File sharing is the ability for multiple users to have access to the same files and share them on a public or private network.PC Mag: File Sharing Protocol(October 2, 2008) Besides access, users are able to download, upload and modify based on the degree of privileges.PC Mag: File Sharing Protocol(October 2, 2008) Personal storage on the network is delegated as well which allows for a certain amount of data that can be shared on the network.ITWorld.com: Share, Store, Create Content(October 2, 2008)

Any media file that is downloaded onto a computer still has the copyright retained. The music industry and your internet provider will possibly issue warnings about downloading and distributing illegal copies of music files in particular.PC World: Virgin Music Campaigns Against Illegal File Sharing(June 6, 2008) Various record companies have brought cases to the justice system claiming a loss in sales due to music sharing online.USA Today: Jury Gives Recording Industry a Victory(October 4, 2007) To date, such companies have filed 26,000 lawsuits since 2003.USA Today: Jury Gives Recording Industry a Victory(October 4, 2007) One official case so far has been settled by a federal jury. The jury ordered a woman from Minnesota to pay $222,000 for sharing copyrighted music online.USA Today: Jury Gives Recording Industry a Victory(October 4, 2007)

Peer-to-peer P2P file sharing software may have privileges preset to allow both downloading and uploading from your computer.CNews: File Sharing Programs Allow Breaches(March 3, 2008) Make sure that if you are allowing others to upload anything that it is restricted to a specific folder or even files. File sharing maintains an open line of communication, though users are able to define boundaries.