Lecture # 06

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network is a

decentralized network where each device, or "peer," can act as
both a client and server, sharing resources directly without a
central authority. Peers communicate and share files or data
directly.

Example: In file-sharing platforms like BitTorrent, users share

parts of a file directly with others, without needing a central
server.

How P2P networks facilitate data

exchange
 Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks allow direct data sharing
between users (peers) without a central server.

 Each peer can act as both a client and a server, sharing and
receiving files.

 Data is distributed across multiple peers, improving speed

and redundancy.

 P2P networks use decentralized architecture, enabling

efficient file distribution and resource sharing across nodes.

CyberLockers are online file storage services that

allow users to upload, store, and share files over the internet.
They are often used to host and distribute large files such as
videos, music, or software. While some CyberLockers are
legitimate, others may be used for illegal file sharing.

Examples: Dropbox, Google Drive, and Mega.

Napster was a pioneering peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing

service launched in 1999, primarily used for sharing MP3 music
files. It allowed users to freely exchange music without paying
for it, which led to massive copyright infringement issues.

Example: Users could download songs like Metallica’s "Enter

Sandman" without purchasing, leading to legal battles and
Napster’s eventual shutdown in 2001.

FastTrack is a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing protocol

designed to improve data transfer speed and efficiency by using
a decentralized network of super nodes, which manage search
requests and connections. It was popularized by file-sharing
applications like Kazaa and Grokster, allowing users to share
files directly.

Example: Kazaa used FastTrack for music and video sharing

among users.

BitTorrent is a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing protocol

that allows users to distribute data over the internet efficiently.
Instead of downloading a file from a single source, BitTorrent
breaks the file into small pieces, enabling users to download and
share pieces simultaneously.

Example: Downloading large files like movies or software via

BitTorrent spreads the load among multiple users.

From Book……………………….

Software copyright is a legal protection that grants

the creator of a software program exclusive rights to control the
distribution, reproduction, and modification of their work. It
ensures that others cannot use or distribute the software without
permission.

Example: A company owning copyright for its software, like

Microsoft, prevents unauthorized copies or modifications of
Windows operating system.

Violations of Software Copyrights

 Piracy: Copying, distributing, or using software without
proper licensing or authorization.
 Cracking: Modifying software to disable its copy protection
mechanisms.
 Plagiarism: Copying code from another program and
claiming it as your own.
 Reverse Engineering: Reproducing software functionality
without permission.
 Distribution of Keygens: Sharing software keys or license
generators illegally.

Safe Software Development involves

creating applications that prioritize security, minimizing
vulnerabilities throughout the development lifecycle. This
includes practices like secure coding, regular security testing,
and using encryption for sensitive data.

Example: A developer writes code for a login system but

stores passwords in plain text. This is insecure and prone to data
breaches.

Solution: Implement secure hashing algorithms (like bcrypt)

to store passwords, conduct code reviews, and perform
penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities, ensuring the
system is secure from attacks.

Software patents are legal protections granted to

the inventors of unique and innovative software processes or
systems, preventing others from using, selling, or distributing
the patented technology without permission.
Example: Amazon's "1-Click" purchase system, patented in
1997, allows users to make online purchases with a single click,
streamlining the checkout process.
Key Differences between Software
Copyrights and Software Patents:
 Software Copyrights:
o Protects the expression of the code (how it's written).
o Automatically granted once the software is created.
o Covers literary elements like source code, structure,
and documentation.
o Does not protect the underlying ideas or functionality.

 Software Patents:
o Protects the underlying processes, algorithms, or
methods.
o Must be applied for and granted by a patent office.
o Provides exclusive rights to make, use, or sell the
patented invention.
o Usually covers functional innovations rather than just
code.

Open Source Software (OSS) refers to

software with source code that is freely available for anyone to
view, modify, and distribute. It promotes collaboration and
transparency in development. OSS is often developed by
communities of programmers.
Example: The Linux operating system is a well-known open-
source software used in servers, desktops, and mobile devices.
Examples of open-source software:
1. Linux - An open-source operating system kernel that serves
as the foundation for various distributions like Ubuntu,
Fedora, and CentOS.
2. Apache HTTP Server - A widely-used web server software
that allows users to serve websites and web applications.
3. Mozilla Firefox - A free and open-source web browser that
prioritizes user privacy and security.
4. GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program, an open-
source graphics editor used for tasks such as photo
retouching and image composition.
5. LibreOffice - A powerful office suite that includes
applications for word processing, spreadsheets,
presentations, and more, serving as an alternative to
Microsoft Office.
6. MySQL - An open-source relational database management
system that is widely used in web applications.
7. WordPress - An open-source content management system
(CMS) used for building websites and blogs.

Benefits/Characteristics of Open
Source Software
 Cost-effective: Free to use and distribute, reducing
software expenses.
 Transparency: Source code is accessible, promoting trust
and security.
 Community support: Active user communities provide
assistance and updates.
 Flexibility: Users can modify the software to meet specific
needs.
 Collaboration: Encourages collaborative development and
innovation.
 No vendor lock-in: Users avoid dependency on a single
vendor.
 Diverse options: A wide range of tools available for various
purposes.

The GNU Project, initiated by Richard Stallman in

1983, aims to create a complete, free Unix-like operating
system. It provides essential software components, such as
compilers and libraries, under the GNU General Public License
(GPL).

Linux, created by Linus Torvalds in 1991, is a kernel that

serves as the core of a Unix-like operating system. When
combined with GNU software, it forms a complete operating
system often referred to as GNU/Linux. Together, they promote
free software and empower users to modify and distribute their
systems freely.
Impact of Open-Source Software
 Cost-Effective: Reduces software costs for individuals and
businesses.
 Collaboration: Encourages community contributions and
shared knowledge.
 Innovation: Accelerates development through collective
problem-solving.
 Customization: Offers flexibility to modify software for
specific needs.
 Security: Enhances security through transparency and peer
review.
 Learning Opportunities: Provides practical learning
experiences for developers.