If you know me somewhat well or have browsed around the TechIMO forums, then you probably know I am vocal about file sharing. Today TechIMO is going to review a book that covers the good and bad aspects of the technology. Wallace Wang, the author of Steal This File Sharing Book covers a variety of different topics that include some of the following: Peer-to-Peer file sharing networks, protecting your identity, what type of files are shared over the Internet, sharing books and movies, and legal alternatives.

Although the author and publisher do not condone copyright infringement, the book clearly describes how it is done. The first part of the book, "Learning About File Sharing," explains the different ways that users find files to download and distribute. Some topics discussed include: bulletin board systems (BBS), e-mail, newsgroups, instant messaging, and how to find and download files from a FTP sites. Because the information being presented in this section is fairly basic, it may get a bit boring for people already familiar with the Internet.

Wang also explains how file sharing programs work and how to use them. One of the most obvious ways to share a file would be to download a program like LimeWire or Bear Share to share files. He lists the different file sharing networks and explains each one, including Gnutella, Gnutella2 (G2), FastTrack, eDonkey, Overnet, DirectConnect, and MP2P. He also lists some of the common dangers that users take when they download files from a P2P network.

The most intriguing part of Steal This File Sharing Book is the section where Wang explains how users can protect their identities. This section is especially important now because of the RIAA and MPAA suing file sharers. Methods covered in this chapter include masking IP addresses, using file sharing programs that encrypt a user's IP address, and how to hide behind a proxy server.

It shouldn't be surprising that using a P2P program without proper spyware, virus protection, and a firewall is usually ill-advised. Wang does a good job of describing many of the common problems that a lot of file sharers may run into while file sharing, and how to prevent them. He also gives out links to a number of different programs like Spy Sweeper and Ad-Aware.

The final part of the book is called "The Future," and describes legal alternatives of file sharing and how the corporations are fighting back. In this section of the book, Wang even covers Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), the influential government official who claimed that file sharers should have their computers destroyed. There are many legal alternatives like iTunes, Rhapsody, and Napster.

Before purchasing this book, it is recommended to read chapter two, which is available for free download in Adobe PDF format.

Final Thoughts

Wang did a good job of discussing the legal and illegal sides of file sharing. He covered a number of different topics that are still very popular methods of sharing files. One of the best aspects of this book is that Wang does a good job describing a wide variety of topics.

For more information about file sharing and copyright infringement, here are some links that should be looked at: Recording Industry Association of America, Motion Picture Association, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Boycott RIAA, and the Business Software Alliance.

I also had the opportunity to interview Wallace Wang, and the Q & A session will be posted in a future edition of Mike's Corner. I also hope to have corresponding interviews with the EFF and RIAA published in the near future.

Book: Steal This File Sharing Book Author: Wallace Wang Publisher:  No Starch Press Details: 296 pages, $19.95 MSRP ISBN: 1-59327-050-X

Overall Rating: 9.0/10 (higher is better)

About Wallace Wang

Best-selling computer book author Wallace Wang is a former contributor to Boardwatch Magazine, where he wrote a monthly column called "Notes From the Underground." Wang is the author of the Steal This Computer Book series and The Book of Nero 6. He is also a successful stand-up comic who has appeared on A&E's "Evening at the Improv" and appears regularly at the Riviera Comedy Club in Las Vegas.