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Bittorrent File Sharing: How it Works

The MPAA hates it. The RIAA sues people over it. Yet it is the most participated form of Internet use by straight volume of data. How does bittorrent downloading work? What copyright laws does it infringe, if at all?

More on Torrents and P2P Sharing:

Paul's Internet for Beginners Blog

"Should I Correct Other Web Users on Their Spelling?"

Monday July 7, 2008
So, that one user can't spell the word "its" correctly, and it bugs you. Then that lady on your game server regularly confuses the word "their" with "they're", and that bugs you, too. Should you take it upon yourself to gently correct them? Is it a good idea to save them from future embarassment online? Well, actually, the answer is no. For the most part, it is bad form to correct people's spelling or grammar in online forums and chats. Part of Internet Etiquette, or 'Netiquette', is to generally ignore people's spelling and typos. If you didn't know this, then perhaps it's time to test yourself with the Famous Netiquette Quiz, Level 2.

How NOT to Get Sued for File Sharing

Monday July 7, 2008
If you are a P2P downloader in the USA or Canada, yes, you are at risk for getting sued by organizational authorities. The common plaintiffs are: the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), and the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA). The probability of you getting sued is like the probability of you getting tax audited... the more megabyte numbers involved, the more likely you will be identified and sued. You could face outrageous fines, legal fees, the terrible stress of going to court, and humiliation in the face of your colleagues. If you don't want to get sued for file sharing, please take 10 minutes to read this useful legal tutorial by the EFF...

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