Quote:
Originally posted by Gnu Age Philosopher
Along with every download request the requesting client would send a 2 digit number called a GQ (generosity quotient). This GQ would be based on the ratio of uploaded MB to downloaded MB and would be a pain in the *** for the user to manipulate. Users should be given credit for some percentage of upload network bandwidth and not just uploaded files for those who have recieved the ISP's letter.
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The problem with a "GQ" is that the number of files shared (and thus the GQ) is determined in large part by bandwidth. Dial-up users might share 40 files (which is more than fair) and yet only get one upload per every 10 downloads. A T1 user might share 2000 files and get 10 uploads per every five downloads. The point is, if you have a slower connection, you shouldn't have to share as many files, and what's more people are less likely download any files you are sharing if someone with a broadband connection is sharing the same file. IMO, dial-up users shouldn't have to share anything to participate.
I think the best thing to do about freeloading is simply to design better clients. No client should allow a file to be downloaded to a directory that's not shared. Of course you could still move the files out of the shared directory after downloading, but I think most people wouldn't. Another thing that contributed to the high sharing levels Napster had though was its internal media player (since users would connect and share files just when they wanted to listen to their music). I personally prefer Winamp/XMMS (as do most developers I imagine) but that doesn't mean Gnutella programmers shouldn't outfit their clients with media players simply to promote greater sharing.
Quote:
Originally posted by Lurker701
My understanding is that future versions of gnutelliums will provide an increased degree of anonymity in the file transfer process. Of course, no p2p protocol can be totally anonymous, and an experienced hacker will be able to tell who is who and what is what, no matter what privacy measures are added to the protocol. Still, if they can tighten the anonymity on file transfers so that a casual user can't figure out exactly who or where you are, they should be able to do the same thing with file lists.
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If you're connected to Gnutella through a proxy, I don't care what kind of hacker you are you can't figure out who the file sharer is unless you are the proxy machine (or compromise the proxy machine, which probably isn't possible for a simple Gnutella client). Not totally anonymous, but that kind of anonymity has little to do with hacking skill.