ABSTRACT
This chapter considers additional services related to the exchange of large files. Prior to the invention of the World Wide Web, file transfer accounted for more Internet traffic than any other service; in 1995, Web traffic began to dominate. The service uses the File Transfer Protocol, and most web browsers include facilities to use FTP, which makes transfer convenient. Although email and messaging systems can be used to transfer small data items, a file transfer mechanism is needed to transfer arbitrarily large files. One of the oldest file transfer services uses the File Transfer Protocol. A variety of data sharing services exist, including file sharing, photo sharing, video sharing, and document sharing. Some services permit collaboration in which users can modify an item. Illegal file sharing was once popular as a way for users to exchange copyrighted materials, such as music, movies, and books.
