If you ask me, there's only 1 or 2 people sharing files on ELFnet.
I always get the same search results.

Ya, users range about 1-10. But that is not the point, it is a new network and it is a given that it won't have any files yet.

The point is that if you have used Gnutella to share files and got one of the nasty email for you ISP saying that they are going to shut you off if you don't stop sharing copyrighted files, or if you are just concerned in general about the lack of anonymity in Gnutella, or if you think that all file sharing programs might follow Napster down the drain hole.

Then you might be like me and want to support any program with some anonymity even if it doesn't have a lot of files yet.

Thanks, this is just what I have been looking for.

I am alarmed by a couple features of the ELFnet...
First, it's closed-source. They say the reason is to prevent "malicious download corruption" (maridun, ELF forum admin), presumably by a misbehaving servent or user.

Strong encryption algorithms are open source, and they are so because they can withstand the ultimate scrutiny and lose none of their effectiveness in protecting their users. CSS could not withstand such scrutiny; DeCSS destroyed it.

I worry that ELF could not stand up to a determined attack by an industry with lots of money. The encryption they use, although decent (and rather novel, I think), is not absolute like strong encryption should be (and is!)

Also, I am beginning to design a program which acts as a framework that I can snap-in modules to support new protocols as they emerge. Although I intent to include a Gnutella module (called "Deez Gnuts!" ) and a FreeNet module, I will not (obviously) be able to include an ELF module until they Provide the promised APIs...

And whatever shall happen when I add another computer to my home network, a Linux computer amongst the Wintels?

I'm afraid that, while ELF improves on Gnutella's lack of security (at the expense of horrendous ELFnet bandwidth expenditure OMG!!), it isn't strong enough to warrant the switch...

I'm still reading up on FreeNet...

ELFnet was talking about trying to do something about the bandwidth expenditure. I don't really know if they will be able to.

Let me know what you think of FreeNet.

A little off subject, but jumping back to zeroshadow's earlier comment... Nasty e-mails for downloading copyrighted files... How do they monitor your music collection? How are they to know whether you do or do not actually own the music? Are they spying on you or something? Some people actually use the service legally ya know.

If you ax'd me, it jus doesn't seem like they know what they're talkin about.
_______________________
"I just hate stupid people..."

They know who you are by identifying the IP address that their computer is sending the file to. That's right, their computer!! That's the only way to obtain absolute proof that someone is DLing the file, to be the one sending it!

Once they have that IP, they simply resolve the first sets of numbers into the service provider's network ID. Then, with the last numbers (along with the time and day), the ISP can identify the user. They can be subpoenaed or bullied into providing this service to a sufficiently influential industry.

That wasn't the question. I've known that for as long as I knew what an IP was.

Can they tell what music you actually own?
(are they psychics or something?)

If you really own certain songs- it's not illegal to download them is it?... and if so, since when?
How are they allowed to haggle you for something that you may be doing completely legally?

Interesting spelling "Anonymious"

They perform a sting operation, simply downloading the content from you (much as undercover cops would buy a bag of weed)...

Once they establish the precedents with Napster that any "space-shifting" is presumed copyright infringement (and that is a precedent they seem to want quite badly), they will then apply that precedent (any any others set in Napster) to the prosecution of identified sharers...
(Such is the problem with being identifiable)...