now that i have your attention...
click <a href="http://download.cnet.com/downloads/0-1896420-101-6885899.html?tag=st.dl.1896420-100-6885899.dir.1896420-110-6885899" target="_blank"> here</a> for a program called KaZaA that is similar to, but better than gnutella. it is also p2p but it has a better download scheme.

heres the home page
www.kazaa.com

e-mail me at <a href="Ben6421@worldnet.att.net">Ben6421@worldnet.a tt.net</a> if you have any questions

Kazaa might be good for the time being, but the network can easily be shut down since it's download and search success depends highly on supernodes, whose presence by nature creates a more centralized network. This type of network is easy to cripple and shut down.
Also, Kazaa is planning to start charging users for the service. If Kazaa is not shut down, it will most likely become a puppet for the RIAA and be no less expensive than going to the store and purchasing an actual music CD or whatever it is that you want.

Also, the following is a quote from Cnet downloads:

"Editor's note: This download includes additional applications that are bundled within the software's installer file, some of which may be provided by parties other than the developer of this download. These applications may deliver advertisements, collect information, overlay content or graphics on the Web site you are viewing, or modify your system settings. As with all downloads, CNET recommends that you pay close attention to the options presented to you during the installation process. Known third-party applications bundled with this download include TopText, Onflow, Webhancer, and New.net."

If you would like your privacy completely alienated, by all means, install this software.

well the sites that host gnutella are pretty much the same as supernodes, making it just as ''easy'' to shut down gnutella as Kazaa

i have never heard of kazaa charging users. and i don't think that is possible either

about the other software, just dont install it. and even if some thing sneaks in, what is it that you have to hide about your browsing habits? its not like it reports your name anyway.

I must disagree with you. For one, sites do not host Gnutella. Each piece of software (node, client, whatever) acts as a server and a client. There are no centralized servers that handle requests and download management as Kazaa does. These "supernodes" make perfect targets for the RIAA and other organizations. If they are shut down (either by force or by court ruling later on), the network will gone- just like that.

When you say that LimeWire is just the same as Kazaa because of router.limewire.com, gnutellahosts.com, or other similar services, these are nicer luxuries in network connectivity, but can be forfeited. You can still connect to the Gnutella network with discovered hosts.

As for Kazaa charging users for downloads, check this out. Quoted from their FAQ:

Q: Why can I not find MP3 files with a bit rate of more than 128 kbps?

A: We are currently discussing with European collecting-rights organisations with the objective to make an agreement in which KaZaA members will be able to pay a flat monthly fee for a "Music subscription" and be able to share and download music from commercial artists legitimately and at full CD quality. Until that is in place you can only find MP3 files that are of maximum 128 kbps, which is slightly under CD quality. We ask for your understanding on this issue.

Don't believe me? Go here and see for yourself:

http://www.kazaa.com/index.php?page=help# can't I find MP3 files with a bit rate of more than 128 Kbps?

This illustrates that the Kazaa service is regulated, filtered, and censored by a selective process with no set rules or regulations. In other words, unconstrained control over what you find on the Kazaa network.

Gnutella is not and never will be regulated.

Spyware may not bother you, but it certainly does bother others, including myself. Just because you don't have your name given out doesn't mean that they haven't invaded your privacy. It's not like I have anything to hide, but I, for one, do not want to be studied, classified, archived, categorized, or serialized as if I were a statistic and not a human being.

supernodes are user computers. if you have a broadband connection, you are probably a supernode

want higher bit rates? simple registry hack.
open the regestry editor (if you can't do this you don't belong near a computer)

HKEY_CURRENT_USERS/software/kazaa.

highlight kazaa and on the other side of the window, double click "limitbitrate" set the value data to "0"

if you don't this hack, it is not ''unconstrained control". it only applies to music files.

im sure they will have a version you don't have to pay for, limiting the bitrate of music. but just do the above hack. if its not the same, someone with to much time on there hands will figure it out. Lime wire doesn't tell you the bitrate at all.

I dont know where you live, but here in the united states they have censuses. is that being ''studied, classified, archived, categorized, or serialized" as if the people are statistical and not human?

also, we have standardized testing in school, where minorities are compared to each other and to whites, whites to minorities, males and females, and females to males.

you don't have to fill out the census (though it is frowned upon), but standardized testing is unavoidable, as are countless other things.

so why would you feel so invaded by kazaa when it doesn't even give your name, address, race, sex, intelligence, or family history.

just your browsing habits.

by the way, your link doesn't work. try this:
http://www.kazaa.com/index.php?page=help#
this clears up supernodes and bitrates/billing

I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
It's just that I can't justify doing something I feel is wrong by saying that it is ok because it is already in practice. It's like saying "It's ok to speed on the freeway because everyone else does it."

well my main goal is to post a good argument for people to see and make thier own opinion based on it.

if anyone hasn't tried kazaa, go ahead, you might like it!!!

i respect peoples opinions and i hope everyone elso does too.