posted on October 25, 2000 07:19:03 PM new
This form of file sharing allows you to search for other users who have files offered for trade. There is no central server so no state can regulate the auction as beiing in a specific site. Each user acts peer to peer so there is no system overload like we are seeing now. The main limitation is a "horizen of how far you can reach out to ask for files. That seems to be about 70,000 other users right now with gnutella.
[ edited by macandjan on Dec 3, 2000 05:35 PM ]
posted on October 26, 2000 01:01:11 AM new
Gnutella is a technology that allows people to exchange files -- any and every kind of file directly, from hard drive to hard drive. It's similar to Napster, except for two important things. Napster can only be used to trade mp3 files, and Gnutella has NO central servers and is not a company, it is a (what they call) "peer to peer" application -- in other words, you can pirate away (if you choose, of course) and there is not one damn thing any law enforcement agency can do about it. It can't be sued or regulated out of existence, since it is just an app (open source, no less), not a company. They can't monitor the private exchange between individuals (more or less).
Anyway, I'm not 100% sure I am understanding Macandjan. I think he's suggesting a way to run online auctions without any ebay or any Yahoo, or any middleman -- you just type up your widget auction, someone else using Gnutella searches for widget auctions, etc.
I'm not sure if that is what he's getting at at all. In any case, you can download Gnutella here:
The technology is still in its infancy, so there is a l-o-o-ng way to go, but I wouldn't be surprised if in a couple of years what he is suggesting will make perfect sense.
