I’ve you’ve ever downloaded an mp3, a movie of any kind, or maybe even an ebook, you are sure to have recognized the power and convenience that file sharing offers.

A Brief History Of… File Sharing

Filesharing probably came into the public eye when Napster was born in Early 2000. Napster’s file sharing model used a centralized network, meaning all shared files were essentially controlled and distributed by a central hub.

Napster’s brief and turbulent life as the premier way to share files, piled more ignomony on music sharers than any other single event in file sharing history. Whilst Napster is still running as an organization to this day, it will be forever remembered as the best way to build up your music collection for free; it will also be remembered as the first major ‘example’ that was made by the music labels and the authorities. Napster’s illustrious reign as king of the file sharing software was brought to an end in July 2001 as a result of the injunction brought in March of the same year.

Since Napster, many other file sharing models and networks have arisen. Many of the current crop of favorites — Ares being perhaps the largest and most prestigious — operate in a gray area of the law by avoiding anything to do with the actual files being shared. Yes, the p2p clients facilitate the transfer of material (some of it which is alleged to be under copyright law), but they do not provide, store or handle any of it at any time. This distinction seems to have allowed them to stay afloat so far, though the big music and film publishers are always looking for gaps in the seemingly impermeable armor.

To The Modern Day

Almost all attempts to resurrect the centralized model of filesharing have met with frustration (or worse), and all the currently popular methods for sharing files of all types involve a decentralized — or peer-2-peer (p2p)– network. The decentralization moves the legal onus to prevent sharing of copyrighted files away from the software provider as they have no control over what is shared and by whom. Further incentives to move towards a p2p model is that it is so much more difficult for network administrators to block with firewalls and filtering.

The Future?

File sharing is being — and has been — attacked from a number of fronts. The instigators of the dislike towards file sharing are those people that would otherwise be profiting from the sale of shared material. Their calculations as to the revenue lost due to file sharing are critically flawed, but there is no doubt in their minds that they are losing out. Despite these attacks, file sharing persists.

This persistence has caused many large companies to start ‘moving with the times’ and embracing, rather than repulsing from, the method. Huge organizations like Sony have signed deals which allow controlled free distribution of their copyrighted materials. This change in business model is definitely risk, but making no changes and hoping the industry will go back to where it was 10 years ago is even more risky.

Like it or love it, file sharing has changed the music and film landscapes for good.

Filehippo is an online resource for finding the latest software, including both open source and freeware products. The site has an extensive list of downloads, and the software is guaranteed to be free of spyware, adware or viruses. It is also updated on a regular basis and offers a user-friendly interface.

Simple Method Of Sharing Software

Filehippo’s stated goal is to provide users with the simplest method of downloading the newest versions of the most popular software – and it does the job quite well. Of course, the site has its limitations, and it really depends on your particular needs as to whether it’s the best choice for you.

Here’s what you need to know about Filehippo…

The categories on the Filehippo site range from anti-virus protection to networking software, and everything in between. You can find chat software, music and video software, messaging, firewalls and even developer tools. Of course, the software selection is not all-inclusive, so it’s possible what you need may not be found.

The site, however, is set up in such a way as to make it very easy to filter down and conduct a search. While some of the software on the site is beta, you can select to only show the Non-beta and/or Freeware software versions.

No Installation Necessary

Filehippo can be run from your download folder. You don’t have to install the program on your hardrive. It also features fast servers, which allow for quick download times and fast searches on the site. Filehippo also offers short reviews on the available software. This allows you to easily browse through categories and get a better idea of what’s available.

One of the most interesting features on the Filehippo site is called Update Checker. This application will scan your machine for any old software, and give you the option of upgrading to the latest version. Filehippo also keeps older versions of software available, which is very helpful. Should you decide an upgraded program is not satisfactory, Filehippo makes it easy to revert back to the older version.

The Update checker is a handy tool, but it has its limitations. It only checks Filehippo’s internal database for upgraded versions. Many of the bigger programs are there – like Firefox, Skype and winRAR – but don’t expect it to find all the software on your drive.

Filehippo — Starting To Lose Some Ground

While Filehippo is a reliable and popular source for software, it’s starting to lose ground to some of the other file sharing sites on the Internet. With the advances in technology and strict anti-virus protection, users can just as easily find all their software needs in the same place that they can find their entertainment downloads – and enjoy the same level of reliable service.

File sharing sites like Ares Vista have seen their number of users – and software offerings – swell significantly. The site offers fast download times, a clean and well-designed layout, high definition movies, file sharing chat rooms, and much more. While Filehippo simply offers software, Ares Vista offers a true community of users sharing vast amounts of information, all in one central location.

File Sharing Communities Add Immense Value

Just as sites like Facebook and MySpace have enjoyed immense popularity, file sharing communities are creating a loyal group of users who are creating unparalleled value. While Filehippo is still a major contender for software, its features are starting to pale in comparison to the similar features offered, and more comprehensive list of download categories, that sites like Ares  provides.

Number 1 for Best-Selling individual of the American Idol’s is Carrie Underwood’s: Some Hearts.  Underwood has sold 6.7 million copies since its release in November of 2005.  In a close 2^nd place is Kelly Clarkson’s: Breakaway, which has sold 6 million copies.  A little bit of trivia; surprising neither album made it to the number 1 spot the billboard.  Some Hearts was so close at #2 and Breakaway was a spot behind at #3.

Search ends in chilly Gulf of Mexico waters off the Florida coast.   The Coast Guard on Tuesday stopped searching for two NFL players and a third man lost in rough seas., The USCG searched 24,000 miles of ocean before giving up the search.  Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper, free-agent defensive lineman Corey Smith, who played with the Detroit Lions last season, and former South Florida player William Bleakley, had been missing since Saturday when their boat capsized during a fishing trip.  Bleakley’s father said he thought the Coast Guard did everything it could and that his expectations lowered after only one survivor was found Monday, nearly two days after the four friends were knocked out of their 21-foot boat.  “I think they were not to be found,” Robert Bleakley said.  Coast Guard Capt. Timothy Close said officials were sure that if there were any more survivors, they would have been found.  Crews did rescue Bleakley’s former South Florida teammate, 24-year-old Nick Schuyler, who managed to stay with the boat. It was Bleakley who swam underneath to retrieve three life jackets he could find, along with a cushion, a groggy Schuyler told Miller from a Tampa hospital. Bleakley used the cushion and the other men wore the jackets, Miller said. He said searchers came across a cooler and a life jacket 16 miles southeast of the boat, but saw no other signs of the men. Family and friends embraced and sobbed outside the Coast Guard station shortly before the announcement. They left without talking with reporters.