these services may also be trending upwards, or losing users on a daily basis. Because the true strength of P2P networks is the diversity and numbers of users, make sure to factor this into your decision as well.
Peer to peer file sharing has grown from its early roots of illegal file sharing networks from the early 1990s. Emerging from the controversial storm of piracy and illegal activity, peer-to-peer file sharing has grown into a viable data solution for personal use as well as business.

The ability to instantly share and transfer digital content across networks and computers is the primary role of any P2P network. Peer to peer sharing is so popular because of how naturally minimalistic the entire process is. Without an intermediary server or network to traverse, the files can be quickly and easily uploaded and shared regardless of content.

Everyone has heard of the early P2P networks that played such a crucial role in shaping digital content rights such as Napster, BitTorrent, uTorrent and more. Due to the illegal nature of these early P2P networks, users were exposed to digital pitfalls like viruses and malware.

Today the peer to peer network model has grown into a stable and robust file sharing service, and is both scalable and modular on many levels. Peer to peer file sharing services are now hosted by major corporations as cloud technology has revolutionized data and how we gather it.
Popular peer to peer file sharing networks include such examples like Wetransfer, Dropbox, and Google Drive. When you are looking to join the right peer to peer file sharing network, here’s a few important tips to follow to maximize your P2P experience.

1. Security

One of the biggest factors to consider when looking at potential peer to peer file sharing, and for good reason. Because you are downloading files and content from an unknown source most of the time, it’s always a good idea to make sure the P2P network you want to join provides the proper level of security.
Many free services include a free malware scanner or script that can sniff out potentially dangerous executables or php scripts before they can cause any problems. Double up your efforts on this front by downloading a free malware and virus scanner that can examine your downloaded content.

Nobody wants to deal with the hassle of removing malware or viruses when they don’t have to. As with all things, the less complicated your peer to peer service, the simpler your security measures will become. Take the proper steps and safeguard your computer before joining any peer to peer network by making sure they have some security hurdles and checks in place ahead of time.

2. Stay away from copyright protected content

Peer to peer file sharing can open up a can of legal worms if you are not careful with what kind of files you are sharing and downloading. Given the nature of P2P networks and where they came from, it’s a good idea to stay away from any material that’s protected under international copyright.

Users who upload content illegally shares movies or music could be subject to legal and civil ramifications. In fact many media companies have successfully sued peer to peer users who have abused the system to share copyright protected material.

3. Steer clear of the law

Following on our previous point, it’s always a good idea to stick to a P2P network that’s completely legal. With so many services out available, there’s really no reason why you cannot find a superior peer to peer service that provides everything you need and is legal as well.

People who download illegal content from their peer to peer file sharing network may think they are getting away with it now, but it’s only a matter of time before the long arm of the law begins to catch up.

The benefits of peer to peer file sharing are numerous but the one true aspect that’s appealing to everyone is the speed in which you can share files. Because you are connecting directly to another user, P2P networks can use less bandwidth and deliver fast file transfers, often at little or no cost.
But that’s exactly the problem when you are on the wrong side of the law, by connecting to known IP addresses of people who are being monitored, you may unintentionally link yourself to something you want no part of.

4. Third Party software

While it can make your peer sharing and file management easier, you typically should not need a third party program to use your P2P network. Installing a program not only adds more bulk to your operating system and takes up crucial hard drive space, but it adds latency and yet another step to what is supposed to be a direct connection to your peer.
Further, installing P2P software incorrectly can also cause some further security issues. Without the proper setup, it’s completely possible to share folders that you never had any intention of sharing in the first place.

In addition there are many software bundles that will make permanent changes to your firewall or security settings without you knowing. Make sure to educate yourself before downloading and installing any peer to peer software.
You can further protect yourself by closing your peer to peer networking program when you are not actively downloading or using it. Because of the connections open to the entire world, it’s always a good idea to close the door to your files and restrict any potential security openings, especially when you are not active.

Some types of peer to peer networks require this kind of program, and a good example is Skype. While this is not a file sharing program in the traditional sense, this video chat is built on P2P technology and enables communications across the world.
When you are trying to decide on the right peer to peer network for you, one of the newest services is known as Globfone File Sharing. Globfone is a solutions company that’s built on the technology of P2P networking through their web chat and video software.

Building on their successful chat and video chat services, Globfone uses the WebRTC protocol to streamline their products. Being able to integrate the real time protocol WebRTC, improves speed and eliminates wasteful network bandwidth requirements.
Globfone peer to peer networking requires no third party software to add to the bloat, and is completely safe and secure because of the direct peer connection. Lightning fast and robust with user features, Globfone’s new peer to peer service aims to be one of the fastest available.

The WebRTC protocol is supported and recognized by many of today’s industry leaders and it’s lightweight implementation gives you faster service. This advantage can be seen in the Globfone video chat software that helps bridge the gap between two parties by combining leading edge technology with intuitive user concepts.
Increase your efficiency through your workplace or through any school project by sharing files quickly and easily between our peers. Obtain and share through direct peer sharing and think outside of the box by sharing files and content that can give you more freedom than traditional P2P networks provide.