The Host

1. The host is broadly defined as a computer that has more content uploaded than downloaded. Because there is no controlling or moderating serves, P2P sharing programs rely on voluntary host users to upload content from there computer they are willing to share. Some programs automatically search for and upload content from host users.

The Leech

2. A leech is someone who downloads more files than they upload. Leeches often contribute some of their bandwidth to the P2P service to help contribute to the service. Leaches generally outnumber hosts on most P2P services by wide margins, sometimes as large as 5:1.

Local Connections are Formed

3. Because P2P networks do not involve a controlling server, connections between different host and leech parties are formed directly. The connection speeds can vary between parties, and will largely depend on how congested the P2P network is.

File Sharing Programs

4. There are many different P2P programs that are free to download, including Morpheus, EMule, Gnutella and WinMX. Most of these programs do not limit what users can contribute to the network, however it is very important not to share copyrighted material such as music, videos, or images that you might usually pay for.